While YFM is working on its detailed programme content and airtime, Radio Valley initiated by the proprietor of Gaseb Group, Kinley Chozom, plans to go on air 12 hours a day with a focus on entertainment. “Our programme will be tailor made and will change to suit the moods of the audience,” said a spokesperson for the radio.

The brainchild of Radio Valley, a civil engineer, said that the station would play music that would suit the taste of all age groups. “We will make sure that no one is left out,” he said.

The stations also plans to have permanent feature programmes on education, culture and environment targeted at students. “We will also provide our station as a platform for music enthusiasts,” said the spokesperson.

Radio YFM, according to its spokesman, plans to have programmes depending on volunteers composed of both parents and children. “We have to make programmes that appeal to the masses and entertainment and education would be our focus,” said the spokesman.

Attracting listeners, both stations perceive, would be the biggest challenge. “It should not be difficult if we air interesting programmes,” the spokesperson for Radio Valley said. “Most people are not interested in listening to radio because we do not have programmes that appeal to all groups of audience. We have to change that,” he added.

The director for Information and Media Authority, Tshering Yonten, said that there had been many applicants to start private media long before the Media Act was passed by the National Assembly in June. “This is a healthy and a positive trend,” he said. ‘We will issue the license soon after we prepare proper guidelines and procedures in accordance with the Media Act.”

Two people have also applied for license to start a monthly and a quarterly magazine with the department. So far, no one has applied for private television station.