Jordan Times
Friday, July 8, 2005
AmmanNet begins experimental transmission
AMMAN (JT) — AmmanNet, the Arab world's first internet radio, has begun experimental terrestrial transmission of its FM frequency within the Greater Amman boundaries.
Transmitting on 92.4 FM, the radio station is
broadcasting in Arabic under the subheading “Voice of the Community,” according
to a statement released by AmmanNet.
AmmanNet Music Director Imad Salsa, who is supervising the technical work,
expects the three-kilowatt station to be heard in every car and home in the
capital.
Daoud Kuttab, the station's founder and director, said AmmanNet Radio will
provide general radio programming to all the citizens of the capital with
special emphasis on the populated areas, especially in east Amman.
“We will broadcast community service programming, sports [including live
broadcasts of local teams], cultural programming as well as human interest
features reflecting the diverse nature of the capital and call in programmes,”
he said.
According to Kuttab, the station will be different from the FM radio stations
that have filled the radio dial in the capital. AmmanNet is the seventh private
radio station to go on air in the Kingdom following the liberalisation of the
audiovisual laws.
“We intend to be the station for the majority of the capital's citizens who have
been largely ignored in the new private radio explosion of stations. We hope to
broadcast the authentic sounds and voices of the everyday Jordanians living in
Amman.”
A morning show “talet soboh” and an afternoon daily roundup programme will be
added to the programmes already available online.
All of AmmanNet's Internet programmes (www.ammannet.net ) will be available to
FM listeners such as “Eye on the Media, IT in Arabic, Rua Baralmania
(parliamentary views), book corner, Nashmiat, sports net, school radio, Haqi and
the popular diary of a refugee. AmmanNet will also attempt to broadcast live
sessions of the Jordanian Parliament and the monthly city council meeting, the
statement said.
With its studios in Wadi Saqra, the station is linked to a transmitter located
in the elevated Rabia neighbourhood. AmmanNet was established in 2000 with
initial support from UNESCO and the Greater Amman Municipality.