BARBADIANS will now have the opportunity to easily access BBC World Service with the launch of a relay station, 92.1 FM.

Head of BBC Caribbean, Debbie Ransome said the new station reinforced the London-based broadcaster's presence not only in Barbados but also in the Caribbean, a "key broadcast market".

She was speaking yesterday at the launch held at Hilton Barbados, Needham's Point, St Michael.

Ransome said there will also be more online packages, giving local and regional producers the opportunity to be part of the "BBC family".

Head of Business Development Americas Region, Heather Maclean said with the online medium, "there is an opportunity to expand and give more links to local broadcasters to increase content."

"We are currently revamping our online [medium], but once revamped we would be looking to partner in the region not only online, but also in radio," she added.

The BBC World Service, with more than 1 000 correspondents, is heard in more than 50 partner-stations.

Tony Phillips, senior commissioning editor, said the new relay station "gives the opportunity for everyone to connect with 188 million listeners every week . . . and the opportunity of sharing and swapping programmes."

Americo Martins, executive regional editor for the Americas said the launch "shows commitment to the region . . . we are trying to work more with the local stations making the BBC Caribbean more and more open." (TM)