THE man tasked to regulate radio stations and other media institutions in Australia shared his experience at a forum in Dunhuang, Gansu Province in China recently.
Michael Coonan who is Head of Regulatory Affairs, Special Broadcasting Service was one of the key speakers at the International Cultural Expo.
He said; “The Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) was founded on the belief that all Australians, regardless of geography, age, cultural background or language skills should have access to high quality, independent, culturally-relevant Australian media.”
SBS operates a radio station which is the world’s most linguistically diverse radio network, broadcasting in over 70 language programmes to a potential audience of more that three million non-English speaking Australians.
I found the Australian radio experience interesting, especially that I was coming from a country with a proliferation of radio stations that leave much to be desired.
From Michael’s presentation, it was clear that his regulatory body propagate for, not only quality radio, but that of high significance.
Other phrases in his presentation that addresses geographical coverage and age can also relate to the Zambian environment.
It is in Zambia where most radio stations have no regard for culture and age, therefore, offering all imitation of Western broadcasting.
If geographical location was much to be considered, radio stations would live up to tailoring programmes that suit areas in which they are located.
Of what good would a radio station located like on the highland of Chilubi on Lake Bangweulu in Northern Province presenting programmes appropriate for urban life?
From the SBS experience, the radio broadcasts in over 70 languages other than English as a way to carter for every listener, in our country of over 70 languages, most, if not all of Zambian radio stations are English broadcasters.
One would have thought that Zambian radio stations could have taken advantage of the diversity in culture and language to offer appropriate broadcasting.
GUINEA UNION RADIO
In Guinea, 47 radio stations have joined to form Free Union Radio, an association that now is present in the country’s seven administrative centres.
Sanou Cisse is President of the association that also has seven private television stations, with the aim of guiding ethical transmission.
While the Guinea radio union is aimed at check-mating quality content, some Zambian radio stations have formed an association whose mandate is different, to pursue debtors.
SIERRA LEONE  YOUTH VOICES
Angela Angwenyi is a Kenyan journalist managing a media empire in Sierra Leone as General Manager of African Young Voices Media Empire.
The empire was set up to provide a platform for youths as training ground for future broadcasters.
Angela was recruited on the strength of her excellent command of English language which is a challenge to youths in that country.
Back home, most youths get their way on radio stations with less or no guidance at all, thereby, exposing them to mediocre presentation.
RADIO THAILAND
In Thailand, Radio Thailand is the national radio network responsible for disseminating government news and information of projects and policies.
The radio station also promotes Thai culture and provides knowledge and entertainment to local listenership and Thais in the diaspora.
Sumonpan Kososnsiriset is Head of Production in English service while her counterpart Porntip Luengthong is International news Editor.
The two ladies said Radio Thailand broadcasts through 147 frequencies, programmes in dialects for tribal groups to suit audiences in different areas.
The radio station has a world service that now broadcasts in 10 languages being English, German, Japanese, Mandarin, Myanmar, Vietnamese and Malaysian.
Zambian radio is yet to penetrate foreign borders with intention of selling local cultural and also showcase broadcasting prowess.
RADIO ON FLIGHT
Radio ‘addicts’ flying thousands of kilometers on Emirates and those taking local flights aboard Air China should not worry missing out, as both airlines offer quality radio airborne.
It may not be live radio transmission, but excellent recording of timeless live radio transmission that will make radio fan passengers awake.
It is radio and podcasts that cover fascinating facts and spell binding stories, new and classic music from around the world.
On channels that broadcasts great speeches, radio lab, freakonomics radio for Arabic, Germany, French, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Philipines, Japanese, Indian, Korean and others.

What is of interest is broadcasting a recorded show that could live the test of time such that listeners would feel as if tuning to live transmission.
Stay tuned, if you can. jackmwewa@gmail.com – 0955115777