Ohakune broadcast for local radio

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 11, Issue 515, 7 December 1993, Page 7

Ohakune broadcast for local radio

A local radio station is working on plans to impro ve its commercial broadcasting service for the central plateau region of the North Island including Waimarino, Taihape and Taumarunui. A new studio is to be established in Ohakune next year and Peak FM's present 95.8 transmitter serving Raetihi, Ohakune and Waiouru is to have a higher output to gain a clearer signal to Waiouru and west along the Parapara Road to Kakatahi, said station manager Ron Jeffares. A third transmitter is to be sited at Taihape under a permanent licence recently granted by the Ministry of Commerce on the 99.4FM frequency. Initially this transmitter will operate in

conjunction with the new Ohakune station to provide a local radio breakfast session programme for the 14,000 combined population of the Taihape and Waimarino communities - possibly linking to Wanganui for continued broadcasting. This new station is unnamed as yet but could operate under the PEAK banner or as Heartland or MAX FM, said Mr Jeffares. He said a further studio is envisaged for T aihape as funding becomes available. The PEAK FM 99.1 Taumarunui transmitter -is to have a wider coverage area to enhance reception for the farming communities to the north of the township, and Tocal live' programming hours are be-

ing increased. New Zealand On Air is assisting the project by contributing towards the cost of the new 99.4 Taihape transmitter and the increased power of the present 95.8 FM signal. Modern technical equip-

ment is being ordered from overseas including UHF and digital stereo units and the latest mini disc technology. These will combine to provide clear stereo FM reception in many areas which do not now enjoy adequate radio reception, as well as

improve existing signal strengths, said Mr Jeffares. The new equipment will be installed progressively as it arrives with the project expected to be fully commissioned by the end of March.