RCS Provides Technology
RCS and its new Zetta automation system is to play a role in helping to re-establish communications within some of the worst-hit areas of Japan, following the recent earthquakes and tsunami.
With at least a quarter of a million displaced survivors living in temporary shelters, a well-known Tokyo television personality has started a project to provide temporary community radio stations at some of the worst-hit disaster areas.
Many of the people who lost everything, are desperate for the latest news and information – particularly about their devastated towns and cities. The temporary network of at least 20 FM radio stations, will help fill the information void. Where other media is available – such as Internet – this will also be used.
The initiative, with the guidance and support of Japan’s Ministry of General Affairs, has also attracted some other big players, such as telecoms giant, NTT DoCoMo, and Sky Perfect TV which is providing satellite broadcasting links to help distribute content.
RCS immediately responded to the request from Japanese broadcasters to provide free licenses for Zetta, which will be used to provide a musical sustaining service for the network of community stations. Each station will opt in at certain set points to give local news and information updates.
As well as providing expertise from within Japan itself, RCS will also support Japanese broadcasters with resources out of its Thailand and Malaysian offices.
RCS President/CEO, Philippe Generali, commented: « We are pleased to be able to provide our very latest software technology to assist in re-establishing local radio operations in some of the worst-affected parts of Japan. At this time, hundreds of thousands of people are living in temporary shelters and they are desperate for news and information. This initiative brings together some big players who are going to do whatever they can to get a temporary FM network up and running and providing the necessary hardware – including listening devices – for the people. »