WHILE passing through Mkushi District in the Central Province, Sun FM Radio, a Ndola private radio station could be heard loud and clear.
Mkushi could be about 400 kilometers from Insurance House in the central business district in Ndola where Sun FM broadcasts on 88.5FM.
The significance of the above revelation is that though Mkushi has its own community radio, Sun FM is competing favourably for local listenership.
While Sun FM was ‘shining’ on Mkushi, Hot FM, another private radio station, this one based in Lusaka is loud and clear in that same district.
If the two private radio stations have turned the heat on Mkushi, then, Mkushi Community Radio station management have only one option, and that is to retain local listenership; ‘to up the game’ as they say.
Going by the proximity advantage, Mkushi Community Radio would do well to tailor their content not only to suit local listenership but also ‘speak their language’.
Speaking the local people’s language would simply mean presenting programmes that directly affect and address their needs.
That should not be a tough task for a community radio station whose mandate is to enhance and refine the prime objects of entertaining, informing and educating local listenership.
Modern community radio stations serve their listeners by offering a variety of content that is not necessarily provided by the larger commercial radio stations.
Community radio outlets may carry news and information programming geared toward the local area, who may not be adequately catered for by major media outlets.
Specialized musical shows may also be a feature of many community radio stations. Community radio stations could focus on getting the community talking.
Mkushi radio ought to thrive on the ability to communicate with local listenership on some kind of “one-on-one,” basis.
RCV
The mood inside Interpol offices at Peter Singogo Police Station in Ndola last Thursday was tranquil as officers attended to motorists who where registering vehicles.
In the background was a small radio set from where gospel songs played one after another without word from the presenter.
The officers and clients sang along as the music played, an ambiance that created a friendly work atmosphere in the office.
It was Radio Christian Voice (RCV) that not only ‘scented’ the Interpol office, but also harmonized officers with clients.
For a moment, clients seeking motor vehicle clearance services appreciate the role and influence of radio on officers that offer public service.
In this era of countless radio stations, listeners have a choice on which frequency to tune and stay on for their benefit and that of people around them.
RADIO 4
It is no secret by now that Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC)’s Radio 4 is being heard in Ndola where it could not be picked for a very long time.
Shalom Zambia, a religious presentation on Radio 4 is unique in the manner it is presented, at least different from the usual ‘sow a seed’ sermons.
Shalom Zambia has made their presentation as formal and interactive among the presenters such that listeners are treated to a different approach to the Word.
Instead of playing the over-played gospel tunes, they featured the unmistakable sounds of Jimmy Swaggart whose booming voice would capture every ear.
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Whoever ran an acapella singing of most popular songs on radio is simply amazing, think of all those commonly played songs on air, but ‘stringed’ in one long acapella. The rhyme was played on Radio 4 last Thursday.
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Chomba Musonda who was hosting Uncle D on what sounded like a programme meant to advice listeners on matters of love and relationships on Radio 4 last Thursday could have concluded better.
The acceptable way of winding down a programme demands that the presenter reminds listeners about what was discussed, something like; “You have been listening to ‘Love and Marriage’ with me, Chomba Musonda, my guest has been Uncle D, until next week, its bye for now.”
With such concluding remarks, even listeners could have joined the programme midway, are able to easily pick up the topic.
If four commercials were played immediately after that programme, it means that there was enough time for Chomba to wind down the programme with a recap.
ICENGELO
Angel Mwasha last week spiced up his Golden Oldies presentation by featuring David Mulendema who explained his life and selected his choice of songs from the past.
Thought that was interesting ways of getting listeners identify themselves with the guest, presenter and radio station.
Stay tuned, don’t touch that dial! – jackmwewa@gmail.com   0955115777