Chicago – August 12, 2025
Deccan Radio (Nizam Radio 1932) the first radio station in Hyderabad State (now – Hyderabad, Telangana India), went live on air on 3rd February, 1935. It was launched by Mir Osman Ali Khan the 7th Nizam of Hyderabad with a transmitting power of 200 Watts. On 1st April, 1950, Deccan Radio was taken over by the Indian Government, and in 1956 it was merged with All India Radio (AIR). Since then, it has been known as AIR-Hyderabad (100 kW).
Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan, established the first radio broadcasting service in Hyderabad in 1935, well before All India Radio became widespread across India.
Vision & Purpose – Osman Ali Khan wanted Hyderabad State to modernize in communication and education. He saw radio as a tool for spreading news, culture, and education in multiple languages spoken in the state (Urdu, Telugu, Marathi, Kannada).
Foundation of Deccan Radio – The service was called Deccan Radio. It began as a private, state-run station under the Nizam’s patronage, with funding entirely from the Hyderabad government treasury.
Location & Setup – The first transmitter was set up in Khairatabad, Hyderabad. It used medium-wave broadcasting equipment imported from Britain and Germany.
Programming – Initially, the broadcasts included news bulletins, educational talks, music, poetry recitations, and religious programs. Content reflected Hyderabad’s diverse culture, with separate slots for Urdu ghazals, Telugu folk songs, and Quranic recitations.
Transition to AIR Hyderabad – After Hyderabad’s annexation into India in 1948 (Operation Polo), Deccan Radio was merged with All India Radio in 1950 and renamed AIR Hyderabad.
