By Alagi Yorro Jallow
Fatoumatta: Hello, everyone! Today marks an exciting celebration of the vibrant history, current significance, and bright future of radio. Did you know that a whopping 85 percent of Gambians tune into the radio? It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to recognize how this incredible medium informs, educates, and entertains us every day. This year’s theme, “Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining,” perfectly encapsulates the critical role that radio plays in our lives.
World Radio Day invites us to acknowledge radio as an essential part of our collective history, mirroring our societal changes while continually evolving to meet our needs. This year, “Radio: A Century Informing, Educating and Entertaining” serves as a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of radio, honoring its remarkable ability to adapt and grow alongside us.
What makes radio so special is its accessibility and affordability. Anyone can tune in anytime, anywhere! It connects us all, providing a platform for diverse voices to be shared and heard, and that’s why radio continues to be the most consumed medium among us today.
Organizations like the Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) and a variety of independent, private, and community radio stations foster connections with countless Gambians, whether through on-air broadcasts, social media, or in-person events. They delve deep into news, ideas, and the very essence of who we are as a community. Radio Gambia uniquely transforms local anecdotes into national stories, national happenings into local updates, and global news into relatable experiences.
Let’s not forget the brilliant radio commentators and presenters who truly bring any station to life! Their vibrant voices set the tone and create a strong connection with listeners. A talented radio commentator captivates and engages, making every broadcast a delightful experience to remember. We can all fondly recall the glorious days of Radio Gambia, especially during exciting national events and Independence Day celebrations. Those unforgettable mornings of school parades at Central McCarthy Square and thrilling afternoon sports events brought us together as families. We lowered the volume on Radio Gambia while cranking up our home radios to hear the unforgettable voices of extraordinary commentators like Mr. Saul Njie, Bora Mboge, Malick Jones, and many others likes of Alhagie Mansour Njie, Lalo Samateh, Assan Njie, Sering Faye, Modou Joof, Mbemba Tambedou, Sera Grey Johnsons, Ebrima Cole, Amie Joof -Cole, Christiana Thomas, Alagie Alieu Jobe, Maimouna Bah, Jainaba Njie, Ida Jobe, Sabel Jagne, Neneh MacDougall-Gaye, Marcel Thomas, Malick Jeng, Peter Gomez, Alieu Darboe, Sarjo Barrow, Musa Manneh, Ismaila Manneh, Ismaila Senghor, Saikou Beyai, Amie Bojang Sisosho, Tijan Massaneh Ceesay, Kebba Dibba, Essa Jallow, Haddy Badjie, Yero Jallow Agnes John Thomasi, and Musa Camara and many others
These iconic figures exemplified professionalism, leadership, and mentorship, enriching our experiences with their insightful commentary. Their work during significant events like Independence Day truly highlighted the talents that filled our airwaves. Behind each voice stands a dedicated journalist, a storyteller, and a part of our shared tapestry.
As we honor World Radio Day, let’s celebrate not only the amazing achievements of radio but also the enduring legacy of its voices and the connections they forge among us. Together, we can look ahead to a promising future for radio in The Gambia—one filled with innovation, inclusivity, and endless possibilities!
Their competencies are undeniable, enhanced by a distinct brand of deadpan humor; talent truly defines them. As household names in The Gambia and frequent topics of extensive social media discussions, they deserve nothing less than the highest honors bestowed by the nation. Gambians are celebrating their return—these are the voices we have longed to hear.
In my experience as a young adult, Radio Gambia is a treasure trove of content, offering listeners a rich mix of national and global news, current affairs, developmental journalism, entertainment, sports, and an array of cultural insights. It also features specialized programs addressing health, reproductive issues, and women and gender topics. The commitment to diversity and originality is crucial; these voices engage and resonate with an audience that craves fresh perspectives. A polished on-air sound elevates the listening experience, while entertainment paired with information is exactly what the audience seeks. Understanding the national target audience is essential for reaching people effectively. Radio Gambia’s masterful blend of English and vernacular commentary, laced with humor, has become its hallmark, showcasing the brilliance of its talented staff.
Radio Gambia has perfected the sparring partner format, introducing an array of voices to ensure diverse viewpoints. While this approach demands more from producers, it enriches the listener experience, providing a tapestry of perspectives that audiences eagerly await.
Fatoumatta: However, The Gambia Radio and Television Services (GRTS) seems to have strayed from its commitment to professionalism in commentary and reporting on radio. Transitioning can be challenging, and for decades, GRTS has skillfully balanced English with traditional vernacular communication. Yet, the essence of journalism is more relevant than ever in a world saturated with opinions. Imagine the impact if GRTS dedicated itself to robust reporting on current affairs and national events—this could revitalize public discourse in The Gambia.
