Sound broadcasting started in India in 1927 with the proliferation of private radio clubs. The operations of All India Radio (AIR) began formally in 1936, as a government organisation, with clear objectives to inform, educate and entertain the masses. When India attained Independence in 1947, AIR had a network of six stations and a complement of 18 transmitters. The coverage was 2.5% of the area and just 11% of the population. Rapid expansion of the network took place after Independence.
Statistics
India (180,000,000) - South Africa (890,292) - Mauritius (685,170) - Bangladesh (346,000) - Yemen (232,760) - Uganda (147,000) - United States (26,253) - Germany (24,500) - New Zealand (11,200) - Singapore (5,000) - Nepal (2,900) - Kenya (?) - United Arab Emirates (?) - United Kingdom (?) - Total (182,000,000)
