Digital music library established
PESHAWAR- Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) has installed a computerised library to entertain the listeners of FM101 channel, Programme Manager Sardar Ali told sources on May 12, 2003.
“In the wake of the ever-increasing popularity of the FM101, we have established a digitalized music library, connected with main server, which contained as many as 8,000 songs of different categories and taste,” said Mr Sardar Ali, who heads the FM101.
According to him, construction of a computer-based eight-line digital exchange was also in progress with a view to enable more listeners to communicate their messages and demands for songs etc., simultaneously.
The FM101 channel was started from Peshawar centre in June 2002, following its popularity in the country. Since then, it has been providing healthy entertainment to its listeners of all age groups.
The channel was commissioned at Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi on experimental basis in October 1998, which fortunately evoked much public interest, especially of the youngsters.
After one year, the Islamabad studio was computerised and was purchased by a private firm for 18 hours a day against Rs4.6 million annual contract for three years.
In February 2001, when the entire FM101 system was converted into FM International enabling listeners to enjoy its broadcasts in 52 countries through the Internet. Afterwards, FM101 was launched from Faisalabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Hyderabad.
At present FM101, Peshawar, is providing entertainment to the NWFP people living within a radius of 200m – Charsadda, Mardan, Hangu, Karak, Swat, Tarbela, Malakand, Dir, Mansehra, Attock and the adjoining tribal areas.
“Soon, these transmissions will reach to the people living within 300km radius. We are in a process to expand our area of coverage,” said Sardar Ali. Apart from three producers, about 60 trained DJs were engaged in the production of various programmes, the response of which was extremely encouraging, he added.
Besides pop music, the FM101 Peshawar has been broadcasting Pashto documentaries on famous writers and poets like Rehman Baba, Khushhal Khan Khattak, Amir Hamza Khan Shinwari etc. Programmes in Urdu and English are also being produced.
Source: Dawn
Date:5/13/2003
” 
” 
” 
” 
