Kerala Kaumudi's crucial intervention bears fruit; Ananthapuri FM is back

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Listeners are happy to have Ananthapuri FM back with its old charm. Ananthapuri FM returned under the same name on Vishu Day with its celebrated favourite film songs program and announcements.

Prasar Bharati stopped broadcasting the All India Radio Ananthapuri FM channel on July 20, 2023. Even the officials at the Thiruvananthapuram station came to know about the news when they received an order to stop broadcasting.

However, after realising the decision taken by Prasar Bharati with prejudice was wrong, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting ordered the FM channel to be restored. Shivakumar is the director of the FM station.

The first step in eliminating Ananthapuri FM was to change its name and popular programs. Every time Prasar Bharati took steps that were detrimental to Ananthapuri FM, Kerala Kaumudi brought the news to the limelight. Kerala Kaumudi was the first to report about Ananthapuri FM ceasing operations on July 21, 2023.

Ananthapuri FM's name and programs were changed on January 1, 2022. At that time, the name was replaced by Vividh Bharathi Akashvani Malayalam. Hindi programmes were also added to the prime time. Channel head Mallika Kurup was replaced. FM channel control went to Mumbai Vividh Bharati.

Following Kerala Kaumudi’s report, Rajya Sabha member John Brittas demanded that the name change of the FM station operating under All India Radio, reduction of Malayalam broadcasting time and inclusion of Hindi programs be immediately withdrawn.

Union Minister V. Muraleedharan met Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan and conveyed the sentiments of the listeners. Subsequently, the name was changed to Ananthapuri Vividh Bharathi Malayalam.