Minister assesses quality of radio broadcasting on 60th anniversary

Radio broadcasting has grown in quality over the past 60 years but more self-development is required, especially by personnel, in view of the increasing diversity of media platforms and the progress made in information and communications technology.
This was the advice given on Wednesday by the Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, to the management of Lao National Radio (LNR) at a meeting held in Vientiane to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the national broadcaster.
Also speaking at the event, LNR Director General Mr Phosy Keomanivong outlined the history of radio in Laos, the achievements made by the broadcaster over the past 60 years, and the shortcomings to be addressed.
The audience comprised radio officials, former civil servants and colleagues, invited guests from the ministry, and international development partners.
Established on August 13, 1960, Lao National Radio broadcasts on medium wave (AM 567 kHz) at a transmission power of 200 kW, shortwave at 50 kW, and FM at 103.7 MHz, 97.3 MHz, 96.0 MHz, 95.0 MHz, and 94.3 MHz.
Its more than 100 radio programmes have 70 hours of airtime a day, with the terrestrial broadcasting signal covering at least 90 percent of the country.
Prof. Dr Kikeo praised the strong growth of Lao National Radio, which he said was established by the Party as a means to educate people about the Party’s directions.
Laos has 82 radio stations, of which 13 are in Vientiane, 18 are in the provinces, and 51 are at district level. There are also four transmission stations in Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Savannakhet, and Champassak provinces.
During the meeting, former Director General, Mr Sipha Nonglath detailed his experiences with the national broadcaster since joining the organisation in 1960. He shared his insights on how to be a good reporter and the transformation of the Lao kingdom into the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975.
The minister singled out the development of personnel as an issue that had challenged the ministry for several years.
“Personnel and operatives are crucial for the implementation of Party directives to be productive,” Prof. Dr Kikeo said.
“We have plenty of personnel, some with Master’s and doctorate degrees, and they should have specific skills,” he added, when advising management on the best way to ensure strong successors.
He also called for programme producers to deepen their understanding of the topics they discuss, noting that those with in-depth knowledge and who are in agreement with the Party’s directions will be able to explain them to the public more clearly.
Practice, patriotism, political responsibility, and discipline were noted by the minister as important in ensuring successful implementation of the mission assigned to Lao National Radio.
The minister called for a greater effort to compete in these days of enhanced information and communications technology, noting that human resource development was essential while technical support was more easily accessed.
Prof. Dr Kikeo, who is a member of the Party Central Committee Secretariat, called on radio and other media platforms to beef up publicity ahead of the 11th Party Congress, as well as in relation to the prevention of Covid-19 and dengue fever.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 20, 2020)