NEW DELHI: With an aim to increase its reach and become interactive, All India Radio Urdu Service has launched its WhatsApp services so that listeners can interact with the AIR through their messages.

This will allow overseas listeners to send in their song request for ‘Suraj Ke Sath Sath’ and ‘Shaam Suhaani’ on 8130913554. Each show is of two hours and is aired from 8 to 10 am and from 6 to 8 pm respectively. These two shows were introduced on 15 August this year.

An AIR official said, "Both the programmes are Prime Time Music Request Shows and listeners request are being taken through SMS and WhatsApp. After getting an overwhelming response to our programmes, we were prompted to launch a WhatsApp number which brings compatibility and makes it easy to send request from anywhere in the world."

Overseas listeners can also tune into Urdu Service through internet and DTH services besides MWs and SWs. For availing radio services through net, one can log into Allindiaradio.gov.in

This is a one-of-its-kind approach by the oldest broadcaster of the country, wherein it is trying to attract the tech savvy audience of present generation.

All India Urdu Service caters to neighbouring countries. Listeners can also log on to the Facebook page ‘Akashvani Prasar Bharati’ and the twitter handle @AkashvaniAIR for latest updates about the shows.