A few evenings back, on a drive in Srinagar, I heard the BIG FM radio station in Kashmir for the first time. Immediately, I noticed that it was very different from what I am used to hearing back in Delhi.
A very cheerful RJ was speaking to his listeners in a manner I have never heard before- there was a weird connection I felt to the radio, as though it was speaking to me, instead of airing a show. Curiosity got the better of me and I decided to visit their office to find out more about the Radio industry of Kashmir, which, it turns out, is one solely aimed at making Srinagar a happier place.
In conversation with RJ Sardar Nasir Ali Khan, when I asked him how his show is different from the ones in the rest of India, he told me that 92.7 FM prefers the Old School Radio style- in harmony with the vibe of the city. There is no place for humour that may be considered vulgar, no usage of inappropriate language and absolutely nothing that may be at the expense of someone elses discomfort.
They focus more on discussing civic/social or other issues that impact the city population and take in calls discussing resolutions to the problems. This discussion is not left after arriving at a solution, but is always followed up to make sure the resolution has been applied and the problem solved. I found that the number one goal of his show is to make people happy and generate a sense of hope within them. This is the reason they avoid talking about the conflict, or very sensitive issues and prefer discussing issues that they can help through their show.
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The main topics of discussion involve Education, education for the girl child, Moral Values and Evils of Society. Many other relevant topics that may not be openly discussed such a sexual and domestic violence, incest, etc. have been discussed as well.
Professionals/subject matter experts are often invited on shows to answer peoples queries or give their advice to the listeners. These discussions have lead to substantial changes. A conversation about drugs leads to a change in the rules involving sales of over the counter drugs. A conversation about expensive uniforms being sold inside schools lead to a change in rules. bringing an end to this practice.
This is how the radio in Kashmir is different. It is not merely for entertainment- but aims to change lives through discussion, and light-hearted humour that brightens up ones day. Also, interestingly, Kashmir is the only place where the usual radio programs of the Radio Station are entirely redesigned to suit and keep up with the spirit of the holy month of Ramazan.
In a different show (aimed towards a younger demographic), hosted by Sameen Khan, I discovered a new-found joy in listening to the radio. It had been many years since I last enjoyed listening to the radio unless it wasnt one of my favourite songs. There are no doubts about the reason people love his show. Three hours of complete and total fun and interaction,the show consists of multiple sections. One of the sections I found interesting is a countdown called Top 5, in which a particular topic (such as Deadliest storms) is picked up and people get educated in an incredibly fun manner. Sameen informed me that the topmost priority of his show is good music and that he plays all the latest hits in the industry. This show also involves a section where people make calls to ask the host questions or leave messages for people in their lives.
I observed that Sameen has a distinct and particular way of responding to these messages- he does it in a manner where not only is he vulnerably honest and entirely himself, but he also makes sure to incorporate little jokes and nuances to entertain the audience, while still not digressing from the topic.
I found that the hosts here have a very natural way of conducting their shows. They do not force humour or go out of their way to be sensational. They remain true to themselves and their thoughts, are honest, and work on building a connection with the audience.
In times where one finds it hard to be amused by media, by television, by shows and books and in times where one has forgotten the role radio once key player in the lives of the masses, my visit to the BIG FM Radio station proved to be refreshing. I left the place with a huge smile on my face, an understanding for what makes one a good host, and a new found love for radio.
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