Minnal FM

Minnal FM

Kuala Lumpur
Broadcast area	West Malaysia
Frequency	Varies depending on its region
Programming
Language(s)	Tamil Malayalam Telugu
Format	Contemporary music, infotainment, general
Ownership
Owner	Radio Televisyen Malaysia
Sister stations	Ai FM, Asyik FM, Nasional FM, Radio Klasik and TraXX FM
History
First air date	1983 (1983)
Links
Website	minnalfm.rtm.gov.my

Minnal FM is a Malaysian state owned Indian language radio station. This fm were operated by Radio Televisyen Malaysia. Most of the show in this radio channel are aired in Tamil Language. But, the channel also air songs in Malayalam, Hindi, Punjabi and Telugu. It was the first 24-hour Indian language broadcast service in the world. It serves as a source of information and entertainment for Malaysian Indians.

Etymology

The station was formerly known as Radio 6 and Radio Malaysia Channel 6.

History

Tamil language broadcast in Malaysia started in 1946 together with the three other major languages spoken, namely Malay, English and Mandarin. Initially the programmes were aired from Singapore, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. A well-known broadcaster Mr. Tanjai Thomas supervised Tamil Broadcast from Kuala Lumpur.

During the Japanese occupation in World War II, the broadcast was known as JMPK. T.S. Shanmugam was then the head of Tamil Broadcast. Programmes were then transmitted at the Oriental Building in Mountbatten Road (now Jalan Tun Perak).

When Emergency was declared during the Communist threat in British Malaya in 1948, a special broadcast called " Emergency " was aired along the normal broadcast.

In 1951, Radio Malaya converted a ward in Hospital Tang Ling into a recording studio.

In 1956, the Federal House near Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur became the official Radio House.

Audience shows were later introduced in 1957 when a programme called Kalappadam made its debut. The format of the programme is retained today because of its popularity. Its first programme was broadcast from KL Town Hall (now Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur). In September 1957, a special stage programme dedicated to Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman was held in Taman Tasik Perdana, Kuala Lumpur as part of the celebrations of Malaysia's independence. The news bulletins were then aired from Singapore, while programmes such as regional news, classical music, radio plays were produced in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Tanjai Thomas, A. Peter, S. Swaminathan, A.R. Iyer, Rama Iyer, Haneef and Sundaraju Govindasamy were the pioneers in Tamil Broadcasting in Malaysia.

In 1961, R. Balakrishnan became the Head of Indian services. During his leadership, the Indian service bloomed and transmission hours were extended. The Tamil broadcast then changed its name to Bahagian India.

In 1970, the name was changed again to Rangkaian Merah and the unit system was introduced in Malaysia.

In the mid-1970s, Kamala Desigan became the first lady to head the service. The service underwent further expansion under the leadership of Mr Ganapathy and Mr Appadurai. During this period the unit system was abolished and Rangkaian Merah was renamed as Radio 6.

In 1994, V. Poobalan took over as the controller of Radio 6. During his leadership, Radio 6 switched to full FM transmission and became the first 24-hour Indian language broadcast service in the world. The new look and feel of the service was launched on 1 July 1997. The station became very popular among listeners and sponsors as it became more commercial to appeal to a broad base of audience.

In 2001, Universiti Sains Malaysia graduate B. Parthasarathee became the new head of Radio 6. Among the new programmes introduced were Kuralamutham, Vetriyalar Or Arimugam and Ennanggal Vananggal.

On 1 April 2005, Radio 6 was rebranded to Minnal FM. Mr Parthasarathee played an important role in the rebranding process as the head of the section. The rebranding launch was made at Audiotorium Perdana, Angkasapuri, Kuala Lumpur by the then-Minister of Information, Datuk Seri Kadir Sheikh Fadzir. false

In 2006, Minnal FM appointed the new head for the section (Minnal FM), Mr Rajasekaran until 2009 and he was transferred due to personnel conduct in managing the station and reappointed B.Parthasarathee again. However Mr.Rajasekaran was promoted and appointed to Minnalfm again in 2010 and later regain removed due to his personnel conduct and mismanagement by higher authorities. Currently with no choice junior for the position and management Mr.S.Kumaran has been appointed as acting head of Minnalfm.

The DJ's heard most by listeners of Minnal FM Buvana Veramohan, Theyvekgan, Suganya, Hari, Mogan, LogeswaryGanesan,Tiya,Kavitha,SasiRavin,Punitha Subramaniam, and Prema Krishnan.

Early morning from 6am till 10am listeners will be tuning into MinnalFM's morning show, Kaalai Kathir hosted by Theyvekgan and Buvana Veramohan. From 10am till 2pm, Ullaasam Urtchagam will be focusing on masala of varieties of regional songs. Ennanggal Vannanggal will be airing from 2pm till 5pm churning out oldies. 5pm till 8pm, Aanatha Thenkatre songs will focus on soft and soothing songs of 80s and 90s. 8pm till 12am Natchatira Megam will be airing non-stop 55 minutes of Malayaalam, Telugu and Tamil songs. 12am to 3am Thalathuthey Vaanam is a special segment dedicated to listeners where they can call-in or send in their text message ( SMS ) to dedicate songs. 3am till 6am Uthaya Kaalam will be focusing on devotional songs, instrumental music and melody songs.

Frequency

Frequencies	Broadcast area	Transmitter site
92.3 MHz	Kuala Lumpur	Kuala Lumpur Tower
96.3 MHz	Selangor	Gunung Ulu Kali
96.7 MHz	Kedah, Perlis and Penang	Gunung Jerai
98.9 MHz	Ipoh, Perak	Gunung Keledang
90.5 MHz	Seremban, Negeri Sembilan	Gunung Telapak Buruk
103.3 MHz	Malacca and North Johor	Gunung Ledang
101.1 MHz	Johor Bahru, Johor and Singapore	Gunung Pulai
107.9 MHz	Taiping, Perak	Bukit Larut
103.3 MHz	Kuantan, Pahang	Bukit Pelindung
87.9 MHz	Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu	Bukit Besar
106.7 MHz	Kota Bharu, Kelantan	Telipot

• Astro & NJOI CH 873
• MyFreeview CH 703

External links

• Official website