We recommend that Prasar Bharati explore the feasibility of starting specialised and focussed radio and television channels . It is only with clear, distinct identity and positioning for each channel that complementarity and synergy can be ensured. 6.6 Local Broadcasting 6.6.1 Local broadcasting can play a major role in development. Many experiments and pilot projects in India have time and again demonstrated the effectiveness, power and benefit of such local broadcasting. In a country as diverse as India, the simple need to localise agricultural broadcasts to the hundreds of different agro-climatic regions would seem obvious.
Local broadcasting is an absolutely essential element of public service broadcasting.
It makes broadcasting relevant and directly touches the life of the audience. Therefore, the use of broadcasting for development necessitates local broadcasting. 6.6.4 Other roles of broadcasting, especially in the democratic process, require localisation. All these make it essential that the edifice of public service broadcasting must have at its base a chain of local stations that provide, for at least for a few hours a day, programmes that reflect the needs, aspirations and problems of the local populace. While developmental broadcasting is possible and necessary on television, radio is the classic local medium.