DJ Latsamy is from Khounkham and has received training from provincial and central radio professionals, but he is hungry for more knowledge and experience

(KPL) Khounkham Community Radio Station has celebrated getting on air in Khammuan Province with a launch party at Phousa-at village.

Supported by a grant from the Theun-Hinboun Power Company (THPC) – operator of Theun-Hinboun and Nam Gnouang Powerhouses in Khammuan and Bolikhamxay provinces - the station has been testing broadcasts across Khounkham district since June.

It now transmits 13 hours every weekday. According to Mr Keomany Keonyodkhoun of the district Information, Culture and Tourism (ICT) Department, the station can reach 90% of villages in Khounkham plus adjacent areas in Hinboun, Khamkeuth and Viengthong districts.

THPC Deputy General Manager Soulideth Baomanikhoth officially handed over the broadcast equipment to Khounkham District Governor Keolandon Chanthapany at a ceremony in the village, witnessed by Khammuan Deputy Governor Khamsy Outhivong.

Established by Khounkham authorities to improve access to public information across the district, the radio station project was supported by provincial and central ICT offices and the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

Khounkham Community Radio Station broadcasts from 6 am to 7 pm five days a week on FM 97.7 MHz

THPC, the main driver of economic growth and infrastructure in the district since its inception, provided over US$32,000 of funding.

At the station launch, government officials thanked THPC for their constant support to development in Khounkham and presented the company with a certificate of appreciation signed by Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith. The handover was followed by traditional dances and performances as part of Ban Phousa-at’s Boun Kong Kao, or harvest festival.

KPL