NEW DELHI: All India Radio earned Rs 306.89 crore net, including Rs 252.62 crore from commercials till December during 2015-16.

In the previous fiscal, 2014-15, AIR earned Rs 475.27 crore from commercial and miscellaneous sources. This included Rs 403.48 crore from commercials.

The revenue was Rs 415.5 crore in 2013-14, of which Rs 360.69 crore was from commercial sources.

In 2012-13, AIR earned revenue of Rs 354.14 crore which included Rs 295.07 from commercial sources.

The revenue figures of the years from 2012 to 2015 include service tax.

AIR sources told Radioandmusic.com that providing Vividh Bharati Service at the four metros on FM Mode, and relay of Vividh Bharati Service from 10 am to 5 pm on the local radio stations are among several initiatives underway to boost listenership as well as revenue.

Other measures include optimisation of transmission hours; creating a mechanism to contain transmission break-downs; constant and close monitoring of performance of Central Sales Unit (CSU) and Commercial Broadcasting Services (CBS) Centres on a weekly basis; broadcasting interactive programmes to increase direct participation of the listeners through phone-in devices and field recordings; creation of an All-India toll free number to enable present/prospective clients to interact with AIR functionaries; and on-line booking facility through virtual registered advertising agency.