NBC Western back on air after seven years

Former Director Provincial Radio for NBC Western, Sam Sabiyam live on air after the restoration of the radio service in Daru on Monday. (NBC News)

Radio coverage in Western Province is set to reach more communities, with NBC Western’s restored broadcast service extending to Morehead, Kondobol, Balimo and Wipim.

NBC Western’s local radio service had been off air since June 2019 after its transmitter was mounted on a Telikom tower that was later decommissioned. The service has now been restored with the transmitter relocated to a PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP)-owned tower.

The expanded coverage follows a K1.8 million investment by PNGSDP to upgrade FM transmission infrastructure in Daru and install relay equipment in the four remote communities.

PNGSDP Chief Executive Officer Lesieli Taviri said the project took a year of planning and coordination to complete.

“Through an investment of K1.8 million, SDP partnered with NBC to upgrade the FM transmission infrastructure in Daru and install relay equipment on four SDP-owned towers at Morehead, Kondobol, Balimo and Wipim. Delivering this work required careful planning and coordination over one full year,” Ms Taviri said.

She said the partnership combines NBC’s broadcasting mandate and technical expertise with PNGSDP’s investment and delivery support.

Ms Taviri said the agreement also provides for PNGSDP to recover its investment through airtime provided by NBC over several years. The airtime will be used to share information about PNGSDP programs in agriculture, education, health and other areas that support communities.

She said the restored service would also give the Western Provincial Government and other partners another channel to share information with the people.

“The restored service also provides a channel for the Provincial Government and other partners to communicate with our people. SDP is pleased to work with NBC to bring back the Voice of the Sunset to the people of Western Province,” she said.

NBC Deputy Managing Director, Michael Samuga, chatting with PNGSDP's Chief Operating Officer, David O'Farrell at the NBC radio station in Daru. (NBC News)

NBC Managing Director Kora Nou said the resumption of local broadcasting from the Daru station was made possible through the partnership and funding support from PNGSDP.

“Such positive outcomes are the end result of stakeholders working with the NBC to bring broadcast services closer to our people.

“This is a hugely positive development; and I acknowledge the ongoing support of the SDP that has now enabled NBC Western to resume local broadcast from our studio in Daru.

“As much as we try, NBC alone cannot continue to effectively deliver this important national service; we need all key stakeholders to partner with us,” Mr Nou said.

Mr Nou also highlighted the importance of reliable communication during the prevailing El Niño conditions.

“With the effects of El Niño being felt in communities, access to timely and reliable information is critical. NBC’s provincial stations play an important role in communicating public advisories and emergency information, helping communities stay informed and prepared,” he said.

He said strong provincial broadcasting services would also be important ahead of the 2027 National General Elections.

“As we prepare for the 2027 general elections, strong provincial broadcasting services will again be crucial in ensuring people have access to public information, civic education, and election-related awareness,” Mr Nou said.

Meanwhile, NBC’s 95.5 FM signal reaches as far as Kiunga, Tabubil, Ningerum, Telefomin and Olsobip. The signal is also received across the Torres Strait Islands, including Saibai, Boigu, Dauan and Stephen Island, as well as coastal villages extending to Bula.