| New gen radio jockeys bring zest, passion to airwaves |
13th Apr 2013
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Illustration: Dev Kabir Malik Design
here is no denying the fact that radio is the earliest and most influential modes of public entertainment and broadcasting in India. Today, it has become one of the most sought after career options in India, after a hiatus. The radio suddenly went into oblivion with the television invading the world of entertainment. However, with privatisation of radio broadcasting in the late 90s, it made an impressive comeback, which propelled a set of young individuals into this new dynamic field.
Hardeep Singh Chandpuri, Founder, Academy of Broadcasting and a pioneer in the radio revival programme in the region, says, "Our academy, which trains radio jockeys, is the oldest in the country and we hold a Limca Book of Records mention for the largest RJ training centre in India. During the past five years, there is a visible upswing in the number of aspirants, which randomly stands at the rate of 120-150%. The boom apparently is due to peoples' interest, especially the youth, who have become quite aware of the power of the radio."
Some two decades ago, listening to the radio was a casual affair, but now it has become an interactive medium of entertainment. Earlier, listeners had to hear the broadcaster's choice of songs but today one can hear one's favourite song by simply putting across a telephonic request. Songs, discussions, debates, etc have all become listener-oriented.
Bano Pandita, Radio Broadcaster with the Chandigarh station of All-India Radio (AIR) for 29 years now vividly recalls the highs and lows of the radio. She says, "We started a few shows on the local station, including Manbhavan and Sabras, which were relayed from Chandigarh via Mumbai station. It was during the year 2003 that AIR was revived and the falling graph slowly picked-up with the increase in the number of shows."
While speaking about present day scenario, RJ Meenakshi says, "The spectrum of radio has widened. The recognition that you get from radio gives you a new identity and you become a mini celebrity in a short span of time. The audience today has become greedy and wants everything on the radio. They want latest updates, horoscope, spicy talk shows, a variety of songs and they even want to speak to the RJs. Besides being challenging, it has become more engaging and creative. Some 839 new radio stations will be opening soon and this will be boon for radio just like cable TV revamped the TV viewing experience."
RJ Gurjit Singh, who will soon debut in Ishq Warga Love, says, "I knew that TV is a great medium for attaining fame but radio is no less in today's world. Though I debuted on TV with Meet Mila De Rabba on Sony, but it is all because of the fan following that my showsKach Dian Wangan and Dil Khol Ke Bol on Zee ETC Punjabi, and other shows on PTC were well received by the audience."
Chandpuri adds, "When we started Radio Buzz with AIR, it was such a difficult task to generate revenue and get sponsorships as people would say, 'who will listen to radio' but today people advertise more through radio. I would also like to add that though privatisation has produced numerous RJs, no one can outdo eternal names like Jasdev Singh, Demello and the God of Indian radio, Ameen Saini."
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