Monday, August 31, 2009

Voice of Vietnam launches new broadcasting project

Radio the Voice of Vietnam (VOV) officially launched its East Sea broadcasting project August 29, at the VN1 transmitter station in Hanoi’s Son Tay town. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung pressed the button to start the transmitter.
Now that the project has been put into operation, fishermen and soldiers operating offshore or living on islands will have a channel providing accurate, timely, trustworthy and round-the-clock information on domestic and foreign affairs, economics, cultural, and social events, and especially forecasts about extreme weather, search and rescue work at sea to minimise loss of life and property caused by natural disasters.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung praised the VOV’s effort in putting the first phase of the project into operation while the country is celebrating the 64th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day and the 40th anniversary of implementing President Ho Chi Minh’s testament.
To better implement the project, PM Dung urged the VOV to make full use of infrastructure, machinery and staff to improve the quality of broadcasts on the East Sea. He emphasised the importance of the project to maritime economic activities, natural disaster prevention and rescue efforts.
PM Dung asked the VOV to work closely with relevant ministries and departments, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of National Defence to receive and transmit information about fishing grounds, weather, and rescue work. He urged the VOV to make a greater effort to become “a trusted and loyal friend” of fishermen and soldiers operating offshore or living on islands to protect the country.
PM Dung agreed that the Government will continue to finance the second phase of the project to provide high-quality news updates for Quang Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Kien Giang and central coastal provinces throughout the day, especially at night. He authorised the VOV to research and implement sub-projects to improve the quality of East Sea broadcasts.
On behalf of the VOV deputy general director Dao Duy Hua briefed attendees on the project’s implementation process. The first phase of the project has been completed in 8 months with coverage reaching out 3,500km from the coast, including all Vietnamese territorial waters and most offshore fishing areas.
(Source: Voice of Vietnam)

Andy Sennitt adds: No frequency information is given in the report, but with coverage up to 3,500 km from the coast this surely has to be a shortwave service. Does anyone have the schedule?
(R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)