THE Tonga Broadcasting Commission is celebrating its 50 Years Golden Jubilee in Nuku'alofa on July 1-4, with a groundbreaking ceremony for the instalment of a new national AM Medium Wave Transmission Mast at Popua – to replace a 50 year old mast operating since the inception of the service in 1961.

TBC Chief Engineer Solomone Finau said on July 1 that the new transmission mast is an important milestone since it would technically improve their AM radio service to all of the outer islands, including the two Niuas.

The $1.4 million project funded by the Korean Broadcasting Cooperation would fix major problems TBC experiences with their AM service where some areas such as the Nius and other outer islands could not receive the service.

This new mast is expected to be in service in November this year would enable the AM station to reach everyone in Tonga.

Celebrations

Also marking the Jubilee celebrations on July 1, the Government of Japan handed over new digital TV program production equipment, worth around US$96,000, for the improvement of TV program production equipment for TBC.

The equipment was handed over by the Japanese Ambassador to Tonga HE Mr Yasuo Takase to the Chairperson of the Tonga Broadcasting Commission Board of Directors, Lady 'Eseta Fusitu'a at the TBC at Fasi.

The equipment was funded under Japan's Grant Assistance for Cultural Grassroots Projects designed to contribute to the promotion of culture, higher education activities and preservation of cultural heritage at the grassroots level.

A TBC Music Competition was to be held on July 1 at Teufaiva Outdoor Stadium, with a Church Service at the FWC Centennial Church on July 3.

The Groundbreaking ceremony for a new AM Medium Wave Transmission Mast on Monday July 4 will conclude with a Dinner in the evening of the same day at the Janfull International Dateline Hotel.