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Compiled by the Government Communication and Information System Date: 29 Oct 2008 Title: Radio station being punted as a hit in the North West -------------------- The North West province's first commercial radio station has become a major hit, with the station's popular DJ's being heard in taxis, taverns and homes across the province, including in remote areas, writes Kagiso Metswamere North West FM has already attracted more than 420 000 listeners - quite an achievement for a station just nine months old. Speaking to BuaNews on Wednesday, the station manager, Shadrack Menyatswe said since the birth of the station there has been a good working relationship between government and other stakeholders, which has proved important in their success. Five private companies make up the major shareholders in the station, while the North West Provincial Government provides support in the form of advertising. "We have worked hard as a station to make sure that we give our listeners a radio station with a difference. I am glad about the support that we receive from government and other private companies because it has taken the station to the highest level," said Mr Menyatswe. He highlighted that with the mix of experienced radio presenters and upcoming young DJs who are ready to rock the air waves, the station was able to provide excellent playlists and diverse programmes. The station is also able to update listeners with the latest news and current affairs affecting their lives as it has its own news section. Explaining their success, Mr Menyatswe said: "Our main intention is to take the air waves to another level by improving communication while entertaining and educating our listeners in the province. "We are not only going to focus on making money but we want to support the good programmes of government which are intended to better the lives of the people in this province," he said. Speaking at the official launch of the station at the weekend, North West Premier Edna Molewa commended the station for striving to provide positive stories about the province. "I am told that North West FM wants to position itself as the voice of the province and indeed as the people of the North West. North West FM has demonstrated passion and willingness to tell the stories of our province and our country in a balanced way." The station will give residents in the province variety that they need and marked the end of monotony and monopoly on the airwaves of the North West, said Ms Molewa, adding that it would also introduce healthy competition in the industry. She said the station would improve channels of communication in the province and applauded it for the work done thus far. "Both the media and the democratic government have an important role to play in the transformation process that is currently underway in our society. We wish to take this opportunity to applaud the role played by North West FM thus far in advancing the objective of building a more democratic and open society," she said. She said the station was helping to instill love and commitment for the North West in the hearts of those living in the province. "They are doing all these things because they understand that a positive image of our province will rely on how the people of the North West themselves and perceive their own province. To me this is a prerequisite for positive branding of our province." There are 20 people employed at the station, which, according to Mr Menyatswe, is helping to create employment and foster an interest in radio broadcasting. Employee at the station Mpho Kgaba, 27, from Brits said working as a news producer and reader changed her life and she believed that it would continue to change more people's lives. "I have joined North West FM as the news reader and I am happy to be a part of it. It has made me grow as a person in the media industry. People love this station," she said. Sibongile Tungiswa, 21, from Unit 7 in Mafikeng is an avid listener. She told BuaNews that the station has changed her attitude about radio stations in Mafikeng. "We don't have many radio stations to choose from as young people in Mafikeng. I normally used to listen my CDs or watch television, but now I have begun to listen to the radio instead," she said, adding that North West FM was catering for her "The station does not only play nice music but updates me about what is happening in the province, the country and the world." - BuaNews |
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