Himalayan News Service

Bhaktapur, January 4

Shree Bhaktapur FM Private Limited (SBFPL) which received the operating licence in September is all set to begin its test transmission from January 15, 2004.

"All the necessary preparations for the test transmission of Bhaktapur FM 105 MHz that received licence after years of effort, has been completed," said Shreecharan Amatya, vice-president of the SBFPL.Senior litterateur Tejeswor Babu Gonga inaugurated a 15-day training for the FM announcers here today. Altogether, 22 persons are participating in the training.

"Fifteen artistes and technicians are working for the FM transmission," he said, adding that formal transmission of the FM would begin from the Nepali new year after three months. The FM will broadcast programmes for four hours everyday -- two hours in the morning and two in the evening and the Navadurga Digital Studio will transmit the programmes.

President of the FM, Rajesh Hada said that unlike all other FM stations in the Valley, the Bhaktapur FM would operate with 100 W capacity covering all the parts of the district.

The SBFPL was established by 15 youth from different professions with an aim to inform and entertain the locals. It will also help in preserving the rich culture and heritage of the smallest district of the nation. "We also intend to discover talented people through "this strong medium of communication," he said. "It will operate from Itachhein Tole situated at the highest place that lies at Ward No 15 of Bhaktapur Municipality." He also said that the FM would focus on local news and provide live broadcast of cultural activities. The radio will operate with the support of the local people and Bhaktapur Municipality, he added.