FM Setagaya starts broadcasting today

Tokyo's ninth community FM radio station hits the airwaves today at noon in Setagaya Ward.

FM Setagaya, capitalized at 120 million yen, is a joint venture of Setagaya Ward and 31 businesses. With a maximum output of 10 watts, programs can be heard within the ward and in parts of neighboring Meguro, Shibuya and Suginami wards. An estimated 2 million potential listeners can tune into the station at 83.4 MHz, according to FM Setagaya.

The station will provide local residents with area-specific information, including updates on weather, traffic, community events, restaurants and shops. Programs produced by junior high, high school and university students in the ward will also be aired.

Five staff members will run the station with the help of 52 local volunteers reporting from street corners. In the event of disasters and emergencies, the radio station will provide necessary information from the local government and the volunteers.