Frequency Modulation (FM) Broadcast
In FM radio signals from transmitting station travel into space without hindrance. There is no reflection of signals by the upper atmosphere. It is just sufficient that the reception set is within the area of the station.
It is often called FM radio station. Some stations are referred to as clear channel stations, which refers to powerful station broadcasting to wide area without any interference (Rayudu:373).
It is essentially a local channel with a reach of 70 Km. radius from the place of transmission. Owing to it’s crystal clear reception it has traditionally been used for broadcasting music, often intercepted with local news and weather forecasts.
FM was introduced in 1977 but it was not really activated. It was activated in 1992. The hours of FM broadcast increased from 6 to 12 hours a day. All Metros- Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta and Madras- have a 24 hours FM service.
FM has chatty, interactive style of programming and thus radio substitutes as a friend. This is the key to the comeback of radio.
The local music talents, who have earlier been wholly dependent on music festivals and New Year parties now have FM to turn to for promotional help. It brings local artists to the fore. Thus, with FM, radio has scope for its growth as a powerful medium.
