The Myanmar government has been striving for the expansion of transmission and nationwide coverage of the existing frequency modulated (FM) radio channels in a bid to provide regional audiences with more local news and entertainment programs.

As part of the move, the Information Ministry has granted eight FM radio channels for the private sector to operate with the two companies, Zay Kaba and Shwe Thanlwin, undertaking the project in Yangon and other parts of the country.

According to the local Myanmar Newsweek Tuesday, the two new FM channels -- "Shwe FM" run by Shwe Thanlwin and "Cherry FM" run by Zay Kabar are to be aired soon with the prior to cover Tanninthayi division, Bago division, Kayin State and Mon State whereas the latter to cover Taunggyi, Lashio, Kyaingtong and Loikaw of Shan State.

Moreover, another private company, Shwe Taung, will join in expanding transmission of "Shwe FM" radio channel to cover Kachin State, Chin State, Sagaing division and Magwe division in September this year.

In January 2002, Myanmar introduced its first "Yangon City FM" radio channel featuring music and local commercial advertisement and the airing affected only 33 townships of the Yangon municipal area.

Now, the authorities are extending its transmission to cover remote townships in Yangon division, southern Mon state and southwestern Ayeyawaddy division.

The second FM radio station -- "Mandalay FM" was launched in April last year, the programs of which were aired from a TV relay station set up on the Sagaing Hill receivable around the second largest northern city.

In the latest development, the Mandalay City FM will also expand its transmission coverage to three more cities of Monywa, Meikthila and Taunggyi during this year in addition to Mandalay.

The third FM radio station, the Sittway, has also been added in the western coastal Rakhine state.

Covering three townships of Sittwe, Thandwe and Ann, the programs such as regional news, news articles, music and songs of ethnic minorities are being aired, according to the ministry.

Meanwhile, Myanmar's foremost state-run "Radio Myanmar" amplitude modulated (AM) radio station, which was traditionally broadcast from the former capital of Yangon, has now aired from the new capital of Nay Pyi Taw beginning March last year.

Moreover, Myanmar has two TV stations -- MRTV and Myawaddy TV which are operated by the state and the military.

The MRTV has launched four channels including Myanmar and English languages to telecast news, education and entertainment programs since color television was introduced in the country in 1980.

Of them, MRTV-4, which was originally a paid channel and jointly implemented by the state-run MRTV and the private-run Forever Group, started partly free-to-air telecast in December 2006 and later extended to other regions in the country.

The MRTV, established 61 years ago, is carrying out heavy functions and is striving to air quality radio and TV programs across the country, extending functions to link countrywide network by converting analogue system into digital one, and expanding coverage to other countries.

In cooperation with the Cable Networks News (CNN), China Central Television (CCTV) and Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK), the MRTV is also carrying satellite news.