AIR launches Toll Free Number for advertisers

The number will provide a one-stop window for those looking for an easy way to advertise with All India Radio.

On Independence Day, All India Radio (AIR) launched a toll-free number (15102), to connect with advertisers. This is a first-of-its-kind initiative taken by India's public service broadcaster in a bid to provide one stop window for those looking for an easy way to advertise with All India Radio's various stations.

The toll free number will connect the stations of AIR and will provide an avenue for those who want to expand their business but have a limited budget to publicise and indulge in other promotional activities. Since AIR has maximum penetration and reach at both domestic and international levels, advertisers can gain a lot without spending too much.

The public service broadcaster is also launching an external services division (ESD) multi-media website for its international audience where there are various interesting features like radio on demand and a re-launch of the once-popular journal, India Calling.

Currently, the ESD through its 15 foreign language and 12 Indian language services reaches out to nearly 100 countries. With this launch, the ESD's reach has become global and listeners can access the service according to their convenience at any point of time. The External Services of AIR also proposes to launch similar websites for all its language services in near future.

AIR's programmes - through its 413 stations and 584 transmitters - reach 92 per cent of the country's area and 99.19 per cent of the total population. AIR broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects. Prasar Bharti, an autonomous body that looks after AIR and DD, has planned other steps to stay connected with the public.