By Azra Farzana Shuib
Sometimes I love going back to the university campus on weekdays. Driving alone for almost 90 kilometres does not seem to bother me anymore, not even the traffic jams. Most of the time I am kept accompanied by my favourite radio station to make traffic less of a hassle. But subconsciously, I have established some kind of attachment with my favourite deejays by engaging myself in their conversations (although quietly). I also expect news of all topics to be delivered fast and simple, and of course, I sing to the music in the car like nobody’s business.
Radio is one medium that has been taken for granted by all of us. It is an invention that has delivered so much to the society rather than just sparking curiosity in the wireless communications field towards the end of 19th century. It is like a companion to us when we are alone, and a means where education, entertainment and discussion are brought together.
On 13 February 2017, the world celebrates the World Radio Day for the sixth year. It is a celebration joined by all radio stations and supporting organisations to appreciate just how much radio has shaped our lives. According to an article in the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) website, radio has changed the lives of women farmers in Zambia. Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO) has helped the women by giving free radios for them to listen to a weekly programme called ‘Farm Talk’. This programme has educated the women in terms of conservation farming, nutrition, livestock care and many more, in a conversational and understandable format. It is through this medium that the women in Zambia, who mostly can’t read, become empowered with knowledge and skills to earn incomes.
Radio broadcasting in America is said to begin in earnest in 1920, according to reference.com. And on November 2 that year, KDKA station announced the winner of the presidential election, giving it an instant success and paved the way for the blooming of hundreds of commercial radio stations in subsequent years. Consumers love the idea as much as advertisers. Not only radio provided a common platform for news, it has also helped to develop business by giving companies instant access to thousands and millions of people.
Apart from the television, radio has provided a platform to facilitate the existence of pop music. Even now, we still get to know about new songs via radio. Radio has an intangible place where music of all genres has flourished, probably due to the need for us to be entertained while going about our daily activities. On the Internet, we are segmented into the likes and interests of like-minded people. Radio provides more diversity in entertainment and business, and foster more discussions to overcome challenges – from deep, serious problems to more casual and trivial discussions, according to the listeners’ needs.
For us living in the modern world, the radio has been moulding the way society lives, though the impact might be deemed frivolous. Before the introduction of smartphones and Internet, we rarely go about house chores without music. Nowadays, radio is a companion while driving alone, or with friends where you can just sing along together with. Sometimes, in awkward situations, even things aired on the radio has become the topic of discussion in the car. We also get to know people’s personalities based on their preference of radio stations. Come to think of it, we actually owe a lot to radio.
In IIUM, the university has provided a platform for students to polish up their deejay skills with the setting up of IIUM.fm, the student radio. Established in 2010, it airs 24 hours a day and does not operate using the normal frequency like other radio stations. Instead, it uses online streaming, reaching people from other countries as well. With well-equipped studio, the station targets students and the millennials as its main listeners. IIUM.fm is also celebrating World Radio Day and it will open four booths at HS square.
Radio is definitely one diverse medium that has shaped how we live. World Radio Day is about celebrating it, like UNESCO’s statement, “Having a radio means you are never alone – you always have a friend in radio.”***