A group of non-Communist political advisors proposed a uniform radio frequency so that listeners across China could easily tune in the news programs of China National Radio, particularly in state of emergencies.

"The broadcaster should be incorporated into China's emergency responding network to ensure listeners can tune in its programs from everywhere, including the remote countryside, expressways, trains, ships, airports and subway stations," said Cao Ya, a member of the 11th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, on the sideline of the annual political advisory session.

Cao, representing the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, set forth the proposal with eight other members of the non-Communist political party during a visit to China National Radio on Saturday.

The national broadcaster played an important role when the worst winter storm hit central, southern and eastern provinces in January and February, he said.

When televisions blacked out with power failures and all other means of communication became impossible, "Voice of China", aired 17 hours a day by the national radio, was the lifeline for millions of people stranded in darkness or on highways.

Battery-powered radios were also among the most important relief materials to the snowstorm-plagued provinces.

But as the band and radio frequency differed from place to place, many people complained they could not easily tune in the program, said Cao.

"Emergency radio service is also part of China's contingency plan," he said.

Besides a better emergency service, a uniform frequency would also enable more farmers to access China National Radio programs and meet the growing demand from urbanites, particularly drivers.

(Xinhua News Agency March 9, 2008)