47 FM stations being set up countrywide
ISLAMABAD, May 03 2006: Muhammad Ali Durrani. The minister for Information and Broadcasting has said that Radio Pakistan can play an effective role in national development. Addressing the senior officials of Radio Pakistan at Islamabad Headquarter on May 02, he said that Radio was a national asset and there was a need to revive its impact on the public by focusing on news and current affairs programmes.
Durrani said that radio was the common man’ medium and the government intend to make it an active institution. He said that the government was planning a joint venture of Radio Pakistan with APP and TV news to make news and current affairs programmes more credible. Tariq Imam, the director general of Radio Pakistan, highlighted the vision of Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PCB) to project Pakistan’s image as a moderate and enlightened country. He also briefed the minister on the current set up of Radio Pakistan and its future development plans. Referring to radio’s vision 2010 , he said that Radio Pakistan would ensure 100 percent coverage in terms of population and area, in addition to replacing its seven medium wave and installation of 47 new FM stations across the country at a cost of Rs. 2.6 billion.
Tariq Azeem, the minister of state for Information and Broadcasting, praised the role of Radio Pakistan in promoting the national cause and raising awareness among the masses on various national issues. He asked Radio Pakistan to prepare plans to expand its transmission to the US for overseas Pakistanis.Shahid Rafi, the Information secretary, informed the about improved marketing strategy of Radio Pakistan to attract more investments. He said that Radio Pakistan needed financial assistance from the government’s policies.
Durrani said that radio was the biggest source of entertainment .However, he said that there was need to improve radio’s educational and entertainment programmes being broadcast from Radio Pakistan were popular among the masses and stressed the need to the government’s intentions to promote moderation and enlightenment .The minister asked the management to take effective measures to improve marketing and increase links with print media and private sector organisations.
Source: Daily Times
Date:5/3/2006
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