IGNOU BHDS-184 Solved Question Paper PDF Download

IGNOU BHDS-184 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in Hindi

IGNOU BHDS-184 Previous Year Solved Question Paper in English

Q1. Throw light on the developmental journey of radio as a telecommunication medium.

Ans. The developmental journey of radio as a telecommunication medium is over a century old and fascinating. It began in 1895 with the successful demonstration of wireless telegraphy by Guglielmo Marconi . Initially, it was used for exchanging messages by ships and the military, but in the early 20th century, it was developed as a broadcasting medium. In India, radio broadcasting started in 1923 with a radio club in Bombay, followed by a similar effort in Calcutta. In 1927, a private company, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) , established stations in Bombay and Calcutta. However, due to financial difficulties, it was nationalized in 1930 and renamed the ‘Indian State Broadcasting Service’ (ISBS). On June 8, 1936, it was renamed ‘All India Radio’ (AIR) , which later came to be known as ‘Akashvani’. After independence, radio became a primary tool for the Government of India for information, education, and entertainment. Its network was expanded across the country. In 1957, a popular service dedicated to entertainment, ‘Vividh Bharati’ , was launched, which gained immense popularity among listeners through film songs. The introduction of FM (Frequency Modulation) broadcasting in the 1990s gave radio a new lease of life. In 1997, under the Prasar Bharati Act, Akashvani, along with Doordarshan, was made an autonomous body to free it from government control. In the 21st century, the advent of private FM channels and the rise of internet radio and podcasts have completely transformed the radio landscape, ensuring it remains a vibrant and accessible medium even today.

Q2. Introduce the various dimensions of the Akashvani service.

Ans. Akashvani, also known as All India Radio (AIR), is India’s national public radio broadcaster. It is one of the largest broadcasting organizations in the world. Its services have diverse dimensions that deliver information, education, and entertainment to every corner of the country. Its main dimensions are as follows:

• National Service (National Channel): This is broadcast from Delhi and aims to bring programs of national importance to the entire country. It includes news, current affairs discussions, national programs of music, and broadcasts of parliamentary proceedings.
• Regional Services: Each state has its own regional service that focuses on the local language and culture. These centers broadcast state-specific news, folk music, and programs based on local issues.
• Vividh Bharati: This is the most popular and commercial service of Akashvani. Launched in 1957, this service is primarily focused on film music, music-based programs, and light entertainment. It played a significant role in making radio a household medium.
• Local Radio Stations: These stations are established to meet the needs of small communities and districts. Their objective is to provide a platform for local dialects, culture, and problems.
• External Services Division: This service broadcasts programs in various Indian and foreign languages for listeners around the world. Its main objective is to present India’s policies, culture, and perspective on the international stage.
• News Services Division (NSD): This division collects news from across the country and prepares and broadcasts news bulletins in various languages. Its credibility and reach make it an important source of news.
• FM Services: This includes channels like FM Gold and FM Rainbow , which present a modern mix of entertainment, music, and information for urban listeners.

Through these diverse dimensions, Akashvani successfully fulfills its role as a public service broadcaster.

Q3. Underline the importance of ‘voice’ and ‘cues’ in radio.

Ans. Radio is an auditory medium, also called a ‘blind medium’. In it, the listener can only hear, not see. Therefore, the importance of ‘voice’ and ‘cues’ in radio broadcasting becomes paramount, as it is through them that an imaginary world is created in the listener’s mind. Importance of Voice (स्वर): In radio, the voice is everything. It does not just convey words, but also depicts emotions, moods, and scenes. A skilled radio presenter or artist keeps the listener engaged with the modulation, pace, pause, and tone of their voice.

• Expression of Emotions: Emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, or surprise can only be effectively expressed through the correct use of voice.
• Characterization: In a radio drama, the artist’s voice portrays the character’s age, personality, and social status.
• Credibility: A newsreader’s clear, balanced, and confident voice enhances the credibility of the news.

Importance of Cues (संकेत):

In radio, ‘cues’ refer to sound effects and music. These cues compensate for the absence of visuals and make the program lively.

• Creating Atmosphere: The chirping of birds can create a morning atmosphere, while the sound of crickets can signify night. A train whistle creates a scene of a station.
• Scene Transition: Music or special sound effects, known as ‘Bridge Music’, are used to transition from one scene to another.
• Psychological Impact: Mysterious music creates curiosity, while fast and scary music communicates fear. Auspicious music is used on happy occasions.
• Identity (Signature Tune): The special tune played at the beginning of any program becomes its identity or ‘signature tune’.

In short, voice and cues are the soul of radio broadcasting. An effective and engaging radio program cannot be imagined without their skillful combination.

Q4. Express your views on the elements and sources of radio news.

Ans. Radio news is an extremely influential medium due to its immediacy, accessibility, and wide reach. For its effective presentation, certain special elements must be considered, and its credibility depends on its sources. Elements of Radio News: A good radio news story should contain the following elements:

1. Immediacy: The most important element of radio news is its freshness. The listener always wants the latest information. Therefore, words like ‘today’ and ‘now’ are commonly used.
2. Proximity: The closer an event is to the listener, geographically or emotionally, the more important it is to them.
3. Significance: The impact of an event on a large number of people determines its importance, such as budget announcements or election results.
4. Clarity and Simplicity: The language of radio news should be simple, direct, and clear so that even a common listener can easily understand it. Complex and long sentences should be avoided.
5. Brevity: Time is limited on the radio, so news must be concise and to the point. Unnecessary details are omitted.
6. Factual Accuracy: News must be based on facts and be completely accurate. There is no place for personal opinions or speculation.

Sources of Radio News:

Radio news is gathered from various sources, the main ones being:

• Correspondents/Reporters: The radio station has its own correspondents who send news from various locations. They are considered the most authentic sources of news.
• News Agencies: National and international news agencies like PTI (Press Trust of India) , UNI (United News of India) , Reuters, etc., are major sources of news. They provide news in both text and audio formats.
• Official Sources: Government press releases, press conferences, and information issued by ministries and departments are important sources of news.
• Monitoring: News is also obtained by monitoring other radio channels, television, and newspapers, and is used after confirmation.
• Interviews: News and related analysis are also obtained by talking to individuals or experts related to an event.

The right balance of these elements and sources makes radio news credible and effective.

Q5. Introducing the essential elements of a talk, describe its various forms.

Ans. A radio talk is a specific genre in which information on a subject is presented in an organized and interesting manner within a set time. It differs from a speech because its format is personal and conversational, as if the speaker is talking directly to the listener. Essential Elements of a Talk:

• Clarity of Subject: The topic of the talk should be clear and well-defined so that the listener has no confusion in understanding it.
• Simple and Conversational Language: The language of the talk should be colloquial. Literary and difficult language should be avoided. The style should be as if two people are talking to each other.
• Interest: The way the subject is presented should be interesting. Presenting facts and information through stories or examples makes it effective.
• Logical Sequence: The structure of the talk should be logical. It should have a beginning (introduction), a middle part (elaboration), and an end (conclusion).
• Defined Duration: A radio talk has a fixed time limit (usually 5 to 10 minutes). Therefore, the speaker must convey their point concisely.
• Correct Pronunciation and Tone: The speaker’s pronunciation must be clear and their tone should be natural, so the listener can hear and understand without any hindrance.

Various Forms of Talk:

1. Straight Talk: In this, a single speaker presents their views on a topic. This is the most common form.
2. Interview: In this, an interviewer asks questions to an expert, artist, or an important person. It involves two or more people. It can be of two types – personality-focused and subject-focused.
3. Discussion/Panel: In this, two or more experts discuss various aspects of a topic. A moderator conducts the discussion. It provides a deep and multi-dimensional understanding of the subject.
4. Feature Talk: This is a more creative and dramatic form of a standard talk. Along with facts, it also uses music, sound effects, and dramatic elements to make the subject lively.
5. Commentary: This is used to provide a live, running account of an event, such as a sports match or a national ceremony. Immediacy and excitement are key here.

Through these various forms, the radio talk becomes a powerful medium for the dissemination of information and knowledge.

Q6. Explain the production process of a radio drama.

Ans. A radio drama, also known as an ‘audio play’, is a genre that presents a story solely through sound (dialogue, music, and sound effects). Its production process is completed in several stages and involves the collaboration of an entire team. The main stages of the radio drama production process are as follows:

1. Script Selection: The very first step is to select a suitable play. The script should be one that is compatible with the radio medium, meaning it can be understood and felt just by listening. The story should have fewer scenes and more events that can be brought to life with sound.
2. Casting: Artists are selected for the characters according to the script. In radio drama, the artist’s voice is their most important tool. Therefore, the voice is selected based on the character’s personality, age, and mood. This is called ‘voice casting’ .
3. Rehearsal: Before the recording, all artists sit with the director and read the play. This is called a ‘reading rehearsal’. During this, work is done on the pronunciation of dialogues, expression, and timing. The director (Producer) ensures that all artists understand their roles well.
4. Recording: This process takes place in the studio. The artists’ dialogues are recorded on microphones. Along with this, Sound Effects (SFX) and music required for the play are also recorded or arranged. Sound effects are either created live or taken from a pre-recorded library.
5. Editing: After recording comes the editing stage. In this, unnecessary parts of the dialogues are removed, the sound levels are balanced, and the dialogues, music, and sound effects are joined in the correct sequence. The technical expert and the director work together here.
6. Final Mixing: After editing, all sound elements (dialogue, music, effects) are mixed together. This process ensures that no single sound element overpowers another and that the listening experience is smooth and effective.
7. Broadcast: The finally prepared drama is broadcast at the scheduled time.

In this entire process, the producer or director of the play plays a central role, coordinating and directing all activities from script selection to the final broadcast.

Q7. Discuss the song-and-music-related programs on radio.

Ans. Songs and music are the heart and soul of radio. From the very beginning, music has been an integral part of radio, and even today, it is the biggest medium for attracting listeners. The song-and-music-related programs on radio are extremely diverse and popular. They can be discussed as follows: 1. Film Music Programs: This is the most popular category of music programs on radio. The Vividh Bharati service was launched primarily for broadcasting film songs.

• Countdown Shows: Programs like ‘Binaca Geetmala’ (later Cibaca) ruled the hearts of listeners for decades. These programs presented song rankings based on popularity. Even today, such ‘Top 10’ or ‘Chartbuster’ programs are very popular on private FM channels.
• Request-based Programs: These programs are based on listeners’ choices. Listeners request their favorite songs via letters, emails, or phone calls. Programs like ‘Aapki Farmaish’ establish a direct connection with the audience.
• Special Programs: Programs dedicated to a singer, composer, or lyricist are also well-liked, in which their songs are played along with a discussion of their life and career.

2. Classical Music Programs:

Akashvani has played a significant role in the preservation and promotion of Indian classical music.

• National Programme of Music: This is a prestigious program of Akashvani, which broadcasts performances by the country’s top classical vocalists and instrumentalists.
• Morning Programs: Many centers broadcast raga-based classical music in the morning, which creates a calm and spiritual atmosphere.

3. Folk Music Programs:

To reflect India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, radio gives prominence to folk music from various regions. Regional centers regularly broadcast programs based on the folk songs and folk instruments of their respective areas. This provides a major platform for local artists.

4. Other Music Programs:

Besides these, programs featuring ghazals, light music, Western music, and bands are also broadcast on the radio. With the arrival of private FM channels, the presentation style of music programs has become more informal and interactive. Today’s Radio Jockeys (RJs) not only play songs but also interact with listeners, share interesting facts, and keep the program lively.

In summary, song-and-music programs are the backbone of radio, which not only provide entertainment but also preserve and broadcast our cultural heritage.

Q8. Throw light on the possibilities and challenges of educational broadcasting for radio.

Ans. Radio has been a powerful medium for educational broadcasting due to its wide reach, low cost, and accessibility. Its role is particularly significant in a vast and diverse country like India. Possibilities of Educational Broadcasting:

1. Wide Reach: Radio can reach remote and inaccessible areas of the country where facilities like the internet or television are not available. It can run on transistors without electricity, which further increases its reach.
2. Cost-Effective: The production and broadcasting of radio programs are much cheaper compared to television or digital media. For listeners too, buying and maintaining a radio set is affordable.
3. Overcoming Literacy Barriers: Since it is an auditory medium, even illiterate people can gain knowledge by listening. This is especially useful for subjects like agriculture, health, and social awareness.
4. Medium for Distance Education: Radio can be used to provide supplementary material for distance education students. Special educational FM channels like Gyan Vani are excellent examples, broadcasting curriculum-based programs in collaboration with IGNOU.
5. Language and Skill Development: Programs for teaching languages, improving pronunciation, and developing various skills can be easily broadcast via radio.

Challenges of Educational Broadcasting:

1. One-Way Communication: Radio is traditionally a one-way medium. It does not allow for immediate interaction or questioning between the listener and the teacher, which can make the learning process less effective.
2. Lack of Visual Elements: It is very difficult to explain many subjects like science, mathematics, or geography without visual aids (pictures, charts).
3. Distraction: People often do other work while listening to the radio, which prevents their full attention from being focused on the program.
4. Competition: Radio faces stiff competition from more attractive and interactive media like television and the internet. The younger generation is more inclined towards these new media.
5. Creating Engaging Content: A major creative challenge is to prevent educational content from becoming monotonous and to make it attractive and interesting for the listeners.

Despite these challenges, if the content is presented creatively (e.g., in the form of drama, story, interview) and combined with interactive programs like phone-ins, radio can still remain a very effective and relevant medium for educational broadcasting today.

Q9. Write a feature on the topic ‘Environmental Change’.

Ans. Title: Earth’s Cry: The Knock of Climate Change (Signature tune fades in and then fades to a low volume) Announcer: Hello! Welcome to this special program on Akashvani. Today, we are talking about a crisis that is not just at our doorstep, but has entered our homes. This crisis is- Environmental Change. (Sound of strong wind gusts, rain, and then the symbolic sound of a dry, cracked field) Announcer: Unseasonal rains, scorching heat that breaks all records, and the rising sea levels from melting glaciers… these are not just moods of the weather, but warnings being given by our Earth. (Voice of an elderly farmer, slightly trembling) Farmer: “It wasn’t like this before. When the monsoon rains started, they would continue for days. Now, we never know when it will be sunny and when it will rain. Our entire crop gets ruined. The land is not as fertile as it used to be.” Announcer: This is not just the story of Rambharose Kaka, but of millions of farmers across the country. The biggest cause of environmental change, which we also call climate change, is our own activities. The smoke from factories, gases from vehicles, and rampant deforestation… all of these have together weakened our Earth’s protective shield, the ozone layer. Let’s hear what environmentalist Dr. Sunita Narain has to say about this. (Clear voice of an expert on a phone line) Dr. Sunita: “Look, global warming is not a future threat. It is a present reality. Our cities are becoming ‘heat islands’. If we do not immediately change our way of life, reduce the use of fossil fuels (petrol, diesel), and plant trees, we will leave behind a burning planet for future generations.” Announcer: So the question arises, what can we do? The answer is very simple, but acting on it is difficult. (Light, optimistic music begins) Announcer: Start from your own home. Save electricity, don’t waste water, reduce the use of plastic, and if possible, plant a tree. Every small step can collectively bring about a big change. Because this Earth is not just ours, it is also the heritage of our future generations. We must save it. (Signature tune becomes louder and then ends) Announcer: With this thought, please allow us to leave. Namaskar!

Q10. Write short notes on any two of the following: (a) Prasar Bharati (b) Points to be noted for an announcer (c) Radio and science teaching (d) New services of Akashvani

Ans. (a) Prasar Bharati Prasar Bharati is India’s autonomous public broadcasting entity. It was established on November 23, 1997 , under the Prasar Bharati Act, 1990. It comprises two main broadcasting arms – Akashvani (All India Radio) and Doordarshan . The primary objective behind the formation of Prasar Bharati was to grant autonomy to the government-owned broadcasting media, freeing them from government control so they could function impartially, independently, and in a people-centric manner. It is managed by a board. Prasar Bharati’s mandate is to broadcast programs that uphold the unity and integrity of the country, promote education and literacy, and be the voice of the weaker sections of society. It is committed to providing a balanced and credible public service through information, education, and entertainment. (b) Points to be noted for an announcer To become a successful radio announcer, it is essential to keep certain qualities and points in mind. The most important is a clear and impressive voice . The announcer’s pronunciation must be pure, and they should have a good command of the language. They must know how to use voice modulation, pace, and pause correctly to maintain the listeners’ interest. In addition, a good announcer should have the following qualities:

• General Knowledge: They should have good knowledge of current affairs and various subjects.
• Time Management: Punctuality is very important in radio, so they must be able to complete their talk within the allotted time.
• Ease and Naturalness: Their style should be conversational and natural, making the listener feel as if they are being spoken to directly.
• Improvisation: They should have the ability to handle any unexpected situation during a live broadcast.

An announcer is the voice and identity of a radio station, so both their personality and presentation should be engaging.

(c) Radio and science teaching

Radio is a powerful medium for science teaching and spreading scientific awareness. Due to its wide reach, it can deliver scientific information even to those rural and remote areas where modern educational facilities are not available. Through radio, subjects of science, often considered complex and dull, can be presented in an interesting manner. For this, genres like

drama, story, interview, and discussion

are used. For example, presenting the story of a scientific discovery as a drama or having a conversation in simple language with an expert on health and nutrition. Akashvani has broadcast many successful programs like ‘Vigyan Vidhi’ and ‘Manav Ka Vikas’. The lack of visual elements is a challenge, but through sound effects and imaginative writing, a picture of scientific processes can be created in the listener’s mind. It also plays a significant role in dispelling superstitions and developing a scientific outlook among people.

(d) New services of Akashvani

To meet the needs of the changing technological environment and the new generation of listeners, Akashvani has launched several new services. These services are marking their presence on digital platforms beyond traditional radio broadcasting. The major new services are:

• ‘NewsOnAir’ App: This is the official mobile application of Akashvani, through which listeners can listen to the live streaming of more than 200 radio channels. News bulletins, special programs, and podcasts are also available on it.
• Podcasts: Akashvani is also making its popular programs available in the form of podcasts, which listeners can listen to anytime at their convenience.
• Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM): This is a digital broadcasting technology that provides better sound quality (stereo sound) compared to analog. Multiple channels can be broadcast on the same frequency.
• Social Media Presence: Akashvani is now active on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, where it connects with its listeners and shares program-related information.

Through these new services, Akashvani has expanded its reach and succeeded in maintaining its relevance among young listeners.