Radiobiz

On July 13, 2012, the Independent Online News (IOL) reported that Talk Radio 702 and 94.7 Highveld Stereo have each been fined R25 000 for defamation, according to the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of SA (BCCSA).

The fine followed a complaint by Silvanus Naicker about a story aired in May on the kidnapping and murder of Johannesburg student Leigh Matthews.

The BCCSA said the stations were found guilty of implicating Naicker in the murder “on meagre facts available”.

“We do not think that the broadcasters acted with the intention of defaming the complainant,” the commission said.

“But in South African law, negligence is sufficient for a finding of defamation by the media. In the result, we hold that the Broadcasting Code has been contravened.”

The complaint was brought against Primedia, which owns both radio stations.

The BCCSA said the facts available to the radio stations did not justify their implicating Naicker.

“We have no doubt that the radio stations were negligent in broadcasting the material.”

BCCSA said a reasonable broadcaster would not publish such an item with such scanty evidence at its disposal.

Naicker was implicated in the Matthews murder after a source said he was a friend of convicted murderer Donovan Moodley and that they had played volleyball together.

Naicker confirmed that he had played volleyball with Moodley, but said he had nothing to do with the murder.

In their defence, the radio stations said Piet Byleveld, a renowned detective, had told the radio stations that a Silvanus Naicker had been on his list as a possible accomplice at the time.

“But (Byleveld) had not had him prosecuted, since he did not regard phone records as a sufficient source to involve a person in a murder trial,” they said.

The radio stations further argued that a member of their team had left a message on Naicker’s phone, but that he had not phoned back.

In 2005, Moodley was convicted of kidnapping and murdering 21-year-old Matthews.

In February this year, Moodley went to court claiming there was a conspiracy against him.

He accused State advocate Zaais Van Zyl and Byleveld of creating and manipulating evidence against him. – Sapa

Source: www.iol.co.za

 

By Nyeleti Machovani

 

Radiobiz brings you a two-part article in celebration of Motsweding FM turning 50 years this year. We first have a look at the history of the station.

 

Not too long ago, turning 50 was synonymous to having reached your sell-by-date, because 50 is….old, and ‘old’ is irrevocably undesirable. In 2012 however, we would like to believe that we, as a society, have somewhat matured and discovered grace in being ‘old’. Those in the know say wisdom is at the feet of the old, and if there is any truth to this sentiment, Motsweding FM is the proof in the pudding.

 

On June 1, 2012, Motsweding FM celebrated a noteworthy milestone. The Setswana radio station welcomed this golden age with a series of commemorations which were kicked off with a special live breakfast show where the entire station crew cracked open a bottle of champagne and joined SABC Group Chief Executive Officer Ms. Lulama Mokhobo in toasting to 50 years of Setswana broadcasting excellence. The festivities were hosted in Mahikeng, including a partnership in a music concert featuring eight (8) South African Music Award (SAMA) winner Zahara, Riot and local performers from the North West Province.

 

Let’s go back in history…

Sibongile Mtyali, Motsweding FM station manager takes us through the through the evolution of the station. “Motsweding FM was established during the tumultuous time of apartheid to service and meet the demands of the rural population, in particular, the Setswana speaking audiences. Obviously the agenda at the time was totally different from today’s agenda, where we are now faced with an increasingly competitive broadcasting environment. As a public broadcaster the focus is now on audience centricity, where the consumers of our services are at the fore front.  Back then, broadcasters were used as instruments to perpetuate colonial oppression and apartheid.  However, broadcasting has since transformed to a modern institution, that promotes social cohesion, nation building and democracy in our vibrant multi-ethnic society”, says Mtyali.

 

Reminiscing on days gone by, Rocky Senne (74) narrates his experience of working as a disk jockey (DJ) at Motsweding FM formerly known as Radio Bantu. “I started working at Radio Bantu in 1962 and I left in 1974”, says Mr Senne. “There would be 3 people in studio, the DJ, the announcer (host), and the controller. The kind of music I played on rotation was what we called bantu music, the likes of Mahotella Queens, Hugh Masikela, Miriam Makeba, to name a few”, says Mr Senne. “You must remember that times were different back then. Radio did not broadcast live 24/7, our radio programming started at 9 am and broadcasting ended at 10 pm. That was our radio”, adds Mr Senne.

 

The stalwarts and first radio announcers including, the first Radio Bantu News reader, Rufus Mpolokeng and other personalities like Sello Phiri, Thapelo Thipe, Tlhapi Maithufe, Alfred Mathibe, David Mothibi, Obakeng Gopane, Julius Kgori, Ben Maitsapo and many others. These personalities kept listeners entertained through vibrant content, music and competitions such as Itlhopele Senotlolo and Agang-Ka-Ditlhaka where listeners could win R2 cash prize or instant prizes sponsored by big companies back then. They played a pivotal role in keeping listeners abreast of political events happening at the time when the country was in turmoil with riots in the 1970s.

 

Trying to Find an Identity

The station has undergone a series of name changes and was known as Radio Bantu, Tirelo ya Setswana, Radio Tswana, Setswana Stereo and so forth, but freedom is bitter sweet for others; the former homelands and its sovereignty were dismantled in the late 90’s, Radio Setswana joined hands with Radio Mmabatho (of Bophuthatswana Broadcasting Corporation) in 1998 and after all these tremendous changes Motsweding FM was born.

By Helen Phushela

This dynamic duo has managed to set decks on fire from Johannesburg to Cape Town.  You can call them the new kids in Metro FM’s block. The two inseparables host the ‘Pre Party’ on Metro FM that airs on Saturday from 6pm-8pm. The show targets the young and vibrant listeners who are either on their way to a club or getting ready for a night on the town by playing old school kwaito jams, hip hop club mixes and house music.

 Who are SPHEctacula & Naves?

 SPHEctacula: My birth name is Sphe Ngwenya, I’m a driven and enthusiastic young entrepreneur born and raised in Durban.

Naves: I’m Lebogang Naves by birth, and I’m a young man from Soweto living my dreams and working hard on reaching the ones I keep discovering every day.

When and where was your first gig?

SPHEctacula:  I started out playing at home in Durban where all the neighbourhood kids hung out when I was in grade 10, which was in the late 90s. I had to entertain and since I had the coolest music, and I started connecting up the home sound system to mine so that I had two sound systems and voila, there was my first 1^st gig.

Naves: I also started in the late 90s. I was at my cousin’s house for his birthday party and they asked me to play the music and I was like “hey, this is pretty cool!” Who knew it would bring me here today?

What did you study?

SPHEctacula: I studies towards a BCom Accounts degree at Wits University, which I finished in 2004.

Naves: I studied for a marketing qualification through IMM and graduated  in 2009.

Where does your passion for music stem from?

 SPHEctacula: On my end definitely, it has to be my dad. He used to sing all the time and as much as it was church music, it helped me appreciate melodies. The great record collection at my grand-parents’ house and the unattended turntable with needle always played a role. I wonder whether they ever figured out how the vinyl’s got scratched up like that. (Laughs)

 Naves: My inspiration for music has to be from my mother. I come from one of those homes where we loved to entertain guests and music was always a big element of these occasions so I grew up in touch with a lot of music over the years.

 How did the two of you meet?

 Naves: We met through common friends really. We were always on the scene with Euphonic and company, so we were pretty much aware of each other and always ended up on the same scene. Also Sphe was already Dj-ing and I was partying so we knew each other and were just became cool with each other.

How did the concept for the show ‘Pre-Party’ come about?

SPHEctacula: I think it came about through proper divine intervention. Fistaz gave us the time and opportunity when it presented itself, because it was available and he needed it taken up. He said that Naves must run the desk for me. We switched the mike on, I spoke to him and the rest is history we enjoy making.

What is the run through before you go on air?

Naves: The content of the show is prepped on every Tuesday, and so come Saturday we’re ready to roll like a well-oiled machine. When that time comes, we would have both thought about how we’re going to bring the content to life in our individual ways. We usually get there 45 minutes before the show starts, chit-chat about general stuff and then before you know it the show has started and ended and we have to put away the wands.

When did you realize you have great on-air chemistry?

 SPHEctacula: After our first radio link in May 2010. We see it as great chemistry, not necessarily just about us being “on-air” because it translates and transcends to our personal lives.

Who is the boss of whom?

Both: We believe that God is for us all and teamwork makes the dream work. There are no egos entertained here.

 How do you come up with the topics?

SPHEctacula: We have a hard working producer called Fezokuhle Zulu who is in tune with what we like to talk about so she sources a lot of stuff for Tuesday and we jointly decide what is cool for us;  we then think about what kind of soundtrack or effects we can add to that to make it more exciting for our listeners.

Which radio stations do you listen to?

 Naves: Primarily Metro FM, but we do sample other stations just so we can keep tabs on what’s happening in our industry. Music and talk radio shows really.

What are your future plans as a duo?

Naves: To keep on breaking new ground for talent in our industry and being positive role models to the generation after us by making it good in what is generally considered as an unorthodox industry for black people. All this while slowly ticking off on a very long goals checklist.

What is your life motto?

SPHEctacula: I have two really. My first one is my own one; “be amazing, be hard working, hard-loving, be sensitive to others”, and then there’s “teamwork makes the dream work”.

Naves: Mine is ; “for the brave, nothing is too difficult”.

 

Radiobiz wishes the hardworking duo all the best for the future.  Make sure you diarise The ‘Pre-party’ and tune into METRO FM every Sat 18h00-20h00 for an experience you’ll never forget. Look out for another great summer this year as Naves and Sphectacular have a few tricks up their sleeves that we know you will love. Also, Check out the Annual Naves Experience Tour: 10 parties, 9 cities, 1 month. Starting from the 27th July 2012.

 

 

 

Ukhozi FM in partnership with its Sister radio station, Umhlobo Wenene is bringing you the second Maskandi Festival called Vuthumlilo. The two SABC radio stations partner with Greater Kokstad Municipality to bring the people of Kokstad and surroundings this event which have shown a success last year when attracting more than 10 000 people who attended the event. DJs and Presenters will share the station as MCs on the day. Ukhozi FM will shows Utalagu and Top 20 will be broadcasted live at the venue of the event.

Line up: Thokozani Langa, Amageza amahle, Mjikijelwa, Ichwane lebhaca, Phuzekhemisi, iNyonemhlophe, Imithente, Izingane Zoma nabanye abaningi, Hhashelimhlophe, Mfiliseni Magubane nabanye.

Details

Date     : 14 July 2012

Venue : Kokstad

Time    :  10 am

11 July 2012- Radio 2000 the  leader in providing listeners with live coverage as it happens is proud to announce the  winner of the ‘2000 Voices to Wish Madiba a Happy Birthday Design Competition’.

After being inundated with entries Radio 2000 is excited to announce Lehlohonolo Patrick Mohabo as the winner whose design will be used as the CD/DVD sleeves.

The Radio 2000 Graphic design competition is an opportunity for aspiring graphic designers to break into the industry and get their work noticed.

The winner will also be featured on air, on the Radio 2000 website ’, assuring exposure of outstanding work.

Radio 2000 roped in the efforts of South African celebrities such as Pops Mohamed  Dorothy Masuka, PJ Powers, Concord ,Olu Femi, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Loyiso Bala to name a few. The songs where composed by   Joe Arthur, Pops Mohamed, Tebogo Rameetse and Lebo Sebele.

The songs entitled ‘Happy Birthday Madiba’ and ‘All about love’ will be played across all 18 SABC radio stations including SABC 1, 2 and 3.

‘These are exciting times for Radio 2000 and we hope that the Graphic Design competition open doors for this young Graphic designer and encourage many to take part in initiatives such as these’, said Mr. Carlito Sheikh, 2000 Station Manager.

By Helen Phushela

 

Student radio stations have been negatively seen as mere juke boxes, but over the years they have proven to be big role players in community development. The myth is perpetuated by the belief that varsity networks are dominated by the loudest breakfast shows and information filled current affairs programs; a noisy background of shout-outs from students in campus dorms and those living in the area. The more optimistic perspective is that varsity radio networks, in fact, serve as the thread that connects students from all departments and courses. It is a community radio for the student community.

The concept of student radio or varsity radio network originates from the United States of America in the 1960s (Collage Radio Manual). It spread out to Canada, Europe then Africa.

In South Africa we have a variety of campus radio stations namely TUT FM, Tshwane FM formally known as TUT FM Top Stereo, VOW FM, VUT FM to name a few. The IBA Act of 1993 and the Broadcasting Act of 1999 defined community radio, as a non-profit making organ. Campus radio stations help students diagnose their problems and discuss them, also informing them on relevant issues about campus life. Campus radio caters for the community as well as students. Student community broadcasters have groomed a lot of great talent that we now hear on PBS radio stations and Commercial radio as well. Most of the vibrant voices broadcasting from campus studios will soon be heard around the country.

TUT FM has played a major role in the success of people such as Shonisani Muleya also known as Ashifa Shabba. Muleya, who was part of the SRC when the station was formulated in 1993, learned radio from scratch at TUTFM then known as TNTFM. “Yes TUT FM shaped me to be the person I am today. I had a dream of owning a radio station one day”, he says.

“My partners Given Mkhari, Simphiwe Mdlalose, Andile Khumalo and myself now own two commercial radio stations. Capricorn FM in Limpopo and Power FM in Gauteng. These partners have community radio background’, adds Muleya.

In as much as it has been argued that the content of most campus radio stations leans more towards being commercial, varsity radio network such as TUT FM caters for institutions and academics while accommodating the community of Soshanguve. Community Campus stations, are still facing past ghosts of funding are development. This cannot be combated if the stations are not taken as seriously as commercial stations.

In 2004 TUTFM formally became a community radio station; however, this does not mean they have stopped catering for students. Campus based radio stations such as UNISA FM (radio UNISA) still cater for students and cover student life issues only. TUT FM and TOP stereo which is now Tshwane FM now cater for the community as well.

“Students are not different from the general public in fact they form part of the general public so even if we were not a campus based station we would still cover the educational and campus life content. In a nutshell our content is driven by the typical lifestyle that exists in our community as per our research findings”, says Kedibone Mahapa, acting station manager at TUT FM.

Khondleka then became one of the youngest presenters on the daytime line-up at Melton FM, a community radio station which serves the greater area of Melton in Victoria.
The radio and entertainment bug had bitten, and when he returned to South Africa, Mio worked as a musician, voice-over artist and club rugby player.

In 2003, while studying at what is now the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, he joined the campus radio station CBFM as a presenter. He was part of the team which took the station off campus, to become the Bay FM community station, where Khondleka was programmes manager. He then moved to Kaya FM in Gauteng as music manager.

The station recorded significant audience growth after Khondleka was tasked to re-packaged the music mix. Khondleka and Queenie Grootboom (his wife and on-air soul mate) also hosted mid-mornings at Kaya FM, and built up a large listenership before accepting an offer to join M-Power FM as the breakfast team.

A decision by the power radio couple to return to their home town coincided with the restructuring of Algoa FM. This created an opening for a programme manager – and incumbent Alfie Jay is more than happy to hand over the reins to Khondleka.
“I first met Mio at a record company function in Port Elizabeth and have been watching his career progress since then.

“While consulting to M-Power FM, I recruited Mio and Queenie to present the breakfast show and worked with them in Mpumalanga. Mio has comfortably kept the pace in senior positions both on and off air in the high pressure environment of commercial radio. We are delighted that he applied for the position and has accepted an offer to work with us” says Jay, who has been appointed into the position of operations director at Algoa FM.

Khondleka is up to the challenge of taking Algoa FM into the future as it consolidates its position as the station serving the Eastern Cape and Garden Route. “My motto: ‘Bringing fun to radio’ has always served me well, and I’ll be working hard at Algoa FM to bring that theme across,” says Khondleka. “Mio’s approach is systematic and he has a dynamic skillset” adds Jay.

“Radio is always evolving, and I’m looking forward to learning and discovering new things with the dynamic Algoa FM team. “Algoa FM has consistently been performing at a high level for a number of years, and my goal is to continue to uphold that consistency. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead in being part of a radio brand that has proven itself as the leader in the region,” says Khondleka.

 

Issued by: Algoa FM

Cape Town’s oldest radio station celebrated its 47th birthday on Sunday, the 1st of July. Station management decided to celebrate this birthday with its listeners in the mother city and had the station broadcast from some iconic spots across the city and also invited some Cape Town icons to visit and be interviewed during the various broadcasts.

On Sunday, 1 July, The Freekin Weekend team hosted an outside broadcast from 15:00 to 18:00 from the well-known Mzoli’s in Gugulethu. Proteas and Cobras star player Vernon Philander joined the on-air team via a telephonic interview.

The birthday celebrations continued on Monday morning with the Good Hope FM Breakfast Show with Guy McDonald broadcasting live from 06:00 to 09:00 from Moyo restaurant at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Cape Town music icons David Kramer and Zane Adams joined the breakfast team during the broadcast.

The Nigel Pierce show was hosted live from the Jewish Museum from 09:00 to 12:00 and Nigel Pierce was joined by Rabbi Feldman and the legendary Jane Raphaely. Ayanda Tini’s Lunchtime show was live and kicked off with a real bang from the Noon Gun Restaurant at 12:00. Comedian Kurt Schoonraad joined Ayanda and her team at the venue whilst Herchelle Gibbs and Matthew Booth phoned in during the show to wish the station well.

At 15:00 the station was off to iconic Green Market Square where the Ozone team, headed up by Seano was joined by the gorgeous Joanne Strauss and Mark Lottering at their mobile studio on the square. They also had telephonic interviews with other Cape Town icons like super chef Reuben Riffel and super swimmer and Olympic gold medallist Ryk Neetling who shared in the station’s birthday celebrations.

To end the day on a on a high note listeners were invited to join Ready D, broadcasting his show live from 19:00 to 22:00, from the iconic Wembley Roadhouse in Athlone, a popular hangout that has been around for over 20 years.

Throughout July 2012 the station will host many events where its loyal listeners can be part of this iconic station’s birthday celebrations. The Good Hope FM Birthday Bloch Party takes place on Friday, 6 July with four parties taking place on one night. Good Hope FM will broadcast 60 minutes live on Friday evening from each of these all night parties, starting with Nigel Pierce and a Kinky Afro party from the Galaxy, a Hip Hop party with Ready D live from 169 on Long, The 411 with Tyrone Paulsen from the Funky Buddha in Paarl and The Godfather’s House with Dino Michael from Vacca Matta.

To end the month’s celebrations the station will host a black tie charity dinner from Crystal Towers at Century City where the proceeds will go to a very worthy charity Saartjie Baartman Centre, based in Athlone.

There will surely be many more successful years for Good Hope FM as Cape Town’s hippest and most happening and iconic radio station. Good Hope FM – Connecting Cape Town.

 

 

1.  CASE NO – 30-2011 – MULTICHOICE – CII RADIO – HATE SPEECH

CASE NUMBER: 30/2012

DATE OF HEARING: 14 JUNE 2012

BABOO 1ST COMPLAINANT

vs

MULTICHOICE CII RADIO RESPONDENT

TRIBUNAL: PROF KOBUS VAN ROOYEN SC (CHAIRPERSON)

DR LYNDA GILFILLAN

MR ALAN MELVILLE

MS ZALI MBOMBO

Respondent: Mr Bruce Mkhize, Regulatory Compliance Manager, Regulatory Affairs.

 

Complaint that a word denoting non-believers and people who are ignorant of the Qu’ran, in particular, is derogatory and constitutes hate speech. The Tribunal held that the term cannot be construed as hate speech as there was no advocacy of hatred based on religion, and no incitement to cause harm, the two requirements for the finding of a hate speech contravention. Furthermore, this was a bona fide religious broadcast in which a discussion on a matter pertaining to religion occurred, and so there was no contravention of the Code, and the complaint was not upheld. Baboo vs Multichoice CII Radio.

Read the full judgement here:

http://www.bccsa.co.za/images/hearings/JUDGEMENTS2012/PDF/MULTICHOICE/case%20no%20-%2030-2012.1.pdf

 

2.      CASE NO – 31-2012 – 94.7 HIGHVELD STEREO – NEWS – CHILDREN

 

CASE NUMBER: 31/2012

DATE OF HEARING: 14 JUNE 2012

STEVENS COMPLAINANT

vs

94.7 HIGHVELD STEREO RESPONDENT

TRIBUNAL: PROF JCW VAN ROOYEN SC (CHAIRPERSON)

DR L GILFILLAN

MR A MELVILLE

MS Z MBOMBO

For the Complainant: The Complainant was invited but did not attend.

For the Respondent: Khahliso Mochaba: Group Human Capital and Regulatory Affairs Executive, Primedia Broadcasting.

The complaint concerned a news item concerning the ten-minute-long mobile phone footage of an incident where seven boys aged between 14 and 18 years raped a mentally-challenged girl aged 17. Part of the footage contained the rapists’ dialogue, and the voice of the girl was also audible. The news item conveyed that the footage had gone “viral” in Soweto. Although the Tribunal noted that the broadcaster had warned sensitive viewers of the content of the news item, the Tribunal held that clues as to the identity of the girl had, indirectly, been given, which is in conflict with the Code. The Tribunal also stated the following as a future guideline to broadcasters: The footage, which includes the audio soundtrack, probably amounts to child pornography, which in terms of the Films and Publications Act 1996 may not be possessed or distributed. Distribution would include distribution of the footage in its entirety, as well as the visuals and/or the audio soundtrack individually, by way of the electronic media, which includes mobile phones. Since this aspect was not pursued during the hearing of this matter, the Tribunal will not spend further time on the question as to whether the Respondent was promoting the distribution of the mobile phone footage, which would amount to a contravention of clause 3(b) of the Broadcasting Code. However, it is worthwhile to at least mention this possibility, as a guideline to broadcasters which fall within our jurisdiction. Of course, the mere coverage of a crime does not amount to such a promotion. However, where children are protected by criminal law, the mere mention of the availability of child pornography on mobile phones in a specific case, might amount to the promotion of a crime. Since the indirect identification of victims of sex crimes has never been the subject of a judgment of this Commission, the Tribunal decided not to consider a heavier sanction (e.g. a fine), and to restrict the sanction to a reprimand. However, such a contravention will, in future, probably lead to a stricter approach. The Complaint is upheld and the Respondent reprimanded for a contravention of clause 11(7) of the Code.  Stevens vs 94.7 Highveld Stereo.

Read the full judgment here:

http://www.bccsa.co.za/images/hearings/JUDGEMENTS2012/PDF/94.7HIGHVELDSTEREO/case%20no%20%2031%20-%202012.pdf

 

 3.      CASE NO – 25-2012 – JACARANDA 94.2FM – RIAN VAN HEERDEN – DEFAMATION

 

CASE NUMBER: 25/2012

DATE OF HEARING: 5 JUNE 2012

W BOTHA 1st COMPLAINANT

HOËRSKOOL ALBERTON 2ND COMPLAINANT

vs

JACARANDA 94.2 FM RESPONDENT

TRIBUNAL: PROF KOBUS VAN ROOYEN SC (CHAIRPERSON)

PROF VICTORIA BRONSTEIN

DR NANA MAKAULA

MR BRIAN MAKEKETA

For the Complainants: The Complainants were invited but did not attend.

For the Respondent: Mr JD Crawford, Legal Representative, accompanied by Mr

Neil Johnson: Jacaranda Programme Manager.

 

The complaint before the Tribunal was that a presenter from the respondent had, during a broadcast, referred to an Alberton School rugby team as “gomgatte”, which amounts to calling them “country bumpkins” or loutish. The Tribunal held: That the accusation was directed at a schoolboy who had head-butted an opponent during a rugby game and was sent off by the referee. When the referee attempted to obtain the schoolboy’s name after the match, the latter head-butted the referee. This schoolboy, according to the broadcast, was from a school outside the Alberton area. That the reference by the presenter indicating that one might have expected such conduct from a schoolboy in Alberton, served to debunk any possible stereotype that this kind of conduct is specific to Alberton. That, in effect, the statement was not defamatory, but served to show that hooligans may be found anywhere. The complaint was, accordingly, not upheld.  Botha and Hoërskool Alberton vs Jacaranda 94.2FM.

Read the full judgment here:

http://www.bccsa.co.za/images/hearings/JUDGEMENTS2012/PDF/JACARANDAFM/case%20no%20-%2025-2012.pdf

 

 

 

By Helen Phushela

The station formally known as Radio5 back in the 90s, first aired on October 13, 1975. At the time, 5fm then had eight medium wave transmitters. The nationwide broadcasting station is owned by the SABC and the name represented the Public Broadcasters fifth radio station at the time.  The station received its current name when it was re-branded with the slogan “the power of”, with music as its heart beat and supported by sports, news and traffic. The Auckland-park based radio station has grown into the giant it is today. 5fm has managed to set its standards high by basing its programming on personality.

 

The MTN Radio Awards which took place in April, saw 5fm being nominated 10 times in respective categories. The station managed to scoop the 4 most coveted awards, one of the big 4 being voted as winner of the ‘Best Commercial Radio Station of the Year’. In addition, in May, 2012, 5fm walked away with the prestigious ‘Coolest Radio Station’ award, for the 7th year in a row at the Sunday Times Generation Next Youth Brand Survey.

 

Clearly 5fm is doing something right, proving that it is the leader in trends and music for the versatile youth of South Africa. Due to their cutting edge reporting and way of delivering news and information, the station has allowed for maximum participation of listeners, which has set them apart from the rest. The intelligent entertainment feeds the knowledge-famished youth of today.

As if its accomplishments weren’t enough, 5fm was also nominated as one of the Most Influential International Stations at the Worldwide Radio Summit. What is the station’s formula to success? Station manager Aisha Mohammed attributes that “we speak to the listener, not above them or at them. Another key point is that, in a world increasingly filled with competing “noise” in the form of choice, 5FM is still relevant and stands out from the clutter.”

 

The station has been dubbed “the entertainment power house”, for playing most popular contemporary music and entertainment. 5Fm houses talent such as DJ Euphonic, DJ Fresh, Sias du Plessis and Gareth Cliff  just to name a few. It is the primary source of music & lifestyle trends for a nation of cool and trendy young adults.

 

Through its CSI project Youngblood5, 5fm continues to touch communities and change lives. Youngblood5 is supported by listeners both on air as well as on-the-ground activations throughout the year. In terms of mentorship vacancies, 5FM’s internship programmes are highly sought-after. The programme takes in interns twice a year looking for broadcast talent.

 

5fm has also experienced dramatic change this year during the stations line-up change in April, Sasha Martinengo who left after being with the station 17 years. We also saw the end of the dynamic duo Grant and Anele. The pair had been working together since their tertiary days, and was with 5fm for 4years. The station underwent extreme change which has affected it positively. Motivation continues to be part of 5fm programming even with the new line-up which is doing well filling the big shoes left by those who moved on.

 

“The youth of today are the future of our country and as the youth, the opportunities for your future are endless. However, don’t be complacent because your future is no one’s hands but your own. A culture of expectancy usually results in short term failures and long term regret. My advice to aspiring radio people out there is to follow your dream no matter the obstacles, keep the big picture in mind and never stop working towards it. This tabled with hard work and a drive to succeed will get you to where you want to go’, says Mohammed.