ALEXANDRIA, Va.�So often in the virtual pages of Radio magazine today we�ve been telling you about AM and even FM stations being turned off in various parts of the world.� This time, we�re bringing you news plans for more FM stations and a new AM station that has been recently turned up.
SWEDEN:�The Government of Sweden recently announced FM allotments for three national networks and 35 regional and local licenses.�The new national radio networks will have coverage of just over 80 percent; the regional and local licenses have varying coverage, though roughly equivalent to the size of Norway, according toradionytt.no.
All told, there will be 80 brand new frequencies on FM in Sweden as soon next year.�
FIJI:� Fijians across the entire archipelago can now tune in to the recently installed and clearer Amplitude Modulated (AM) Signal broadcast on two main radio stations, according to fijisun.com.fj.
Fiji Broadcasting�s AM service previously faced continuous breakdowns due to aging infrastructure leading to deterioration, which resulted in broadcast interruption in 2013. On many of the more remote islands radio broadcasting became unavailable�presumably out of the reach of VHF services.
The new $15M medium wave radio transmission facility is managed by Fiji Broadcasting Corporation and funded by the government of Japan�s Grant Aid program, which was pleased to announce the completion of a project. The new installation includes a 60-metre antenna system and two AM radio transmitters.
�Officiating at the launch in Naulu, Nakasi, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama said Fijians living in Vanuabalavu, Lakeba or Ovalau could now tune in to the radio and join listeners around the country through a range of AM programming.� He also said that through this upgrade Fiji had now achieved 100 per cent coverage for all outer islands, according to the same article.
Ambassador of Japan Masahiro Omura said the threat of natural disasters will be increasing due to climate change, and strengthening of preparedness is strongly wished for in Fiji. He said in order to respond swiftly to natural disasters, appropriate transmission of relevant information is crucial.
