'Batam TV' to widen coverage

'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