NEW DELHI: FM Gold and Rainbow radio jockeys are up in arms against All India Radio management over a diktat demanding that they submit to a "re-audition'', claiming that it is a retributive step for demanding better pay and work conditions.

According to FM Gold and Rainbow presenters, the new policy is discriminatory and only meant for those on short-term contracts. "Presenters have been asked to submit for a re-audition in the name of an annual performance review because we had protested against the poor pay conditions and the quality of equipment that we have to work with,'' a presenter who did not wish to be named said.

The presenter added that the RJs, known as casual announcers, FM presenters and comperes of special audience programme, should be reviewed on the basis of their performance through the year rather than a one-off interview and the experts judging them should be from the technical field rather than bureaucrats.

A senior AIR official dismissed these concerns saying the review was being carried out in accordance to a new format in Prasar Bharati and was to ensure better quality standards on the radio channels. "The review is being carried out for all grades in Doordarshan as well as AIR,'' he said.

The presenters are, however, convinced that this is an attempt to eventually shut down the channel and have also submitted a complaint to I&B minister Ambika Soni. Incidentally, FM Gold was in the eye of storm in November 2010 after AIR decided to shift the popular frequency from its 106.4 MHtz to a lesser known FM Dilli at 100.1 MHtz. Speculation was rife that this was done to benefit a private radio channel that was running at 106.4 MHtz from Haryana. However, following the negative backlash AIR withdrew its plan within two days.

Source : timesofindia.indiatimes.com