DUSHANBE, January 12, Asia-Plus - The TV and Radio-broadcasting Committee head Asadullo Rahmonov told a news conference in Dushanbe today that Tajik state radio will have been shifted to the digital format by April 10.

According to him, a total cost of this project is $300,000.  “A part of funds has been allocated from the country’s budget and the other part of this amount has been made from commercial activity of the committee,” Rahmonov noted, adding that installation of the digital equipment will have been finished by April 10.  

The committee head also noted that they plan to modernize the children’s TV channel Bahoriston as well.  The details of this project will be known in March, according to him.  

The committee also plans to introduce new technologies to launch satellite broadcasts of Tajik television to other countries.  “The project will be finished in 2008,” Asadullo Rahmonov said.  На реализацию проекта потребуется один год и завершится он в 2008 году.

“At present broadcasts of TVT and TV Safina may be picked up in other countries through the satellite system LMI-1,” said Rahmonov, “The satellite television for other countries is organized for the purpose of making them better informed of events taking place in Tajikistan, as well as culture and traditions of the Tajik people.” 

He also noted that the committee plans to start the construction of multi-story residential building (60-100 apartments) for its employees this year.