Rangoon (Mizzima) – A domestic company, Zaykabar, is all set to launch a Frequency Modulated (FM) radio broadcast in Taungyi town, capital of Shan State in mid-June, a company official said.  

The official at Zaykabar said, the groundwork has been completed and audiences will be able to tune-in to the programmes when it first go on air on June 15. Initially, the range will be receivable from Taungyi and Rangoon.

The ‘Cherry’ FM Radio station will be headed by Zay Zin Latt, daughter of Zaykabar Company’s boss Khin Shwe and daughter-in-law of Gen. Thura Shwe Man, the third in the junta’s hierarchy.

“We have planned to go on air on June 15. We have completed recruiting and training of staffs. Some are experienced staffs from the Rangoon and Mandalay FM. We will add some novelties in our programme, which will be different from other FM stations,” a staff of Zaykabar Company told Mizzima.

The main broadcasting station, however, will be based at Rangoon’s Hmyaw Sin Kyun, where the headquarters of Zaykabar Company is also based.

Similarly, Shwe Than Lwin Company is also planning to launch its ‘Thazin’ FM and ‘Ramanya’ FM radio programmes in Loikaw of Kayah State and Mawlamyine of Mon State respectively.

Meanwhile, the ‘Forever Group’ of Company, which broadcasts the government’s MRTV4, has taken over ‘Pyinsawaddy’ FM programme from the Rangoon-based ‘Myanmar Radio and Television’ (MRTV) Studio.

The Pyinsawaddy FM launched its programme on March 27, the Anti-Fascist Resistance Day, this year in Sittwe, capital of Arakan State. The FM airs a daily programme from 7 a.m to 7 p.m and can be received within a radius of 25 miles from Sittwe.

Sources in MRTV4 broadcasting station said authorities are planning to expand the MRTV4 broadcasts in Thandwe (Sandoway), Ann and in the Irrawaddy Division.

Burma’s military rulers have privatized eight FM Radio stations to its business cronies, most of whom the United States and European Union have blacklisted on its economic and financial sanctions list and imposed travel ban.

The junta has allowed setting up of several FM stations with entertainment programmes, after its Information Ministry announced that it will “Counter Media with Media”.