NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025 7 RADIO JAMAICA 75TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | AUGUST 31, 2025 company introduced a rediffusion service in 1951, which distributed the radio signal via wire to customers, signi cantly expanding its listener base. This development coincided with the station’s move to ‘Broadcast House’ at 32 Lyndhurst Road, leading to the station being known as RJR (Radio Jamaica and Re-diffusion). RJR broadcasted 19¼ hours daily, continuing with recorded music through the night after midnight sign-off. This rediffusion service operated for 17 years, until 1968. The station’s resilience was demonstrated during the 1951 Hurricane Charlie on August 17, when it provided extensive coverage of the natural disaster. Jamaica turned to RJR, highlighting its crucial role in delivering timely and comprehensive news during national emergencies. By 1953, Radio Jamaica had pioneered FM broadcasting in the British Commonwealth with the installation of FM transmitters at Coleyville and Tinson Pen. The station was tasked with islandwide coverage, initially setting up approximately 200 wireless receiving sets at designated listening posts, such as schools, police stations, and village stores. RJR emerged as the nation’s premier source of diverse programming, including music, news, religious content, radio dramas, and entertainment. As the Government established its own public broadcasting entity, the Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation, the Jamaica Broadcasting Company, which had licensed Radio Jamaica, was rebranded as Radio Jamaica Limited. RJR evolved into more than a Radio Jamaica & Rediffusion – Broadcast House 1960s. PLEASE SEE GENESIS, 8 On 75 years of broadcasting excellence. For decades, you have kept Jamaicans informed, inspired and connected. We salute your legacy and wish for you many more years of success.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=