MUMBAI: After All India Radio revamped its FM stations across the four metros, it has now expanded to Mangalore station and made changes within its structure. While on one hand it has extended its broadcast timings, it is also set to change its transmission to digital radio module (DRM) within the next year.

Being amongst the first stations to go DRM, AIR Mangalore will change its transmission to digital within the next year. The shift is already in process to improve the quality of transmission and geographical area of coverage.

Speaking with Radioandmusic.com on the change, AIR Mangalore station head Ramesh Chandran said, “The process of shifting to digital transmission has already begun and will be complete within the next year. Another change that we have recently witnessed is the extension in broadcast timings. We were propelled to undertake the change due to increasing popularity and listenership, and are now aiming to develop more programmes for our audience.”

With the FM station gradually attaining popularity, the channel found it mandatory to change its broadcast timings from 11:30am-3:05pm to 5:55am- 3:05pm. The evening transmission will start at 5.30pm and end at 11.05pm. The changes will be effective from 25 November.

The move is aimed to highlight the growing popularity and also improve the programs aired on the station. It will play Kannada and Hindi film songs during this period along with other sponsored programmes.