Comments on: Radio Gaga

By: Tom Purcell

Tom Purcell — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 08:29:54 +0000

Hey Shiloh,

2OVR must have another financial model…difficult to see a ‘normal’ advertiser being comfortable with some of the language…which is regularly fruity and ‘vibey’ – in the music and the chat!!

I have no problem with it personally although I wouldn’t want my young daughter or her friends tuning in. Daddy would need to be providing constant interpretation of words, phrases and nuances!!

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By: Tom Purcell

Tom Purcell — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:39:09 +0000

Re the signal, there are still tests being done but for those on the Atlantic seaboard and down from Hout Bay and around the Peninsula, tune to 94.7 for a loud and proud Fine Music Radio. Mike in the US…tell your mate in Simon’s Town!

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By: Shiloh

Shiloh — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:41:41 +0000

I was at Seth’s opening evening, a massive media launch bustling with socialite wanna be models and very few serious media decision makers. and Solly philandering in the back , hoping they might make him an offer . Myself an FMR presenter and on the board of directors, all eyes will be on how Seth sells advertising through audio streaming?? Sooner or later no matter how financially strong you are , that will have to kick in…Hardiman leaving a good job with a pregnant wife ?? I doubt, but nevertheless time will be the judge of all things. Radio is not just playing your private record collection, the only internet radio stations abroad that have survived have been specialist stations Folk music Prog Rock ,Metal rock, Psychedelia etc, never mainstream and judging by his play list , nothing special, Radio 2000 play that as does Mid Rand etc ,so where is the niche; after the fad fades.

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By: classical music lover

classical music lover — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 13:56:58 +0000

Seth is trying something new – radio that is unfettered by government restrictions in a very restricted radio environment. There are very few radio stations in the world that MUST, by way of their acceptance of a broadcasting license, broadcast 40% of ‘local content.’ As far as FMR is concerned, this can be very restrictive, unless they get creative and live on the boundaries of the legislation, which they do, and ICASA readily accept. Some of the FMR programmes are presented by script-reading coffin-dodgers who are still mentally existing in the 1950′s, but others are pushing the boundaries and reaching out to a bigger audience who enjoy classical music, like me. Take the Two Nicks – Ciro and Plummer. Ciro is ex-Five fm, but pulling them in every afternoon drive time. The other Nic is doing a great Saturday Breakfast Show that starts with esoteric classics for the insomniac fiddle-huggers at 6 am, but by the time he finishes at 9 he’s playing movie soundtracks and playing anything from Sting thru Sergio Mendes to Spike Jones. Then he goes and has a 10 minute high-octane banter about sports at 8-15. It’s outrageously radical but works so well – try it, it really starts my weekend!

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By: mike Miller (USA)

mike Miller (USA) — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 17:15:14 +0000

I discovered FMR a while ago. Its absolutely super and I’ve been in touch with several of the announcers as well as promoting the station here in the USA where I pick it up clear as a bell.

As a former South African who has a great love for the country, I say that FMR is fresh and original and should be heard by many more people around the world.

More strength to you

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By: Old And Very Minor FMR 101.3 Presenter!

Old And Very Minor FMR 101.3 Presenter! — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 14:37:49 +0000

All of us at 101.3 are heartened at the above comments commending Fine Music Radio (FMR)

FMR is a very special station that celebrated its 15th birthday on July 1st.

FMR is a predominantly classical and jazz station with all the multifaceted genres that these entail. We attempt to be relevant to our loyal listeners whilst continually enticing a new audience to our wave length by way of steady evolution, not revolution!

On the subject of local music and musicians, we are obliged, by stint of our broadcasting mandate, to include at least 40% South African content in our playlist and this is scrupulously monitored internally and through SAMRA.

There is indeed a signal struggle on the Atlantic seaboard and down the Peninsula. A booster has been on the cards for a long while and it’s now agreed but difficult to pin down a switch-on date. Hopefully this year but we can’t be sure!

Otherwise, there is a live streaming facility via the web site – fmr.co.za – for the FM signally challenged in the Mother City and around the world!

Thanks for the great article and replies.

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By: mike Miller (USA)

mike Miller (USA) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 17:00:45 +0000

You have a gem of a non-commercial radio station emanating from Cape Town. I pick it up clearly from Providence RI (USA), but my buddy in Simonstown can’t pick it up – the mountain’s in the way!

In the US we have literally scores of non commercial radio stations originating from universitites, various cities etc. They pump out the best in jazz, classics, rock, whatever and run for 24 hours a day. Some require a computer, others don’t.

The airwaves are alive with the sound of music.

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By: Ramble Jamble

Ramble Jamble — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:14:21 +0000

Radio is no longer about the music. We live in an era where exactly the music you want to hear is available, for free, at the click of a buttin (see Spotify for example).

Radio, be it the horse with the bolt gun to its head IFM radio) or the new young colt (digital radio), will keep a listener tuned in by means of an engaging, relevant, interesting, eloquent and informed presenter.

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By: mary

mary — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:09:46 +0000

yes I also miss Michelle Constant on Radio 2000, and in Knysna- we cant pick up FMR etc. Radio 2000 was really crap after she left. I only listen to car radio occasionally now, but I loved the sa and african music played during WC, and dread the return to the americanised shit they play usually. Definitely time for a rebel station out at sea. Thank you for great article.

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By: Moose

Moose — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:43:18 +0000

The reason stations play internAtional music is because it’s cheaper. The major labels punt the same shit everywhere in the world. They pay radio stations (usually through middlemen) to get songs on rotation. Without a change in the law like in Australia mandating local content, they will never invest in local artists. Which means no local artists on rotation. Period.

All the crap about their audience is just that. Crap. Follow the money.

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