Cii Broadcasts on FM frequency in the Maldives

In a ground breaking and historic radio initiative, South African satellite radio station, Channel Islam International began broadcasting on a FM frequency in the Maldives. The project in collaboration with the Maldives Media Company is expected to increase Cii’s listernership by at least 300.000.

President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom this week officially launched Cii/DhiFM 95.2 which is the first Maldivian private radio station. Speaking at the ceremony at the Nasandra Palace Hotel, The President congratulated Maldives Media Co. Pvt. Ltd for starting the first private radio station. He said that a free and vibrant media is a priority of the government's democratic reform agenda. Director of MMC Ahmed Saleem also spoke at the ceremony. He highlighted the objectives of MMC and said the station would be working closely with Cii and that 60% of its content will come from South Africa. Cii’s Broadcasting Director, Omar Farouk Hoosein and head of news and current affairs Zahid Asmal were invited to the launch in the Maldivian capital, Male.

Hoosen said he was pleased to be involved in leading-edge partnerships and in particular to support the development of the people of Maldives. He added that this partnership enables smaller stations to work alongside industry leaders, like Cii, to take the first steps in delivering high-quality content. Asmal called the initiative “A major breakthrough that will provide Maldives listeners with a greatly enhanced listening experience.” Asmal was confident that new international partnerships will be announced in the near future, in line with Cii’s vision to take alternative voices to the world and bring the world to South Africa. Meanwhile, Cii has confirmed that it will vacate its current Lenasia base in the coming months. The station is to relocate to new modern offices and state of the art studios in Ormonde, Johannesburg. The Maldivian President praised Cii for accepting the invitation to broadcast on the islands and said he was looking forward to enjoying quality programming that will inform, educate and stimulate the public.