A radio station catering to the expatriate community in Bahrain has gone off the air since Sunday.

Radio Mirchi 104.2 FM, which was airing infotainment programmes 24/7 in Hindi and Malayalam, is currently running back to back Arabic music.

At least 12 people employed as radio jockeys and administrative staff by Al Nasher Adline Bahrain which ran the station have lost their jobs.

However, staff confirmed to the GDN they were informed a month ago that the radio station would go off the air on October 15.

Low revenue coupled with reportedly high fees charged by the Information Affairs Ministry led to losses resulting in the company shutting down the station, according to sources.

LOSSES

“High fees did not match the income and the company suffered huge losses in the past two years,” a source told the GDN.

“The ministry has been informed officially and the radio is off air; the frequency is currently airing Arabic music.

“Staff was given a month’s notice and paid salaries including for the extra two days they worked beyond the notice period.”

The company called off its franchise contract with India’s Radio Mirchi on October 1, added the source.

104.2FM is one of the 10 stations broadcast in Bahrain and the only one leased out to a private company.

In 2017, Al Nasher Adline won a bid to secure a five-year contract in 2017 to lease the frequency.

It remains unclear if the frequency will now be offered to the second bidder or fresh bids will be invited.

The ministry could not be reached for comment yesterday while the company is expected to release a statement soon.

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