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Good old radio's turning hip

AIR Mangalore's heady take on Western music is growing in popularity among the young people

PERENNIAL FAVOURITE Singer Bryan Adams is one of the most wanted on the show

Generation Next in this coastal district may not have private FM channels to whet its appetite for groovy stuff. But Akashavani Mangalore is making steady inroads into the generation that swears by Channel V and MTV. Drawing in the crowd is western music, particularly Hip Hop (that has little to do with the genre itself) aired on Wednesday and Close Encounters on Friday.

While Hip Hop, a 30-minute programme, is generally aired on the 8 p.m. slot on Wednesday, Close Encounters, a chat show on Western music, is aired on three Fridays a month between 9.16 p.m. and 10 p.m. Both programmes, which went on air July this year, have struck a chord with the youth here if the mails that are pouring into AIR are any indication.

Thrilled by the reponse

Concepta Fernandes, programme executive in-charge, is thrilled by the listeners' response. "When we initially aired the programme, we were apprehensive if it would be well received. However, subsequent developments indicated by the stream of letters and people seeking details about the programme over phone have been very reassuring," she says.

An impressive database covering a wide genre of music and artistes is proving to be an asset for AIR. "We have more than 5,000 titles featuring artistes and groups like the Bee Gees, Dire Straits, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi, Lobo. We are constantly striving to build on it. I can play one song each for the next six months without repeating any already broadcast," says a gleeful Concepta. "I have avid listeners who besides sending in their requests have also met me asking me if I could air their favourite number. We have also been receiving emails and SMSs for song requests and it is becoming increasing difficult to accommodate all of them in the 30-minute slot that I have on Hip Hop."

Growing popularity

Another pointer to the growing popularity of these programmes is the irate reaction it provokes from young listeners when the station is forced to cancel or reschedule them to accommodate mandatory relays. "A few of these decisions are not in our hands and we try our level best to assuage the feelings of our listeners during the next broadcast as and when we air it as per schedule."

While Hip Hop is a programme based solely on requests, Close Encounters features local celebrity guests who share their views with the anchor.

The programme plays music that could be based either on requests or as desired by the guests. "We have received requests from guests for a copy of the programme once it has been broadcast and even this is something new for us," says Concepta. "We intend to record music live at malls and on campuses. Their requests can then be woven into the final broadcast package with editing back at the studio."

The fact that BPL has evinced interest to sponsor the programme is indication of its popularity, she adds.

Requests can be sent to manakash@sancharnet.in or airmnglr@sancharnet.in.

JAIDEEP SHENOY

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