No.163 Expansion of Tokyo Fuchu FM Broadcast Area and Conclusion of Disaster Agreement

On July 15, Inagi City and the General Incorporated Association Tokyo Fuchu FM signed an "Agreement on Request Broadcasts in the Event of Disasters."

This organization operates a community radio station. This community broadcasting station is an FM radio station that provides information closely connected to the local area, playing an important role as a source of useful information for daily life and as a means of communication during disasters. Unlike major TV and radio stations, it holds a broadcasting license limited to specific municipalities, and during normal times, it conducts community-focused and resident-participatory broadcasts. In the event of a disaster, it collaborates with local governments to provide real-time information on evacuation centers, lifeline status, safety confirmations, and more.

The General Incorporated Association Tokyo Fuchu FM has been operating "Radio Fuchuze 87.4MHz," and recently, with the approval for output enhancement accompanying the update of the broadcasting antenna, the broadcast area has been expanded from within Fuchu City to include most of Inagi City and part of Kunitachi City.

The expansion of this broadcast area began operation on July 25, and along with that, the station name was changed to "Radio TAMA River" from July 1. It is said that this station name was decided through a public contest.

Radio is said to be a media resilient to disasters. During the Great East Japan Earthquake, major media tended to focus on wide-area information, which led to a renewed recognition of the importance of local community-based broadcasting stations, and the number of community broadcasting stations increased after the earthquake.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website, there are currently broadcasting stations in the Tama area located in Hachioji, Tachikawa, Musashino, Fuchu, Chofu, Higashimurayama, Komae, Higashikurume, and Nishitokyo.

There were some opinions that it would be nice if a station could be opened in Inagi City as well, but due to low profitability, challenges in acquiring sponsors, the implementing entity of the project, and sustainability issues, it was difficult to carry out independently. However, we are very grateful for the recent expansion of the broadcast range of Radio Fuchu.

The purpose of this agreement is to establish the broadcasting of information to inform citizens based on the Inagi City Regional Disaster Prevention Plan in the event of an earthquake, wind and flood damage, or other disasters occurring or likely to occur within Inagi City. Going forward, it will be possible to request broadcasts regarding (1) matters that need to be communicated from the occurrence of a large-scale earthquake until recovery, (2) matters that need to be communicated concerning wind and flood damage, and (3) matters that need to be communicated when various other disasters occur or are likely to occur.

Broadcasting during disasters is provided free of charge, but regular broadcasts can be held for a fee.

To commemorate the expansion of this area, there are already cases where Inagi City residents appear on existing programs, and the city also intends to work with Radio TAMA River to commercialize announcements and other information from the city.

Everyone, please support 87.4MHz.