Citizen-Participatory Suwon Community Radio 'SoneFM' Launches...Frequency FM 96.3 MHz

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Jung Jun-sung] The citizen-participatory Suwon Community Radio 'SoneFM' launched as an FM radio broadcasting station on the 13th at the Modu-da-eoul-rim Center in Maesan-dong.

The Suwon Community Radio broadcasting station established 'Suwon Village Community Media Social Cooperative' in 2021, received terrestrial broadcasting station approval from the Korea Communications Commission, and began internet broadcasting from August 2022 before launching as an FM radio broadcasting station today.

The frequency is FM 96.3 MHz, with a primary reception area within a 5km radius of the transmitter at Samil High School (Paldal-gu and Jangan-gu areas). Reception is also possible in some areas of Yeongdeungpo-gu and Gwonseon-gu. Programming airs daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Local residents will serve as the main producers, creating broadcasts on diverse topics including local information, culture, and music. Various demographic groups including children, youth, and seniors will participate to promote local businesses, and the station plans to collaborate with related departments of Suwon City to consistently deliver local news.

The launch ceremony was attended by Suwon Mayor Lee Jae-jun, Suwon City Council Chairman Kim Ki-jeong, Representatives Baek Hye-ryeon (Suwon City District 2) and Kim Young-jin (Suwon City District 3), members of the Suwon City Council and Gyeonggi Provincial Council, village media organization members, Suwon Village Community Media Social Cooperative members, Kim Hyun, standing member of the Korea Communications Commission, and local residents.

Mayor Lee Jae-jun and Council Chairman Kim Ki-jeong made special appearances on the launch broadcast to celebrate the opening of the Suwon Community Radio station.

Council Chairman Kim Ki-jeong said, "I first encountered Suwon Community Radio during an interview at Seryue Middle School, and seeing the well-equipped studio now gives me high expectations for the development of community radio."

Mayor Lee Jae-jun stated, "There are many ways people communicate, and among them, radio is the most classical and romantic," adding "I hope citizens will come together using this communication space and have many discussions."

When asked about his one-year reflection on his eighth-term administration, he said, "Thanks to all Suwon City public servants working hard together over the past year, we have achieved results and have much to be proud of. If there are any shortcomings, we will address them and work even harder."

Mayor Lee further said, "I hope the community radio will deliver warm news to citizens and be with those living in difficult circumstances, creating a great resonance in the region."