The first Director of News of All India Radio was (A) Lionel Fielden (B) Charles Barns (C) G. C Awasthy (D) Ahmed Shah Bokhari Correct Ans: (B) Explanation: Charles Barns became the first Director of News at All India Radio (AIR), playing a crucial role in shaping India’s radio news broadcasting. He helped establish a structured news system, ensuring that AIR delivered reliable and timely news to the public. During his tenure, AIR expanded its news coverage, focusing on both national and international events. Barns introduced professional journalistic practices, which later became the foundation of modern radio journalism in India. Additionally, he worked on developing a standardized format for news bulletins, ensuring clarity and consistency in reporting. His leadership contributed to the credibility and reach of AIR’s news services across the country. Moreover, Barns emphasized the importance of accuracy and neutrality in news reporting. This approach helped AIR gain public trust and established it as a primary source of news in pre-independence India. In conclusion, Charles Barns' contributions to All India Radio’s news division were significant. His work laid the foundation for broadcast journalism in India, ensuring that news reporting remained factual, professional, and widely accessible.
