|
A
cultural heritage: radio listening
Whatever
he may not have done correctly, or whatever faults he may have
had, when Sir James Mitchell demitted office, he left Vincentians
a gift which they would long appreciate and never forget. That
gift - the strengthening and broadening of our democracy through
the medium of radio - a mode of communication which has come to
form an integral part of our culture.
The
importance of radio could never be overestimated and while we
know its main objectives are to provide education, information
and entertainment, we could perhaps add to this list 'solace'
and 'companionship.' Consider a poor person who may be living
alone, without the luxury of a TV set, but is comforted by the
presence of a radio; or maybe one who suffers from insomnia and
could choose to listen to the radio instead of counting every
hour when the cocks crow throughout the night.
Because
of access to a wide range of stations, one is now able to 'surf'
the waves and 'log on' to the station of choice - there's something
for everyone. What is interesting about these radio stations is
that they all have something in common. They are all not the best
in the land. They all cater to the various needs of patrons through
a wide variety of programs.
To
each his own
Each
station may be identified with a particular role, so for spiritual
upliftment, prayer and guidance there is 'Praise FM'; for the
birthday folks in the morning and the afternoon there is 'Nice
Radio'. For advice and solutions for problems of the heart tune
into 'WEFM' at midnights. For the best in health look to 'Radio
705'. The young in heart need no introduction to 'Hot 97' for
their hip hop, rap, pop and rock music. Classical and sentimental
tunes are always available on 'First FM' and 'Cross Country; and
anyone wishing to hear the latest news can depend on 'Hitz FM'.
In
addition to all this, each station has developed a following of
patrons who remain 'locked on' to their favourite program. So
there's a band of 'Knight Riders' led by 'Saluche'. Earl 'Old
George' Daniel encourages calls to 'Heart to Heart' and the best
advice on farming could be heard only on 'First FM'.
A
cadre of talk show hosts and disc jockeys
As
they interact with audiences (while controlling their equipment
of trade) traits of the personalities of this 'special group of
service providers' are brought to the fore.
Most
of them have 'utterances' by which they are identified and some
have given themselves names. So there is Dougie DeFreitas who
is happiest when he knows that someone is 'nice, great, wonderful
and sweet' - the total package as Randy D would say and may have
had 'Kisses at the back of the neck'. 'Bing' Joseph' (the fly
guy) delights in harassing passersby and he is always 'don't sure'
about most matters. Bernard Joseph is always geared up for a laugh
with his 'Yes man thanks a lot'. Edwardo Lynch wants only 'the
truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth'. Earl Daniel
goes 'Boy oh boy, you never know what you going to hear on radio'
and it is Maxian Harry who advises to 'take care of God's temple'.
Some
talk show hosts are in a class of their own, with specialised
programs, so there is Keith Joseph always taking 'Just another
look'; Jerry George sees things 'Inside out' on TV and the only
affairs in which Frank DaSilva indulges is 'Current affairs'.
Cross country is more than elated to have Nicole Sylvester as
moderator on its Sunday program. Occasionally there's a former
talk show host who 'fills in' for the regular host e.g. St. Clair
Leacock, or a support host e.g. Dave Roberts or Kingsley DeFreitas.
Is Junior Bacchus in a league by himself for having to host two
separate programs?
Call
in programs
Some
patrons simply live for the opportunity to call in the various
stations to air their views. Some make several calls to different
stations airing the same view, while others switch from one station
to the other in much the same way that a butterfly glits from
flower to flower. What is outstanding is that many characters
have emerged from this exercise - the fanatics (who are passionate
in support of their party's position); the intellectuals, the
preachers who sometimes have to be literally taken off the line,
the mischief makers who would call a program and make unintelligible
sounds and the genuine and concerned citizens.
Some
frequent and recognised callers have been awarded with special
names. So there is 'Mr. Constitution', Neil Diamond or 'Neil the
real deal', 'Papa' and 'Mamacita', 'Miss Airport' who can't get
work for her truck and 'Daddy' who is an ardent fan of the young
people's program 'Keeping it real'.
The
listening audience would have benefited greatly from this exposure
of great talent revealed as such by Neil, a fine fledgling poet,
historians like Mr. Gibson and Mr. Gonslaves (the wine maker)
and those who call to give the correct information where there
might have been misunderstandings.
With
most radio stations providing a '24/7' service, our people have
little to complain of and much to appreciate. It is now left to
them to jealously guard this freedom of expression via radio,
uplift the radio personnel in daily prayer and continue to make
their contributions felt and their voices heard.
New
Times, June 6, 2003
|
