BroadCom celebrates 10th Anniversary [1]
Monday, September 9, 2019 - 23:11. Updated on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 - 09:53.
Tonga's popular BroadCom Broadcasting FM 87.5 celebrated its 10th anniversary on September 6 at Tanoa Hotel.
The event started with a prayer service led by Dr Taliai Niumeitolu, followed by a cake ceremony and a cocktail. Guests included the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Semisi Sika.
Sioeli Maka Tohi recalled how he and his wife, Katalina Tohi, both Managing Directors, started the company.
They had always dreamed of starting their own broadcasting service while they were working at Tonga Broadcasting Commission.
In 2009, he said they took early retirement and with those funds were able to start up their own station at Maka’s parents home in Ngele’ia with nine staff.
They partnered with Kalafi Moala on 88.1FM while waiting for their broadcasting license to be issued. They then moved to the CBD in 2013.
"When we received our license, we were 89.5FM. But we wanted to reach the outer islands of Ha’apai, Vava’u, and the Niuas. Many people from the outer islands asked us when were we going to be able to broadcast to the outer islands, as they liked listening to our programs, especially in the middle of the night to morning."
He said they decided to fundraise to be able to reach the outer islands and many people donated to the cause.
"We thank you very much for helping us out."
Maka said, they used the money raised to buy technical equipment and set up a business contract with Tonga Communication Corporation to reach Vava’u and Ha’apai and are now FM 87.5.
BroadCom now employs 19 staff and three contracted.
“We are grateful to the listeners for continuing to tune in and to the businesses bringing in 80 percent revenue into the company,” said the Makas..
FM87.5 operates 24 hours, seven days a week and broadcasts various local programs and live coverages, including news bulletins.
Dedicated also to their Christian faith, Maka said they have religious programs broadcasted daily from midnight to 6:00am.