NUKU'ALOFA (Matangi Tonga/Pacific Media Watch): The Tonga Broadcasting Commission is celebrating its 50 Years Golden Jubilee in Nuku'alofa on July 1-4, with a groundbreaking ceremony for the instalment of a new national AM medium wave transmission mast at Popua to replace a 50-year-old mast operating since the inception of the service in 1961.
TBC chief engineer Solomone Finau said on Friday the new transmission mast is an important milestone since it would technically improve their AM radio service to all of the outer islands, including the two Niuas.
The $1.4 million project funded by the Korean Broadcasting Cooperation would fix major problems TBC experiences with its AM service where some areas such as the Nius and other outer islands cannot receive the service.
This new mast is expected to be in service in November this year and will enable the AM station to reach everyone in Tonga.
Celebrations
Also marking the jubilee celebrations on Friday, the Japanese government handed over new digital TV programm production equipment, worth around US$96,000, for the improvement of TV programme production equipment for TBC.
The equipment was handed over by the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, Yasuo Takase, to the chairperson of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission board of directors, Lady 'Eseta Fusitu'a, at the TBC at Fasi.
The equipment was funded under Japan's Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects designed to contribute to the promotion of culture, higher education activities and preservation of cultural heritage at the grassroots level.
A TBC music competition was held on Friday at Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium, with a Church Service at the FWC Centennial Church on Sunday.
The groundbreaking ceremony for a new AM medium wave transmission mast today will conclude with a dinner in the evening at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel.
Pacific Media Watch
