Starcom Network

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Starcom Network began its life as Radio Distribution (Barbados) Limited, with the network's introduction of the first broadcast station then located at Wildey, St. Michael in 1935. At that time, the comany transmited its broadcast signal using an established cable network system, known as subscription radio. As the only radio station in Barbados- until the first wireles radio station 900 AM was started in 1963, subscribers used to pay for the radio on a monthly bases. The Rediffusion service was then broadcasted via cable to textured wood finished receivers that were a wall-mounted speaker-device. Each device was connected to wires via telephone poles all the way back to the studio. The premier presenters were Alfred Pragnell, Olga Lopes-Seale, Maurice Novell and Ellis. It was broadcasted from 4.00 pm to 10.00 pm. Later because of a lot of people liking the programming, it was then it expanded, featuring soap operas of the day. With the passge of time, the Barbados Rediffusion closed on November 30 1997.

The Voice of Barbados then at the frequency 790 AM was introduced in 1981, as Barbados' second wireless radio station. With the change from 790 AM to 92.9 FM it became as Barbados' first FM station. Sister station "Yess 104.1 FM" (now known as Love FM) was Barbados' first station that broadcasted in a full 24-hour rotation. Hott FM started on December 1 1997 as the Starcom's second FM station by the company. The company also started selling television and other electronic items for consumers. Starcom also started the resale of US-based DirecTV service. It changed to StarCom in 1999. With studio headquarters now located on Harbour Road in capital city Bridgetown, St. Michael in Barbados, West Indies.