Radio Turks and Caicos is making a range of frequency changes in the TCI, with the aim of moving away from the 3 frequencies of 101.9, 103.9 and 107.7fm as you have known it for the last 30 years.
RTC Radio, now heard on all three, will convert to one frequency on the FM band “in order to rectify its current reception deficiencies and make it easier for listeners across the TCI to hear the station whenever our listeners or fans commute across the TCI.”
After extensive checks by the Minister of Home Affairs & Communications the Hon Vaden Williams, the Board of Governors and the station’s Directors, the station will be moved on June 1st and will now be heard on the new FM frequency of 89.1 fm.
“We have seen many changes, and over time RTC has changed from an AM frequency to 3 frequencies and will “continue to be on the FM band, while we will reserve an AM band for a national radio service for the foreseeable future, should hazards or climate change affect our islands,” said Minister Williams.
“In our life span, there is also some industry speculation that RTC might also be in Providenciales and we are happy to confirm that a sub-office and studio is located in Downtown Provo, where shows are broadcast from and other businesses conducted,” he added.
The Board’s decision to change the frequency, corresponds with the Telecommunication’s decisions. Further information will be made by Cabinet at a later date.
“The change to one frequency is certainly a boost for the population of the TCI, as more residents and listeners use a variety of ways to listen to the station and therefore, with adjustments to lifestyle, we made the necessary adjustments. 89.1 put us ahead as the Government’s station as we continue to educate and inform as well as entertain,” said Director of RTC, Mr. Chris Jarrett.
“Our team is excited for residents in the Sister islands to hear RTC on the same frequency, without having to guess where we are on the band. To this day, many still believe that 107, 103 and 101 was island-wide, when in fact these frequencies represented one island within the chain,” Jarrett added.
The change to 89.1 will be executed in one day, but will be done in phases, with the Capital Grand Turk first in making the switch, followed by South Caicos, Middle Caicos and Provo – in that order. Other changes in the license plan, will also affect other broadcasters from bidding for the old frequency – until after two months of departure.
RTC will also be launching as its next Secret, Radio 2, to be announced at a later date.
“This change in the frequency of the existing RTC, opens up additional services in order to avoid potential interference from the high power national Dominican stations, which sometimes bleed into the TCI,” said Chairman of the Board, Ryan Walkin.
Deputy Director for RTC, Lynette Thomas also added that the Team at RTC and previous boards also discussed what has now led to the designing of the new logo for RTC; with the change to FM 89 comes, new emails, new URL and this new logo which will be added to the website next week.
Thomas added that this logo signifies the coverage of RTC across the TCI with the colors of our country beautifully captured for all to see the new RTC. She ended by saying that in addition to a second arm, a much bigger secret will be revealed soon.
RTC on the new 89.1fm band, creates a bigger and brighter future for the oldest station in the TCI.
