The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : He is a champion of public broadcasting

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 17, 2006
ePaper

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

He is a champion of public broadcasting

Cheyon N. Murugan

To those regular listeners of `Vannakalanchiyam' at 11 a.m. on All India Radio, the anchor Cheyon N. Murugan will not be unfamiliar.

The Programme Head is a popular man, having presented ten varieties of programmes in an hour.

Having been in broadcasting since 1979, Mr. Cheyon's name has become synonymous with Coimbatore AIR since 2005.

He spoke to Amutha Kannan on a number of subjects related to public broadcasting.

"Coimbatore listeners are a very receptive lot. I have been able to introduce five new programmes after taking charge.

"Also the 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. slot that broadcasts Hindi programmes has been substituted with Tamil programmes on popular demand from listeners, Mr. Cheyon said.

"All my programmes begin and end with a song that explains what the programme is about. It is like a theme song," he added.

A multifaceted person who started his career as a teacher, Mr. Cheyon has remained an ardent lover of arts and literature from his early days.

He has infused the `Thirukkural' in some form into all his programmes, for he is a great admirer of the poet, whose works have survived over the years and inspired a good many people.

Even though his programmes cater to the public in general who have access to a radio, his main interest lies in motivating and enlightening youth, in whose hands lie the future of the nation..

It is not surprising that he uses every opportunity that is available through his programmes to talk to youth and motivate them to get educated, to pursue literary pursuits or to start entrepreneurial ventures that will stand them and the nation in good stead.

His doctoral thesis too was based on youth and youth programmes on radio.

"A media person can be an all-rounder. He can fit into anybody's shoes," says the media personality.

"Though I am a Programme Head, I love anchoring programmes. I am like a Principal taking class. It energises me," he says, on the basis of his experience and interest.

Mr. Cheyon is an author of many Tamil books, many of which have been prescribed as textbooks in colleges and schools.

Through them he is able to communicate his thoughts and ideas that are aimed at benefiting young people.

He conducts various programmes and workshops in personality development for students and youth from time to time, using his experience to good advantage.

He has received many awards and titles for his various activities.

How is All India Radio able to sustain itself in the face of private players?

"We have introduced variety in our programmes, as you can see in Coimbatore itself," he noted, indicating that it was necessary to move with the times and keep general interests in mind.

"We are not rigid anymore in our content. But we always remember that we are the public broadcasters, we are not commercial broadcasters."

By virtue of this, public broadcasters have a duty to inform and educate those they serve.

"We are the only ones who give the neutral side of any story. We are the voice of the nation.

"People do understand this and we still have a dedicated listenership," he explains.

With most of the advertisers shifting to private broadcasters, is All India Radio able to promote itself and generate revenue for its many activities?

"We do have our share of advertisers giving us spots. Revenue is not a problem. The Government gives us grants.

"In Coimbatore, I have been able to get sponsors for some programmes. So this is not a big issue at all. We will not fade away," he says.

"Even if another 100 private broadcasters come, AIR will be able to sustain itself," states this Kalaimamani awardee emphatically, confident of the future.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Tamil Nadu