AIR Madikeri is a regional station of All India Radio, operated by Prasar Bharati, India's public service broadcaster. Located in the scenic hill town of Madikeri in Karnataka, the station serves the Kodagu district with a blend of news, talk, and music programming. As part of the national AIR network, it upholds the mandate of informing, educating, and entertaining the public while reflecting local culture and heritage. The station broadcasts in Kannada and other regional languages, catering to a diverse audience that includes rural communities, plantation workers, and urban residents. Its unique position in the Western Ghats allows it to address region-specific issues such as agriculture, ecology, and tribal welfare, making it a vital link between the government and the people of Kodagu.
AIR Madikeri offers a balanced mix of news, talk, and music programming tailored to the interests and needs of the Kodagu community. Daily broadcasts include local and national news bulletins, agricultural updates, weather reports, and educational segments. Talk shows focus on social issues, health, and cultural preservation, often featuring local experts and community leaders. Music programs showcase Kannada folk, classical, and contemporary hits, alongside devotional and light music. Special programs highlight Kodava traditions, festivals, and oral histories, reinforcing regional identity. The station also relays select national AIR productions, ensuring access to broader cultural and informational content.
AIR Madikeri broadcasts from its transmitter site in Madikeri, the headquarters of Kodagu district in Karnataka. The station’s signal covers the entire district, including talukas such as Somwarpet, Virajpet, and Kushalnagar, reaching listeners in coffee plantations, forested areas, and remote villages. It serves a predominantly rural and semi-urban population, including the indigenous Kodava community, as well as migrants from other parts of India working in agriculture and hospitality. The station plays a key role in disseminating government schemes, disaster alerts, and public service messages to this geographically diverse and ecologically sensitive region.
