NewsTalk forging ahead with varied programming
Published:Sunday | March 20, 2011 | 12:00 AM
One of the newest entrants to Jamaican talk radio, NewsTalk 93 FM, is capturing the imagination of discerning listeners with a rich array of programmes that taps varied currents of Jamaican society, with incisive discussion, advice, and commentary.
The station that broadcasts from the University of the West Indies' Mona campus, is breaking new ground in contemporary radio reflecting its mantra - to be educational and entertaining - de-tainment radio!
General Manager Jennifer Chessman is confident that NewsTalk's formula will continue to resonate with Jamaican radio audiences. "Our programming is rooted firmly in the needs and language of diverse audiences. We tackle topics, from whatever is current locally and internationally to delving into the told and untold stories of Jamaican life, all informed by a strong social conscience and expert analysis," Chessman observes.
She promises that NewsTalk's diet will continue to be based on its rich array of stimulating, informative, fearless, and penetrative discussion programmes and analysis, as well as the finest in musical and entertainment offerings.
The 2010 All-Media Survey on listenership lifestyles revealed that while NewsTalk's listeners are wide and varied, the station has a strong following among business travellers, diners, shoppers, and persons interested in entertainment, sports, politics, religion, arts, and culture.
Reaching out to audiences
The station will continue to reach out to these audiences in the coming months to build on the platform of success that has made it into one of Jamaica's fastest-growing radio stations, Chessman observes.
With programmes like:
- Jamaica Speaks: A cutting-edge morning call-in news and analysis programme hosted by Professor Trevor Munroe, attorney Donna Scott-Motley, Denise Williams, Delano Franklin, Danny Roberts, and Nadine Spence.
- Straight Up! Discussion format with Jerry Small, who draws on Jamaica's political and cultural history to explain current realities.
- The Complete Picture: Hosted by social anthropologist Dr Herbert Gayle, who hones in on social and gender-focused issues challenging Jamaica and its youth.
- Talking Point: With Bobbie Brown, takes one through a range of legal issues and offers practical tips.
- The Corner: Giving the views of conscious youth with host Stephen 'Bangarang' Golding.
- Evening Edition: Drive-time radio news and reviews with Lambert Brown and Lloyd D'Aguillar, gives the stories behind the headlines and more.
- In De Stands: A popular sports news and views programme.
- Counselling and Inspiration: Radio with a human touch - air your views on disabilities, ageing, sex, and stress with knowledgeable counsellors including Floyd Morris, Dr Vivian Panton, and Dr Karen Carpenter.
- Sunday's programming blends discussion - The Silo with Annie Paul, Dropped Stories with Yvette Rowe, Looking Back, Looking Forward with D'Aguillar - with exquisite music that includes jazz, oldies with Merritone Disco, commentary from musicologist Dermott Hussey, and the classics.
Chessman says that NewsTalk's goal is to always deliver responsible and enlightening programming through informative, entertaining, and engaging radio in Jamaica.
"Our goal is to add our own touch to talk radio utilising the university's extensive resources to the fullest and do our part to enhance Jamaican life," Chessman notes.