Tv & Radio News & Features Sunday August 19, 2007
Where’s the Merdeka spirit?
AIR RAVES BY ANTHONY THANASAYAN
I HAD little time to catch up with the local FM stations owing to my commitment to a major project with my favourite disabled charity which had just been completed.
After weeks of general neglect, my portable radio was reloaded with fresh batteries. But what a disappointment it was when I finally got the radio running!
Expecting the airwaves to be full of Merdeka action on a recent Friday (Aug 10), but there was hardly anything on it. It was hard to believe that this is a nation about to turn half-a-century-old.
Forget about buildings not flying enough Malaysian flags. Here were our national radio stations – RTM included – not doing much to infuse the Merdeka spirit among listeners, from 8.30pm until about 9.15pm when I tuned in.
The only two with some redeeming points were Fly fm and Hot fm, which ran frequent promos about Merdeka during that time. However, to be truly honest, they could’ve done better by airing Merdeka capsules and clips to get listeners into the patriotic spirit and mood, what with National Day being a mere three weeks away (then).
Traxx fm had a great Traxx Chart Toppers going on but unfortunately, without any Merdeka factor.
KL fm, which broadcasts in Bahasa Malaysia, was one of the worst. Not only was there not a whiff of Merdeka on its airwaves but during the hour, the male DJ annoyingly poked fun at a caller who was live on the air. The DJ then apologised to the caller, but only to laugh it all off in the next instant!
So what was Mr Grouch (me!) expecting, did you ask?
Plenty. For starters, how about ...
1. A rebroadcast of some of the old classic shows on radio? Listeners, especially the older ones, would love to hear the programmes hosted by DJs and presenters whose voices they grew up listening to. And also those unforgettable and riveting radio dramas aired by Traxx fm back when it was called The Blue Network. All this would make a wonderful 50th birthday treat for listeners.
2. Having capsules (but please don’t make them boring) about how radio was during the pre-Merdeka days right up to the present day?
3. Exclusive but short interview clips with some of our famous personalities, from politicians to singers and movie stars, about what our 50th birthday means to them? These should be aired round the clock and not only during day time.
4. Getting candid views from the nation’s many NGOs that have contributed to the country’s well-being one way or the other? These unsung volunteers include any of those who regularly spend time with sick children at hospitals or who go into drains and dangerous spots to rescue cats and dogs just so that these creatures could be given a loving home in our blessed nation.
5. Having a segment that focuses on the rich and diverse cultural and religious aspects that are unique to Malaysia and a reason why it attracts people from all over the world to its shores? If there are reservations about inviting guests to speak live for the feature, a scripted programme would be just as effective.
And so, everyone, let’s get started. We have a 50th birthday to celebrate!
Despite living in the cyber age, the writer insists that radio still provides a unique window on the world. When he isn’t scanning bandwidths, he helps to raise awareness of positive living with pets through his organisation, Petpositive (Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association).
Copyright © 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Managed by I.Star.
Where’s the Merdeka spirit?
AIR RAVES BY ANTHONY THANASAYAN
I HAD little time to catch up with the local FM stations owing to my commitment to a major project with my favourite disabled charity which had just been completed.
After weeks of general neglect, my portable radio was reloaded with fresh batteries. But what a disappointment it was when I finally got the radio running!
Expecting the airwaves to be full of Merdeka action on a recent Friday (Aug 10), but there was hardly anything on it. It was hard to believe that this is a nation about to turn half-a-century-old.
Forget about buildings not flying enough Malaysian flags. Here were our national radio stations – RTM included – not doing much to infuse the Merdeka spirit among listeners, from 8.30pm until about 9.15pm when I tuned in.
The only two with some redeeming points were Fly fm and Hot fm, which ran frequent promos about Merdeka during that time. However, to be truly honest, they could’ve done better by airing Merdeka capsules and clips to get listeners into the patriotic spirit and mood, what with National Day being a mere three weeks away (then).
Traxx fm had a great Traxx Chart Toppers going on but unfortunately, without any Merdeka factor.
KL fm, which broadcasts in Bahasa Malaysia, was one of the worst. Not only was there not a whiff of Merdeka on its airwaves but during the hour, the male DJ annoyingly poked fun at a caller who was live on the air. The DJ then apologised to the caller, but only to laugh it all off in the next instant!
So what was Mr Grouch (me!) expecting, did you ask?
Plenty. For starters, how about ...
1. A rebroadcast of some of the old classic shows on radio? Listeners, especially the older ones, would love to hear the programmes hosted by DJs and presenters whose voices they grew up listening to. And also those unforgettable and riveting radio dramas aired by Traxx fm back when it was called The Blue Network. All this would make a wonderful 50th birthday treat for listeners.
2. Having capsules (but please don’t make them boring) about how radio was during the pre-Merdeka days right up to the present day?
3. Exclusive but short interview clips with some of our famous personalities, from politicians to singers and movie stars, about what our 50th birthday means to them? These should be aired round the clock and not only during day time.
4. Getting candid views from the nation’s many NGOs that have contributed to the country’s well-being one way or the other? These unsung volunteers include any of those who regularly spend time with sick children at hospitals or who go into drains and dangerous spots to rescue cats and dogs just so that these creatures could be given a loving home in our blessed nation.
5. Having a segment that focuses on the rich and diverse cultural and religious aspects that are unique to Malaysia and a reason why it attracts people from all over the world to its shores? If there are reservations about inviting guests to speak live for the feature, a scripted programme would be just as effective.
And so, everyone, let’s get started. We have a 50th birthday to celebrate!
Despite living in the cyber age, the writer insists that radio still provides a unique window on the world. When he isn’t scanning bandwidths, he helps to raise awareness of positive living with pets through his organisation, Petpositive (Malaysian Animal-Assisted Therapy for the Disabled and Elderly Association).
Copyright © 1995-2007 Star Publications (Malaysia) Bhd (Co No 10894-D)
Managed by I.Star.
