Karnataka - Mangalore   

FM channels are coming

— Photo: R. Eswarraj

Getting ready: Work in progress on All India Radio premises in Mangalore.

MANGALORE: People of Mangalore purchasing electronic gadgets, such as mobile phones, could now insist on add-on features that will enable them to listen to FM radio stations.

They will be able to listen to at least four FM channels by November-end. Fishermen going out to sea will also be able to listen to songs and entertainment programmes from the four channels within a 40-km radius from the AIR tower near Kadri Park here. The signals will be strong within a 25-km radius and weaker beyond that, according to FM project manager of Mangalore All India Radio (AIR) Paremmal Achuthan.

Three of the four channels have been hot favourites of people in Bangalore: Radio Mirchi (98.3), S FM (93.5), and Big FM (92.7).

The FM channels are expected to bring about a change in lifestyle of the people here. Autorickshaw drivers and car owners in Bangalore usually listen to FM channels while travelling, even as many bus commuters travel with earphones from FM-compliant mobile phones plugged to their ears. So is the case with motorcyclists.

The FM channels will also open a new medium and opportunities for advertisers.

Following a recent decision of the Government to prevent erection of towers in and around different cities, all the four channels will be using the existing 100-metre-tall AIR tower near Kadri Park to send the signals. Work is going on briskly, to put up the building that will house the four transmission units right under the tower. Mr. Achuthan said the electrification work had been completed.

The transmission units will be linked to studios of individual channels being put up in the city through cables, Mr. Achutan said.

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