By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: Hello, everybody! Today marks an thrilling celebration of the colourful historical past, present significance, and brilliant way forward for radio. Did you recognize {that a} whopping 85 p.c of Gambians tune into the radio? It’s a unbelievable alternative for us to acknowledge how this unimaginable medium informs, educates, and entertains us each day. This yr’s theme, “Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining,” completely encapsulates the vital position that radio performs in our lives.
World Radio Day invitations us to acknowledge radio as a vital a part of our collective historical past, mirroring our societal adjustments whereas frequently evolving to fulfill our wants. This yr, “Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of radio, honoring its exceptional potential to adapt and develop alongside us.
What makes radio so particular is its accessibility and affordability. Anyone can tune in anytime, anyplace! It connects us all, offering a platform for numerous voices to be shared and heard, and that’s why radio continues to be probably the most consumed medium amongst us at present.
Organizations just like the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) and quite a lot of impartial, non-public, and group radio stations foster connections with numerous Gambians, whether or not by way of on-air broadcasts, social media, or in-person occasions. They delve deep into information, concepts, and the very essence of who we’re as a group. Radio Gambia uniquely transforms native anecdotes into nationwide tales, nationwide happenings into native updates, and world information into relatable experiences.
Let’s not neglect the sensible radio commentators and presenters who actually carry any station to life! Their vibrant voices set the tone and create a powerful reference to listeners. A proficient radio commentator captivates and engages, making each broadcast a pleasant expertise to recollect. We can all fondly recall the wonderful days of Radio Gambia, particularly throughout thrilling nationwide occasions and Independence Day celebrations. Those unforgettable mornings of faculty parades at Central McCarthy Square and thrilling afternoon sports activities occasions introduced us collectively as households. We lowered the amount on Radio Gambia whereas cranking up our residence radios to listen to the unforgettable voices of extraordinary commentators like Mr. Saul Njie, Bora Mboge, Malick Jones, and lots of others likes of Alhagie Mansour Njie, Lalo Samateh, Assan Njie, Sering Faye, Modou Joof, Mbemba Tambedou, Sera Grey Johnsons, Ebrima Cole, Amie Joof -Cole, Christiana Thomas, Alagie Alieu Jobe, Maimouna Bah, Jainaba Njie, Ida Jobe, Sabel Jagne, Neneh MacDougall-Gaye, Marcel Thomas, Malick Jeng, Peter Gomez, Alieu Darboe, Sarjo Barrow, Musa Manneh, Ismaila Manneh, Ismaila Senghor, Saikou Beyai, Amie Bojang Sisosho, Tijan Massaneh Ceesay, Kebba Dibba, Essa Jallow, Haddy Badjie, Yero Jallow Agnes John Thomasi, and Musa Camara and lots of others
These iconic figures exemplified professionalism, management, and mentorship, enriching our experiences with their insightful commentary. Their work throughout vital occasions like Independence Day actually highlighted the skills that crammed our airwaves. Behind every voice stands a devoted journalist, a storyteller, and part of our shared tapestry.
As we honor World Radio Day, let’s have fun not solely the superb achievements of radio but additionally the enduring legacy of its voices and the connections they forge amongst us. Together, we are able to stay up for a promising future for radio in The Gambia—one full of innovation, inclusivity, and limitless potentialities!
Their competencies are plain, enhanced by a definite model of deadpan humor; expertise actually defines them. As family names in The Gambia and frequent matters of intensive social media discussions, they deserve nothing lower than the very best honors bestowed by the nation. Gambians are celebrating their return—these are the voices we now have longed to listen to.
In my expertise as a younger grownup, Radio Gambia is a treasure trove of content material, providing listeners a wealthy mixture of nationwide and world information, present affairs, developmental journalism, leisure, sports activities, and an array of cultural insights. It additionally options specialised packages addressing well being, reproductive points, and ladies and gender matters. The dedication to range and originality is essential; these voices interact and resonate with an viewers that craves contemporary views. A sophisticated on-air sound elevates the listening expertise, whereas leisure paired with data is precisely what the viewers seeks. Understanding the nationwide target market is crucial for reaching folks successfully. Radio Gambia’s masterful mix of English and vernacular commentary, laced with humor, has turn out to be its hallmark, showcasing the brilliance of its proficient employees.
Radio Gambia has perfected the sparring companion format, introducing an array of voices to make sure numerous viewpoints. While this strategy calls for extra from producers, it enriches the listener expertise, offering a tapestry of views that audiences eagerly await.
Fatoumatta: However, The Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) appears to have strayed from its dedication to professionalism in commentary and reporting on radio. Transitioning might be difficult, and for many years, GRTS has skillfully balanced English with conventional vernacular communication. Yet, the essence of journalism is extra related than ever in a world saturated with opinions. Imagine the impression if GRTS devoted itself to strong reporting on present affairs and nationwide occasions—this might revitalize public discourse in The Gambia.