The Lao and Chinese governments have agreed to further cooperate on media development to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China Radio International, broadcast in Laos on FM 93Mhz.
The two countries have agreed to partner in various projects including the Lao National Digital Radio and Television Network Project based on Digital Terrestrial Multimedia Broadcasting (DTMB).
The project is scheduled to gain pace from 2017-2019 based on the success of a trial that revealed good coverage and operation of a DTMB-based digital television network in Vientiane and the provinces of Savannakhet, Champassak and Luang Prabang.
The digitisation of radio and television will enable most people in Laos to listen to digital radio programmes and watch digitally transmitted television programmes. The project will speed up the development of the national DTMB wireless digital network and information provision, improve the management and operation of the network, increase audience ratings and enhance the quality of digital television programmes.
Representatives of Laos and China yesterday signed an agreement on several Laos-China media projects, during an event in Vientiane to mark the 10th anniversary of China Radio International.
A member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and Head of the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee, Mr Liu Qibao; Laos’ Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Prof. Dr Bosengkham Vongdara; and Head of the Propaganda and Training Board of the Party Central Committee, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaikhamphithoun attended the ceremony.
The Lao National Digital Radio and Television Network Project agreement was inked by Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Savankhone Razmountry and Deputy Director of the Yunnan Radio and Television Station Mr Yulei.
Under the agreement, Yunnan digital media is entrusted by Laos’ Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to build a national broadcast system with television coverage in all 18 provinces. This will enable state-run television stations to enhance the capacity of independent programme production.
China Radio International began broadcasting in Laos in 2006 and has since introduced a radio channel and various forms of print and online media.
Source: Vientiane Times
