MUMBAI: Clash of frequencies between two community radio stations is something that happens very often in this sub-continent. But for a community radio station like Radio Active, which has often faced this issue, it can be quite stressful. This time the CRS (community radio station) that is clashing with Radio Active is the Bangalore based Ramana-Voices.
The first time Radio Active was in this situation was in 2007, when it first went on air. Previously, it clashed with Gyan Vani, which is situated only a kilometre away. At the time, Radio Active was on air with frequency 107.8, while Gyan Vani was shifted to 107.2. This did not help as both stations still faced interference. On 25 June 2008, Radio Active’s frequency was shifted to 90.4, and up until 2012, the CRS did not face any interference. The interference started in December 2012 when Ramana-Voices 90.4 came on air.
Radio Active director Pinky Chandran said, “From 2008 to 2012, we had no problem. In 2012, the issue arose and we wrote several letters to various ministries. It started when Ramana- Voices went on-air. My first letter to the ministry went out on December 2012.” The distance between Ramana-Voices and Radio Active is 7 Km.
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She further added that she is not facing the problem right now but the problem persisted throughout 2013. “We do not have any problem when they are not on –air but once they do come on-air, the interference begins. During the day, we face the problem and then we end up repeating programs to our listeners. After 6pm, there is no issue.” Radio Active operates for 23 hours weekdays and 24 hours on weekends.
Mohan K spokesperson of Ramana-Voices said, “We are still facing the frequency clash.” On the day, Radioandmusic.com contacted Mohan K, he said that Ramana-Voices was not on –air due to technical issues. The station is based in Shree Ramana Mahrishi Academy of the Blind is on air till 6 pm and does not go on-air on Sunday.
Both stations have presented the issue to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in oral and written form, and are currently awaiting a response.
