FM stations plans to go in AP districts

Televisionpoint.com Team
A group of entrepreneurs hopes to take digital FM radio to the villages in 15 districts. The AP State DTH, FM Radio and Digital Cinema Federation is to spend about RS 1 crore initially for setting up a network of FM stations in the districts.

Apart from popular entertainment, the stations, which will be linked to each other, will broadcast information pertaining to agriculture, medical emergencies, trade and weather. Since FM radio covers a small area, the information can be highly area-specific. The federation was formed by a group of technicians belonging to the AP Broadcasting Engineering Society (BES).

Although there are huge cost inhibitions, technicians point out that FM radio will be the next big thing. To discuss the idea, the BES and the federation organised a one-day seminar on digital broadcasting in the city.

Federation joint secretary M.V.K. Ramana Uppala said, “We have tied up with several companies to network the FM stations. We are seeking permission from the I&B ministry.”

Uppala is a former technical advisor for Hathway. He said farmers can "exchange information on anything related to their business. The service would be free of cost."

Federation president B Mohan Singh, who is also the technical advisor for SitiCable says, "Equipment are very costly. However, I feel that FM radio is the next big thing in the State."