'Batam TV' to widen coverage

BATAM: Despite protests from neighboring Singapore and Malaysia about overlapping frequencies, Batam's first local television station, Batam TV, plans to widen its broadcasting coverage to include the whole island as well as Singapore.

Batam TV director Mafirion said on Thursday it planned to move its broadcasting antenna to a new location where the signal was stronger. He said the plan followed a study from a Bandung-based consulting team Batam TV had hired.

"We've received recommendations on a number of good locations, but based on economic considerations Batam TV will soon broadcast from a new location at Hotel Nagoya," said Mafirion.

The television station currently airs from Batam's Carnival Mall area, located on the northern tip of the island closest to Singapore. Hotel Nagoya Plaza is located some 20 kilometers south of Carnival Mall, at the center of the island where the land is more elevated.

Mafirion said that from Nagoya Batam TV should be able to broadcast its programs to all areas of the island as well as Singapore.

Batam Mayor Nyat Kadir launched Batam TV and Radio Hang FM on January 18, 2003. But their presence drew protests from several television and radio stations in Singapore and Malaysia because their frequencies overlapped.

The ministry of telecommunication in Jakarta has ordered Batam TV and Radio Hang FM to stop operating. It said neither had an operation permit, hence the overlapping frequencies.

Batam TV has said it was working on acquiring the permits. It now airs 12 hours a day and has eight reporters to cover news on the island. -- Antara