Akashvani Shivamogga got a 10kW transmitter on 25 February 2026. Shivamogga becomes the 25th place in Karnataka to have a transmitter and relay centre. | Photo credit: SK Dinesh
Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs L. Murugan inaugurated the 10 kW transmitter at Akashvani Shivamogga on 25 February.
Shivamogga becomes the 25th place in Karnataka to have a transmitter and transmission centre. The state has 14 program centers and 10 relay centers. All these years, radio listeners in Shivamogga and neighboring districts had to access Akashvani Bhadravati, which has a 1 kW transmitter.
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting L. Murugan inaugurated the 10kW transmitter at Akashvani Shivamogga in the presence of Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra and others on February 25, 2026. | Photo credit: SK Dinesh
Mr. Murugan said that by commissioning the 10kW transmitter, Prasar Bharati will provide clear access to radio programs to more listeners.
“Akashvani is the most trusted and effective medium. We reach more than 99% of our population. The upgraded transmitter facility at Shivamogga shows our commitment to reach every individual in the country. The new facility will ensure that the programs are accessible to listeners spread across eight districts covering an area of over 3,500 square kilometers,” he said.
The minister said that many people have become content creators in recent years. The Union Government has decided to set up content creation labs in 15,000 high schools to boost the ‘Orange Economy’. The government is spending ₹2,500 crore to improve broadcasting infrastructure facilities in the country.
Radio sets in the parks
Responding to the plea of the elected representatives, the Union Minister said that his ministry would start installation of radio receivers in parks in Shivamogga town on a pilot basis. “By installing radios in public parks, we can reach a larger audience. The idea came from Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra and MLA SN Channabasappa. We will first start the program in Shivamogga and take it nationally in the coming days,” he said.
Shivamogga MP BY Raghavendra said his father and former CM BS Yediyurappa, when he was Shivamogga MP, had submitted a request to the Union government in 2009 for a transmitter in Shivamogga. Later he (Raghavendra) followed up on the suggestion. “In 2025, the pooja was done for the broadcast center. It was done in a year. With the increased capacity of the transmitter, Akashvani Bhadravati’s programs will reach nearly 1 million people spread over many districts. In a few months, the relay center will also get a studio,” he said.
Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa, MLC The program was attended by Drs. Dhananjay Sarji, Shivamogga DC Prabhulinga Kavalikatti, SP B. Nikhil, Akshavani DG Rajendra Jain, ADG Geetha Rani and others.
Published – 26 Feb 2026 16:41 IST
