All India Radio (AIR) has selected
Thomson‘s M2W medium-wave
transmitters for the launch of the first local radio channels to
India’s Lakshadweep Islands. The new service will go on air during
2008. Thomson’s M2W 10 kW medium-wave transmitters, already in use at
AIR stations all over India, will now be used to broadcast the first
local content from Kavarati radio station throughout the Lakshadweep
Islands.
AIR is India’s national broadcaster and has one of the largest radio
networks in the world, covering over 99% of the Indian population. The
Lakshadweep project falls under a special programme driven by the
Government of India for the development of the North Eastern region.
The economy and infrastructure of the entire North East region is
lagging far behind the rest of the country and the government is
providing a booster for this.
The Lakshadweep medium-wave project marks a new milestone in the
successful co-operation between Thomson and Broadcast Engineering
Corporation India Limited (BECIL), who are supplying the auxiliary
items for the transmitter.
In spite of recent penetration by other media such as cable TV, radio
remains the most common means of gaining access to information and
entertainment in India, as radio receivers are relatively cheap and
affordable.
Local public service broadcasting is an important cornerstone in our
mandate to educate, inform and entertain. The ability to generate
local programmes will encourage the people on the islands to
participate. The broadcast scenario has undergone revolutionary
changes in the last few years. Medium wave broadcasting is an
important platform for media distribution in India, and we are
following the progress of the digitalization of the AM bands with
great interest,” said a senior spokesperson from AIR.
“Medium wave broadcasting is a cost-efficient alternative for local,
regional or even national coverage. Thomson M2W transmitters reflect a
through-and-through perfect combination of innovative technology and
dedicated craftsmanship. Thanks to their high overall efficiency, this
transmitter line makes a comprehensive contribution to cost-effective
media implementation” said Patrick Montliaud, Senior Vice President
of Thomson’s Integration and Networks Solutions business unit, within
the Systems division.