Lao National Radio 2024
On many occasions the main station in Vientiane appeared to be very run down. Much of the old equipment was still in place but no longer functional, and an air of despondency was conveyed by the staff whom I met. They were badly in need of a makeover. Besides, the station as we knew it had been commissioned in 1960 by Prince Souphanna Phouma and was a source of pride and prestige until 1975 when the traditional foreign aid was withdrawn and a new administration was ushered in. The original management had left the country while a few technicians (who still remembered me) still remained to maintain the equipment. And it remained that way until 2022 when a massive injection of funds from other Asian countries brought about massive facelift at all levels.
SECTION 5 Lao National Radio
LNR FM tower
Tower site opposite Vientiane studios
Main LNR studios and offices
The original LNR headquarters still stands after being open by Prince Souvanna Phouma in 1960
Another view of LNR in Vientiane
Not much has changed in external appearance in 60 years
Original official opening plaque
Records official 1960 opening by prime minister Prince Souvanna Phouma
One of many Control Room monitors
These panels show the various outputs processed through the Control Room
In the newly refurbished Control Room
An amazing transformation that had been a long time coming
LNR Control Room
A colorful set of digital equipment
A display of original equipment
Samples of the old analogue equipment from the 1960s on display
Modern studio control room
A transformed digital studio
Drama, music and TV control
The main production studio control
Music, drama and TV studio
Originally for music production this large studio has wider range
At the mike in drama studio
We had some fun at the microphone
The side passage
Transport parking along side
Korean aid to LNR
Vehicle donated through Korean aid
LNR main entrance
The same facade with a new inscription
LNR Communications Tower
For the FM coverage of Vientiane and district