Introduction

Radio is the wireless transmission of signals through free space by electromagnetic radiation of a frequency significantly below that ofvisible light, in the radio frequency range, from about 30 kHz to [1] 300 GHz. These waves are called radio waves.

. The meaning and usage of the word "radio" has developed in parallel with developments within the field of communications and can be seen to have three distinct phases: electromagnetic waves and experimentation; wireless communication and technical development; and radio broadcasting and commercialization. Many individualsinventors, engineers, developers, businessmen - contributed to produce the modern idea of radio and thus the origins and 'invention' are multiple and controversial. Early radio designs could not transmit sound or speech and were called the "wireless telegraph." Development from a laboratory demonstration to a commercial entity spanned several decades and required the efforts of many practitioners

The Disadvantages of Radio Communication

By Dennis Hartman, eHow Contributor

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The Disadvantages of Radio Communication

For decades radio communication was the fastest and most technologically advanced means of transmitting information. Today radio has largely been forgotten, both as a hobby and a communications medium. While the benefits of competing technologies like the Internet, satellites and television may be obvious, the disadvantages of radio communication make it suitable only for certain specific tasks.

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and Signal

One of the biggest disadvantages to radio communication technology is the limited range of a radio signal. Even a powerful radio signal is only capable of reaching receivers within a specific geographic region, requiring that a vast network of radio stations be set up to communicate effectively to a large or spread-out group of receivers. Radio signals are also susceptible to interference from atmospheric conditions and other broadcasts. In addition, it can be hard to receive a clear signal from certain locations, such as areas shielded by mountains. A structure's insulation or electrical interference from other appliances can diminished the effectiveness of an individual radio receiver.

Power Needs

Like most other forms of electronic communication, radio requires the presence of electricity, both at the point of the transmission and the point of reception. While battery-powered radios are common, these power needs are more cumbersome than those of land line telephones, which can operate using electricity already in the lines to make calls even during periods of emergency or

power outages. A powerful radio transmitter, such as a regional broadcast station, requires large amounts of electricity at all times to send out its signal.

Bandwidth

Finally, radio communication relies on a very limited spectrum of bandwidth frequencies. This is why commercial radio stations sometimes seem to overlap or blend together, and why the Federal Communications Commission strictly regulates the use of all publicly-owned airwaves. Radios require a relatively large amount of bandwidth relative to the amount of date they transmit, leading to more and more air space being allocated for cell phone networks and wireless Internet networks.

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Roles and functions of radio in society

Radio is an electronic medium of audio communication Functions and roles Information .Through news, talk shows, adverts and other programmes, radio creates awareness in society of what is happening within and outside a given the society. For example focus on Africa programme on BBC world service radio. Education. Through the documentaries, drama and quiz shows aired on radio. Society members are able to draw lessons. Look at instance of plays on Hiv/Aids, agriculture aired. Radio teaches society development and health aspects relevant to day to day needs. Documentaries on agriculture, health have also impacted on societys world over. Entertainment . Society members are entertained through music and plays. Some radio stations have humorous morning and evening programmes. Radio kills boredom and occupies people through leisure. The different music genres also appeal to all age groups in society. Radio as a secondary medium, someone can listen to radio while doing something else like washing, reading Watch dog and surveillance. Radio reporters follow up society issues relating to religion, politics and education .They report back to society through news bulletins and other programmers. Radio keeps an eye on crimes and security in society. Agenda setting. Radio presents to society issues yet to become public debates. Radio provides variety of options on which to base enlightened decision. The radio

determines what audience will discuss airing it. By talking about a corrupt government official , society members are brought on board call to action. Radio is behavioral change agent. Some radio stations represent and stand for society values, goals and culture. For example a church radio station will promote abstinence, forgiveness and good morals in society. Also the content aired on radio has impact on behavour in society. Mobilization of society towards common goals. Radio can be used mobilization campaigns like immunization, election, and religious campaigns. Radio can be used as an early warning tool. Radio can Mobilize society for action during times of disasters to either flee or prevent them. civic education on radio especially during election periods boosts greater participation of society in leadership and hold leaders accountable Platform for people`s different views and opinions. Different people in society use this unique social space to air their views. Many people can call in and present their differing views on various issues .This further creates interaction amongst callers in different areas. Avenue for advertisement. The adverts also provide society with knowledge of products in the market. Advertisers in society use radio to widen their market. Radio stations receive revenue from the adverts aired. Exposure .Radio connects the needy in society with the people or organizations who wish to help them deal with their problems. Heart patients can use radio to solicit for operation funds they cannot afford. Psychological support in society. Moist radio stations have programmes where people share problems with counsellors, doctors and get answers or solutions at no cost.

However, radio has played negative roles in society

Inciting violence and Promoted Moral degeneration .Radio stations have sometimes used to promote hate against specific groups of people. Radio ignited the Rwandan Genocide as it promoted hate between Hutu and Tutsi. Also some politicians use radios stations to mobilize people to riot against those in power. Moral degeneration is brought in by the adult programmes aired on radio without censorship. Other negative roles played by the media include: disinformation, discrimination, tribalism

Ivan N. Baliboola

History Of Indian Radio

Broadcasting began in India with the formation of a private radio service in Madras (presently Chennai) in 1924. In the very same year, British colonial government approved a license to a private company, the Indian Broadcasting Company, to inaugurate Radio stations in Bombay and Kolkata. The company almost went bankrupt in 1930 but the colonial government took away the two transmitters and the Department of Labour and Industries started operating them as the Indian State Broadcasting Corporation. In 1936, this very Corporation was renamed All India Radio (AIR) and was controlled by the Department of Communications. When India became independent in 1947, AIR was made a separate Department under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist. nbaliboola@gmail.com

Government of India controls the radio broadcastingin India that works under the Directorate General of All India Radio. It was established in 1936 and since 1957 All India Radio was renamed as Akashvani. Akashvani is a government-owned, semi -commercial operation of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. There were only six radio stations in India at the time of independence.

All India Radio`s network had expanded by the mid-1990s to around 146 AM stations along with a National Channel, the Integrated North-East Service that aimed at reaching out to the tribal groups in northeast India and handles the External Services. There are five regional headquarters for All India Radio, namely in the North Zone in New Delhi; the East Zone in Kolkata; the North-East Zone in Guwahati, Assam; the West Zone in Mumbai; and the South Zone in Chennai. The government-owned network of Indian radio provides both national and local programs in Hindi, English, and sixteen regional languages. Commercial Radio services in India started in 1967 by Vividh Bharati Service with its headquarters at Mumbai. Vividh Bharati earned its revenues from extensive advertisements and had been broadcasting from thirty-one AM and FM stations during the mid-1990s. India has a wide-ranging network of medium wave and short-wave stations.

Advantages and disadvantages of radio communication

== Advantages == * A universal medium. Can be enjoyed at home, at work, and while driving. Most people listen to the radio at one time or another during the day. * Permits you to target your advertising dollars to the market most likely to respond to your offer. * Permits you to create a personality for your business using only sounds and voices. * Free creative help is usually available. * Rates can generally be negotiated. * Least inflated medium. During the past ten years, radio rates have gone up less than other media.
== == == Disadvantages == * Because radio listeners are spread over many stations, to totally saturate your market you have to advertise simultaneously on many stations. * Listeners cannot refer back to your ads to go over important points. * Ads are an interruption to the entertainment. Because of this, radio ads must be repeated to break through the listener's "tune out" factor. * Radio is a background medium. Most listeners are doing something else while listening, which means your ad has to work hard to be listened to and understood. * Advertising costs are based on ratings which are approximations based on diaries kept in a relatively small fraction of a region's homes. * Not as fast as using a phone; could take a little bit * The line could get fuzzy, or not clear