New transmitter re-ignites dzFE-FM classical music broadcast

MANILA, Philippines – The launch of a new transmitter gives a long-awaited boost to the only terrestrial radio station for classical music in the Greater Manila Area.

Following three weeks of testing, 98.7 dzFE-FM “The Master’s Touch” commissioned its new Nautel NV20 transmitter on April 20. dzFE-FM is now broadcasting at a transmitting power output of 10 kilowatts.

Previous to this, since shifting its transmitting site to Antipolo City from Makati City in April 2005, dzFE operated from a leased 5kW transmitter. Problems with this equipment brought down average transmitting power output to 2kW before the transmitter gave way altogether and took the station off the air for two weeks in October 2008. When dzFE resumed broadcast, it was on a transmitting power output of one kilowatt.

With the recent commissioning of the new transmitter, the P11.5-million effort to improve dzFE’s signal coverage of Metro Manila comes close to completion. Signal testing is ongoing; findings may deem it necessary for dzFE to apply for NTC permission to transmit at higher than 10kW.

Listeners are encouraged to submit their feedback on reception. Data should include an assessment of quality (whether the reception has improved, remained the same or deteriorated); listening location, date and time; whether or not tall buildings are present to the east of the location; and any other observations regarding signal quality. Feedback may be sent by e-mail to [email protected], posted as a comment on dzFE’s online transmission bulletin (found on the station website, dzfe.febc.ph), or sent through text by keying in followed by a space and the requested data, and sending the SMS to 2299.

On June 1, dzFE marks its 55th year of broadcast. The station is part of the Far East Broadcasting Company network of radio stations, established in 1948 to bring Christ to the world by radio. dzFE works to foster a joint appreciation of classical music and Christian spirituality, sharing the biblical Gospel of God’s Kingdom, and exploring its dynamic, richness, and scope in the tradition of classical music.

After operating on shorter broadcast hours for several years, dzFE returned to an 18-hour, six-day broadcast in June last year. Preparations are underway to fully restore the broadcast to its original daily schedule early next year. 

dzFE is a non-profit, non-commercial outfit; its operations and projects are sustained by donations from supporters. Interested supporters can contact dzFE at tel 810 3835, e-mail [email protected] or visit website dzfe.febc.ph.