Jitendra Singh inaugurates high power transmitter in Jammu

Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) Jitendra Singh on Tuesday inaugurated the 300 kilowatt DRM High Power Transmitter of 'Radio Kashmir' in Jammu.

The new transmitter will cover an aerial radius of 90 to 100 kilometers, and replaces an old analog transmitter.

Speaking on the occasion Singh said the Centre is committed to the empowerment of radio broadcast, and added that the government had initiated the revival of All India Radio (AIR).

He further stated that the NDA Government was aware of the reach and potential of AIR because of which Prime Minister Modi chose the channel to air his regular programme, "Mann Ki Baat'.

He further said AIR can play an important role in the dissemination of various welfare schemes initiated by the Centre.

Director General of AIR Fiyaz Shehriyar said, "As a part of migration to Digital Radio, it has been decided that by the year 2017, a complete switch over to digital mode will be made. All India Radio started with small leaps in this direction way back in 2013."

A DRM transmitter can transmit signals both in analog and digital modes. DRM technology is regarded as the harbinger of digital radio revolution in the country.

DRM radio broadcasts will have many additional value added services such as improved audio quality, stereo capability, single frequency operation, transmitting maximum four services or channels

simultaneously from the same transmitter, vehicular, portable and fixed reception, less susceptibility to fading effects and improved reception reliability.

Other future plans for Radio Kashmir, Jammu include replacement of the old 10 kW transmitter by a new transmitter towards the end of next year.