Radio Nepal (Nepali: रेडियो नेपाल) is the state-owned Radio broadcasting organisation of Nepal. It was established on 2 April 1951. Radio Nepal airs programs on shortwave, medium wave (AM) and FM frequencies.
Regular broadcasts consume sixteen hours every day, including two hours of regional broadcasts. Public holidays feature an additional two hours. FM Kathmandu, the first FM channel covering Kathmandu valley and adjoining areas, was started in 1995 in Singha Durbar, Kathmandu.
On 19 May 2016, An environmental song, Melancholy was recorded by 365 renowned Nepali singers and musicians in a single day at the Radio Nepal studio.[1][2]
In 2016 Radio Nepal had six medium wave relay stations, one shortwave relay station, and 20 FM relay stations. Broadcasts are available online. Radio Nepal broadcasts six different programs from satellite.
In 2024, Radio Nepal airing on these medium wave (MW/AM) frequencies; 576 kHz, 648 kHz, 1143 kHz, 810 kHz, 684 kHz, and 792 kHz.
Transmission coverage of the MW transmitters is able to reach the 80 and 90% of the population of nation.
History
In 1951, Radio Prajatantra was transferred to Kathmandu at Singha Durbar by Tarini Prasad Koirala[citation needed], where it took the name Radio Nepal and started regular broadcasting on April 2, 1951. A 250-watt short-wave transmitter was used. Initially, daily transmission lasted 4 hours and 30 minutes.
On April 2, 1994, regional centers began regional broadcasting services.
The Radio Nepal Broadcasting Act was enacted in 2014.
Radio Nepal's first Transmission Device
Stations
Inside a Radio Nepal studio during a live talk showCoverage map of Radio Nepal
Radio Nepal and Development of Nepali Songs and Music
Radio Nepal has been producing and presenting songs and music of different genres in different languages spoken in Nepal since its establishment for the national integrity and upliftment of Nepali art and culture. In order to present the wanted songs by the listeners, Radio Nepal also organizes modern song competitions from 1965.[4] From Narayan Gopal, Bhaktaraj Acharya, Deep Shrestha to Ram Krishna Dhakal, Anju Panta, Danney Noraula, Shiva Pariyar have been grown from Radio Nepal. Likewise, Kiran Kharel, Ratnashamser Thapa, and Kaliparsad Rijal from the old generation to the lyricists Ramesh Dahal, Mahesh Acharya, Rajkumar Bagar, Ramesh Chhitiz, Ramesh Paudel started and have been grown from Radio Nepal.[5]
Modern Song Competition of Radio Nepal has its specialty and importance for Nepali music workers [6]
Winners of the Modern Song Competition organized by Radio Nepal
2022: Sweta Mainali (best lyrics), Khadga Gandarbha (best music composer) and Mamata Gurung (best singing)[7]
2021: Mahesh Paudel (best lyrics), Ramesh Subedi (best music composer) and Rajkumar Sundas ( Bhojpur) (best singing)[8]
2020: Ramesh Dahal (best lyrics), Shankar Smile Thapa (best music composer) and Shubhash Mandal(best singing)[9]
2017: Padma Likha Magar (best lyrics), Santosh Shrestha (music composition), and CD Bijaya Adhikari (singing)[10]
