Yogya radio frequencies to be replaced

YOGYAKARTA: Plans to rearrange the radio broadcast spectrum here by replacing entire frequencies are likely to force private radio stations to temporarily shut down, a broadcaster said.

The plans by the postal and telecommunications directorate general to change the frequencies had been scheduled for August but was brought forward to May 3.

Radio stations had been surprised by the early move, a Radio Arma 11 broadcaster, identified only as Nuri, said on Wednesday.

Nuri said the short notice period given to stations would make it difficult for them to obtain the necessary equipment to broadcast on the new frequencies.

New transmission equipment would be costly and, with about 40 radio stations in Yogyakarta needing the equipment, shortages were likely to occur, as producers were unlikely to cope with the sudden demand, she said.

"Less than 50 percent of (broadcasters) will be able to change (frequencies) by May 3. The rest will have to stop broadcasting as we are forbidden to use the old frequency," Nuri said.

The new frequencies were aimed at improving radio transmission quality and cutting down on crossed signals. --JP