TODAY we publish what some listeners and readers have said about recent comments in this column.
Mutale Kangwa wrote from Kitwe: “Jack, nice work you are doing on your Radio Review, I, however, feel you have not given enough review of radio stations like Yah and Flava FM of Kitwe.
I can speak for Flava FM who I feel has the finest reception on the Copperbelt, they also have exceptional music programmes like on Sundays when guys like Barney Kanjela plays music of the 1960s, 1970s, Gesh Groove comes with oldies and Pius Mambo junior (Pmoney) does the Jazz late in the night.
To me, Flava FM is one of the best, if not the best among radio stations on the Copperbelt.
MUTALE KANGWA
Kitwe
RESPONSE: Kangwa, thank you so much for alerting us about Flava FM exploits, the only challenge is that this column is monitored from Ndola where reception may not be that clear.
We, however, encourage and invite other listeners to update us like you have done.
***
Dear Jack,
May I say bravo for you to have published views of some broadcasters who also thought of highlighting some flaws that have crept into your newspaper.
I am making reference to one reader who said he or she was an up-coming broadcaster who appreciates your ‘ear’ for the mistakes made on some radio stations and also pointed out some mistakes that appear in the Times of Zambia.
He or she further made reference to the Bible text which says that one should handle his or her mistakes before talking about others.
Your response, though brief was equally helpful.
May I state that I am one of those radio presenters who worked on radio when a lady called Marta Paynter reviewed both radio and television presentation in your newspaper years back.
That lady (Marta) was so critical such that we (broadcasters) were mindful of whatever we did either on television or radio would be reviewed.
Apparently, very rare did she praise us whenever we did a good job, but was rather quick to critique whenever we erred.
That is not to say it was bad, I for one did not take offence but strived to improve.
Must I say that some of us became what we became as a result of ‘fearing’ to be exposed in the newspapers.
For your own information, I made an effort to meet her at one time when I travelled to Ndola on assignment, I joked with her asking why she was so critical of me, and we ended up becoming friends.
May I say that very few of the so-called broadcasters on radio today would stomach her critique had she been around to review their performance on air.
Sorry to say that radio broadcasting standards have lamentably gone down to irritating levels today such that we are forced to just listen for the sake of news bulletins.
Believe me, we now have some radio stations who break all the rules of broadcasting.
However, that is not to say all is that bad on radio as we have some, even on newly established radio stations who are good.
Withhold my name, lest I am misunderstood.
Yours,
Ardent reader
***
Dear Jack,
I could not agree more with one reader who wrote to express his views on the new crop of radio broadcasters we have today.
In that letter, the reader said he had noted, with dismay, that some radio stations no longer treat news casting seriously.
That some staff members employed as Disc Jockeys (DJs) were given to read news, and that they execute the task in the most atrocious manner.
That they rambled through the news with questionable intonation and poor pronunciation of names and places.
He, however, observed that not all DJs were poor news readers and said he knew some who were impressive whenever they were given an opportunity to read news.
He rightly wondered what happened to mellow music after lunch. I thought that was a worthy observation.
I thought that guy was right and only hope that such observations are noted.
Mutale Eustace
Lusaka.
***
Dear Jack,
How are you, and the family? Allow me space on your column to air my views about some radio stations in Zambia.
Firstly, I have followed this column from way back when Mr Richards Mwanza wrote it week-in, week- out.
One of the innovations you introduced on this column were some TIPS you gave to both broadcasters and listeners, I now, wonder what happened to that segment.
Yours,
Cynthia Daka
Mufulira
RESPONSE: Cynthia, thank you for your interest in this column, those tips were provided to this column by one reader who has since relocated outside town, we will try to contact him if he can continue.
***
Dear Jack,
I have constantly read your column and feel that I have what it takes to be a radio Dj, kindly connect me to any radio station who can try me.
Jasen Mumba
Kafue.
***
Then there was a letter written by POWANGA SIMON who went personal attacking this writer saying; “You have a BORED HEAD, (he should have said BALD), Mr ‘systematic analyser’ you lack a symbiosis in radio and its difference. Its imperative that you also learn about the significance of radio programming mainstay.
Where is it written that during lunch hour stations must always play slow music? Learn about Hit Radio Stations. What you and your so called letter to a confused editor have is payola of radio that distracts the genuineness of popularity for heavily promoted music.
Further people have a choice to listen to what they like.
Do you know how many people have lost employment and how many have it in menace as a result of you?
Have you ever provided formal employment in this country yourself? Are you read to take care of individuals who may loose their stipends because of you?
Please stop risking peoples jobs because you are also an employee with little take home.
Are you seeking refuge with some individuals? Otherwise you may just be given a permanent one at Kantolomba.
POWANGA SIMON
Bsc Mass Communication
Westham London/Suffolk USA”
Stay tuned, don’t touch that dial! – jackmwewa@gmail.com   0955115777