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Attack of the FM stations

Until recently, it was the lack of mobile phone etiquette that was the subject of discussion among those inclined to a calm and peaceful life. Now the focus seems to have shifted to radio chatter.

With five FM radio stations offering a host of programmes, mainly music, the air waves in the capital city are fully loaded. Cheap FM radio receivers, some no bigger than a small mobile phone, are flooding the market. From supermarkets to roadside haw kers, FM sets are available at prices starting at Rs.50. Added to this is the fact that most mobile phone models also come with FM reception. Now you can take your music wherever you go.

This penetration of the radio has spawned a new threat — that of radio chatter. Everywhere, from banks to bus stops and conference halls to restaurants and public meetings to shopping malls, incessant radio chatter is becoming a nuisance. With dozens of listeners tuned in to various stations, it is a virtual pandemonium at public venues. While it is the latest foot-thumping bollywood tune on one station, another would be airing a melodious Malayalam oldie and a glib RJ chatting away on a third station. The signature tunes and advertisement jingles only add to the aural assault.

For some reason, most listeners prefer to operate their radio sets at a high volume, much to the annoyance of others within earshot. “It is the ‘who-cares-who-is-listening’ attitude that is the problem. Using earphones is an easy solution,” says a radio buff who advocates radio etiquette. “We had the same problem when cellphones were becoming popular among the people. Over time, users realised that it pays to be more civil when talking on the phone, especially in public places,” he says.

But as of now, etiquette seems to be last thing in the minds of radio buffs as they celebrate the rebirth of a culture.

T. Nandakumar

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