60 years ago, on December 28, 1965, the Orissaare mast began broadcasting television and radio. This was a major event for the residents of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
The Orissaare mast is 180 meters tall. Similar masts are also located in Pärnu and Tartu. They were built at the same time. Today, Levira has 22 masts across Estonia.
Initially, the mast only broadcast black and white television and two radio programs. In 1974, color television began operating in Saaremaa. At that time, there were 10 color televisions in Saaremaa.
The Orissaare mast has five transmitters. They broadcast over 20 different television programs. The mast still works well.
Since 2023, the mast has also been broadcasting digital radio. Levira says that television viewership has increased over the years. Now, 221,000 people watch television over the air.
The mast no longer broadcasts radio. But if it receives a signal from the world, it works. This is interesting.
In 1966, ETV began regularly broadcasting programs. In 1974, color television arrived. In 1978, radio began broadcasting stereo programs.
In 1997, radio switched to FM frequency. In 1999, the television format changed. In 2010, analog television ceased operation. In 2025, DAB+ digital radio will begin operating in Orissaare.