Local radio buffs can say good-bye to confusion over a hotchpotch of radio programs broadcast on different channels, as 10 consolidated radio frequencies, with clear focus, will take the place of the present 11 frequencies in the wee hours of Monday, the Shanghai Media Group announced yesterday.

"The reform of radio programs is a must, and each frequency will then be reshaped with a much clearer focus, thus avoiding several frequencies broad-casting the same content," said Zhu Yonglei, president of SMG, which operates the city's all television and radio stations.

The 10 specialized radio frequencies will cover news, traffic information, folk opera, sagas, pop music and economics, reversing a former condition that Shanghai East Radio Station, which operated five frequencies, and Shanghai Radio Station, with six, broadcast their own programs, many of whose contents overlapped.

The group did many surveys to seek audience's views on programs before launching the reform.

In the new scheme of things, news will be broadcast round-the-clock to keep pace with the fast-changing world, where previously it used to be under 18 hours.

"Anytime you turn on the radio, you will get the most updated news from home and abroad," Zhu added. "The news frequency will not only cover Shanghai, but the Yangtze River Delta areas as well."

Music lovers will get a chance to hear live broadcast of concerts in Shanghai, Beijing and even the Grammy Awards in the U.S., the group said.

Last December, a similar program reform was carried out at the city's two television stations - Shanghai Tele-vision and Oriental TV.