WORLD RADIO DAY!

UNESCO declared the 13th of February  as a day to recognize radio broadcasters efforts to equip listeners with all the information they need to get by. From News to sports, entertainment, weather and music.

Radio has the ability to engage listeners through sound, reach a wide diverse audience and create emotional connections. Radio’s adaptability and innovation ensures its continued relevance. The personal touch is what sets Radio apart from other forms of media.

Bula, my name is Ella and I am your host for the LegendFM Quiet Storm and I would like to share my radio journey with you.

In a world of evolving technology, I’ve always believed that radio is powerful and a great communication tool that can reach everyone at the speed of light. Information is provided along with music and entertainment and we always have a friend on the other side of the mic telling us stories and sharing fun facts.

I saw my first radio when I was 4 years old. My great grandmother had an old battery operated radio that was always tuned into the Itaukei stations. We’d be serenaded with beautiful songs and hymns sung by church choirs.

We spent our days sitting on her front porch, peeling a mango or whatever fruit was in season and listening to the radio. I remember thinking “Is there a little person inside talking and playing music?”, I was always so curious.

Eventually, my grandparents bought a house radio and tuning into English speaking stations that played secular music was a no no.

Truth be told, I never knew that other radio frequencies existed. I always listened to the same Itauikei station day in and day out that I just assumed that that was all there was to it.

Until, my tavale introduced me to our sister station FM96 and I heard Mervin and Neisau, bear in mind such music was prohibited in our household so we had to be slick with the frequency changes.

One out of the 2 tavales that introduced me to English speaking radio on the left.

We were like stealth ninjas with it. As soon as our grandparents left for work, we’d wait for approximately 15 minutes before switching frequencies and switch back just before lunch in case they returned early.

I remember learning the Ketchup song and the dance, discovering the Black Eyed Peas ‘Where is the love’. My life changed when I discovered the song I know and love on LegendFM. I searched for FM96 and boom Alannah Myles Black Velvet, my life changed as I realized that there is a station that plays music from artists I loved and actually knew.

From imitating radio personalities and creating my own ideas as to how radio works to having my own show and discovering my own element.

I may be a day late but, Happy World Radio Day to you and yours.