BBC Hindi

BBC Hindi is an international news service that broadcasts in the Hindi language. It started on 11 May 1940. Initially, the service operated through radio. Currently, it is operated on audio as well as website, TV and social networks. On 2 December 2021, the BBC released its annual report showing the number of listeners, viewers and users, according to which India has the largest number of people using BBC services in the world.[2][3]

BBC Hindi
TypeRadio network and website
Country
United Kingdom and India
AvailabilityInternational
EndowmentForeign and Commonwealth Office, UK
OwnerBBC
Key people
Mukesh Sharma (editor)
Launch date
11 May 1940 (1940-05-11)[1]
Official website
www.bbc.com/hindi/
LanguageHindi

In March 2015, BBC Hindi was criticised for broadcasting a documentary interviewing one of the rapists in India, despite a ban ordered by the Indian High Court.[4] In 2017, BBC Hindi was banned for a period of five years from covering all national parks and sanctuaries in India.[5]

History

In 2011, the BBC announced plans to discontinue the BBC Hindi radio service as part of its global cost-cutting efforts. The decision was reversed following a high-profile campaign led by the journalist and author Sir Mark Tully, a former BBC bureau chief. The campaign had wide public support and the radio service continued to operate.

On 31 January 2020, the BBC Hindi radio service was finally shut down due to declining listenership. The decision was part of the BBC's ongoing efforts to restructure its operations and allocate resources to its digital platforms. Despite the closure of its radio service, BBC Hindi continues to provide a service online and on social media platforms. It remains an important source of news and information for Hindi-speaking audiences in India and around the world.[6]

References
  1. Achala Sharma (6 February 2011). "Radio silence in Khandwa". The Indian Express. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  2. "बीबीसी के अंतरराष्ट्रीय ऑडियंस में भारत पहले पायदान पर बरक़रार – GAM रिपोर्ट" [India retains top spot in BBC's international audience – GAM report]. BBC News हिंदी (in Hindi). 2 December 2021.
  3. "भारत का 20 लाख साल पुराना इतिहास देखेंगे?" [Will you see a 20 million year old history of India?] (in Hindi). 1 January 2018. Archived from the original on 5 January 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
  4. Madison Park and Harmeet Shah Singh (4 March 2015). "Indian court bans controversial interview with convicted rapist". CNN. Retrieved 24 April 2021.
  5. "Kaziranga film: BBC banned for 5 years from all national parks, sanctuaries". The Indian Express. 15 April 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2021.
  6. Amrita Nayak Dutta (9 February 2020). "Emotional emails & offers to crowdfund — how fans tried to keep BBC Hindi radio on air". The Print. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
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