BY PHILIP YONG
philipyong0110@gmail.com
According to RTM One News on 6th April 2021, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM) is planning to launch a teenager oriented online radio station to target the Malaysia's teens.
The RTM strategic development director, Abdullah Daud said that RTM is currently drafting a proposal paper for the channel. The initiative is done after having a collaboration strategic discussion with Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, also Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.
==My commentary==
From my view, RTM "teenagers oriented radio station" (Radio Remaja) is something like Australia's ABC Triple J radio network, Radio Televisyen Brunei RTB Pelangi FM, Rakita FM and Singapore Mediacorp 987FM.
Definitely broadcast in Malay language.
This teenagers targeted radio station will be expected to be available on RTM Klik (RTM TV and radio online streaming app), and also digital terrestrial television platform (MYTV myFreeview). In my opinion, RTM planning "teenagers targeted radio station" still can broadcast on FM radio, but restrict in Kuala Lumpur only.
I don't mention to propose for coverage expansion to nationwide because FM frequencies are highly congested in Malaysia (especially west coast of Peninsular Malaysia), so never think RTM will really make this teenager radio station nationwide on FM radio as other radio stations can't get frequency.
Although Kuantan, Jerantut, Mersing, Maran, and Terengganu (Dungun, Kuala Terengganu and Besut) have plenty of FM frequencies, but I don't think RTM will put this radio station there because these locations have less teenagers market, compare to Klang Valley.
==Proposal to launch RTM teenagers radio station on FM radio platform in Klang Valley==
About RTM planning "teenagers oriented radio station" on FM radio platform, I think it is very sufficient if RTM launches it only in Klang Valley area, transmitted from Kuala Lumpur Tower.
Available frequencies for Kuala Lumpur transmission are likely FM 91.9MHz, FM 99.7MHz and FM 107.2MHz.
FM 91.9MHz and FM 99.7MHz are likely not suitable for KL Tower transmission by RTM "Radio Remaja" because RTM Nasional FM and Selangor FM are occupying 92.0MHz and 99.8MHz respectively for Hulu Langat gap filler transmission, which can cause interference. Besides that, RTM Nasional FM 92.0MHz and Selangor FM 99.8MHz are temporarily suspended transmission as its tower went renovation by upgrading security system.
If FM 91.9MHz and FM 99.7MHz are not allowed by MCMC for Kuala Lumpur Tower transmission, so FM 107.2MHz is likely the most suitable frequency.
Talking about suggested frequencies, I suggest FM 107.2MHz for RTM planning "Radio Remaja" as Kuala Lumpur frequency, transmitted from KL Tower.
==Proposed parameter of RTM "Radio Remaja" on FM radio platform==
- Frequency: FM 107.2MHz
- Power: 0.5kW
- Transmitter tower: Kuala Lumpur Tower
- Broadcast area: Klang Valley only
==RF analysis==
107.0MHz: Suria FM Gunung Telapak Burok
107.2MHz: RTM "Radio Remaja" Kuala Lumpur Tower
<200kHz, OK>
107.2MHz: RTM "Radio Remaja" Kuala Lumpur Tower
107.3MHz: Melody FM Gunung Ledang
<100kHz, OK>
107.2MHz: RTM "Radio Remaja" Kuala Lumpur Tower
107.5MHz: Pahang FM Gunung Ulu Kali (West Pahang only)
<300kHz, OK>
According to RF analysis, RTM "Radio Remaja"" FM 107.2MHz KL Tower frequency allocation is ok. When FM 107.2MHz comes to versus Pahang FM 107.5MHz, it breaks the minimum frequency separation requirement because both stations are 300kHz spacing. For RTM, it is not a problem because both radio stations are under RTM, and they're targeting different locations.
For proposed transmission power, as Radio Remaja FM 107.2MHz KL Tower is having 300kHz separation from Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali, so 500W is sufficient for the transmission and less interference impact is detected.
Despite RTM "Radio Remaja" FM 107.2MHz can likely interfere Pahang FM 107.5MHz Gunung Ulu Kali coverage in Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley areas, but it does not affect actual Pahang FM 107.5MHz coverage because FM 107.2MHz does not overspill to West Pahang. Moreover, Kuala Lumpur and Klang Valley area are not Pahang FM 107.5MHz broadcast coverage.
It is good if RTM Radio Remaja broadcasts on FM radio in Klang Valley area on proposed 107.2MHz, at least teenagers can tune on FM radio, another listening choice by RTM.
However, Pahang FM listeners may not be able to be tuned in Kuala Lumpur City on 107.5MHz because interference from Radio Remaja FM 107.2MHz, but they can tune via RTM Klik online app. Currently RTM Pahang FM 107.5MHz is not clear in Klang Valley areas, some of Kuala Lumpur city areas can't receive the radio station due to high rise buildings.
Again Kuala Lumpur is not coverage of Pahang FM 107.5MHz.
If RTM launches this radio station, it can compete against Era FM, Hot FM, and Rakita in Klang Valley (for FM radio), and nationwide (for digital platform).
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