FM Radio hasn’t been such as popular a media as television or print, but it’s definitely been around in Pakistan for a while. From back in the mid 1990’s when FM 100 still dubbed radio hosts as DJs and Junaid Mumtaz’s memorable ‘wha’s up Pakistan!’ resounded loud and clear across the airwaves, today there are more than 60 stations comprising of a few nationwide and a lot of regional FM stations operational.
Leading the way for nationwide transmission is still FM100, FM101, City FM89, FM103 and Radio FM91 while many of the others have their spectrum restricted to one or a few areas. But perhaps the biggest opportunity has been created by PEMRA giving non-commercial licenses to educational institutions.
Punjab University’s FM since the early part of 2007, Radio LUMS, an IP-based transmission started next, to be joined by ZAB FM106.6 on the airwaves in September of 2007. Practical implementation of low frequency or IP radio allows students to make a more tangible contribution to their community as well as learn and hone professional skills that will increase their market value. Radio LUMS has a great interface deliciously dependent on Flash and Ajax developed modules. It streams light and quick and offers live chat, a facility that the professionally managed radio stations have been unable to integrate into their businesses!
Perhaps one of the best things about permitting community radio to universities is the fact that they are more convergence savvy and are better able to match relevant technology to suit the audience or market.
