MARK Byford, director of British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) World Service, yesterday launched BBC 104 FM — a 24-hour local radio station carrying regional programming from the BBC’s Caribbean Service combined with international news, current affairs, arts and entertainment.

“This is a really important development for the BBC and I am delighted we have been able to respond to audience wishes for the BBC to be available 24 hours a day,” Byford told the launch ceremony at the Hilton Kingston Hotel.

The 70 year-old BBC already broadcasts programming from its World and Caribbean Services on 40 partner stations across the Caribbean with 12 in Jamaica and a total regional audience of one million. In addition, the corporation has 2,000 rebroadcasting facilities, with 24-hour programming, across the world.

“We are pleased that Jamaica is the first such service in the Caribbean,” Byford noted.

He disclosed that the Jamaican relay station was established at a cost of US$300,000 and was comprised of five transmitters strategically placed across the island: Coopers Hill in St Andrew, Oracabessa in St Mary, Spur Tree in Manchester, Mount Airy/Negril in Hanover and Flower Hill in St James.

The BBC paid the Jamaican Government the initial fee of US$3,500 for a non-commercial licence and is expected to pay an annual licensing fee of US$2,500 to operate BBC 104 FM.

According to Orin Gordon, acting head of the BBC Caribbean Service, the decision to establish a relay station in Jamaica was influenced by the size and “sophisticated” nature of the radio market here.

At the same time Gordon said the corporation also intended to “forge a synthesis between the comprehensive coverage of local news provided by local FM partner stations and Caribbean and world news from the BBC”.

BBC executives also expressed a willingness to collaborate with local stations and professionals.

“We are looking at all kinds of ways to collaborate with more radio stations in Jamaica and the Caribbean,” said Gordon.

The BBC’s Byford also paid tribute to the late Hugh Crosskill, former head of the BBC Caribbean Service and a regular contributor to its World Service output. Crosskill was fatally shot by a security guard at a medical complex in Kingston a few months ago.

Said Byford: “Hugh played an important part in shaping the way the BBC broadcasts in the Caribbean. He understood the region, the importance of independent journalism and the contribution the BBC could make. He inspired us to continue his work.”

The BBC’s domestic service is financed by proceeds from a licence fee charged to consumers in the United Kingdom. The World Service is financed by an annual grant from the British foreign ministry. The station operates under a charter that ensures its independence of government and impartiality in reporting.