Lite FM turns 13

HAfter hitting the airwaves on this day back in 1999, Sri Lanka’s pioneer Adult Contemporary (AC) radio station Lite FM (part of the TNL Radio Network) has remained firm in its domination of the 30 to 45 year segment, with a cross section of programs that engage the AC listener.

Today, 13 years on, the station uses various tools such as Facebook, online messaging and texting to create a two-way communication stream with the listener, enabling them to get closer to audiences and deliver exactly what they want, which has in turn, strengthened listener loyalty.
Playing today’s best variety – artists like Phil Collins, Police, Adele, Taylor Swift, Sting, Kelly Clarkson and Don Henley, flagship on-air programs include the Lite Café with Danny, Lite Drive with Carlene, the Rymond Reed Show and the Mirror Top 20.
Talking about the station’s anniversary, TNL Radio Network Manager Programming Bimalee de Silva said: “In a world which offers a range of entertainment devices, Lite FM stands apart with a unique blend of ingredients that directly caters to our listeners. What we offer our listeners is the best quality programming that actively engages our audience. On behalf of everyone at Lite FM and TNL Radio Network, I thank you, our loyal listener, for your integral part in making Lite FM the success story that it is today.”
The station now focuses on reality driven content and is known for active interaction with listeners through a variety of media ranging from its Facebook page to the recently tweaked www.litefm.me which provides a custom made entertainment source directed to the Lite FM target demographic with movie reviews, book reviews, quick and easy recipes, voting options for the Mirror Top 20 and more.
On the station’s commercial appeal and success, TNL Radio Network Sales and Marketing Director Dharaka Abeywickrama said: “Thirteen years of experience in providing a blend of music and information has been the key to our success.”
With state-of-the-art digital technology, Lite FM broadcasts on 89.2 in Colombo, 92.5 in the South, 98.2 in Kandy, islandwide on 90 FM and worldwide on www.litefm.me.  
TNL Radio Network Head of Engineering Uditha Silva explaining what goes on behind the mic to provide quality sound said: “Lite FM uses state of the art equipment and technology to give us yet another competitive advantage. Lite FM is the proud owner of Sri Lanka’s only digital IP Console (mixer) and LIVEWIRE technology in the country, which is one of the many reasons the station is ‘clearly’ set apart.”
Adding to Silva’s comments, TNL Radio Network Assistant Manager Production Lakshitha Dewasinghe stated: “Over the past 13 years, we’ve strived and achieved our goal of creating quality radio in Sri Lanka. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest wishes to the loyal fans of LITE FM who have helped us achieve this goal.”
In commemoration of the station’s 13th birthday, the newly-revamped Karin Hatch Live is scheduled to hit the airwaves in March. The show speaks directly to the issues related to the AC lifestyle by highlighting topics as marriage, relationships, child and family related issues, finances and will take place every week night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Other commemorations for the station entering ‘teen-hood’ include the club favourite show – which will be put together this year with a twist – ‘Flashback to the Future’ – featuring DJs Wendell, Taariq and live music from The Rebels on 3 March from 9 p.m. onwards at Silk.