Tamil back on AIR after backlash over Hindi programmes
Trichy: All India Radio's (AIR) Trichy FM station 102.1 has withdrawn its recently introduced Hindi programmes during night hours following public and political backlash, restoring Tamil content instead.
The move has come as a relief to the station's traditional listener base, many of whom urged AIR not to make unilateral language changes in the future.
AIR sources said since August 2024, the Trichy station had been relaying Tamil programmes at night (11 pm to 5.45 am) via Chennai FM 101.4. However, from April 9, the station began airing Hindi content during those hours—reportedly under instructions from national headquarters.
The sudden switch prompted petitions from listeners, who demanded the return of Tamil programming.
The issue also drew the attention of Trichy MP Durai Vaiko, who condemned the language change and urged AIR to restore Tamil broadcasts. "Following public opposition and the MP's representation, we resumed the Tamil relay through Chennai FM from May 31," a Trichy AIR official told TOI.
As a majority of the local audience is not fluent in Hindi, listeners insisted that night broadcasts should remain in Tamil or feature Carnatic music. "We need a permanent directive to ensure AIR stations in Tamil Nadu prioritise Tamil programming," said N Periyasamy, a long-time listener from KK Nagar.
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