Shaq effect

When you think of radio, here in Sri Lanka, my guess is that one of the first names that would come to mind would be that of Shaq of Yes FM.

This renowned voice has been on radio for quite a while, however it is Yes FM’s Morning Show which seems to be the place where Shaq has really made a mark. In fact, on March 16, 2009, Shaq celebrated 10 years on the Morning Show.

“I was always in to music and I had the ability to talk and it all sort of gelled together and this was the outcome,” said Shaq as to how he ventured in to this field. “For anyone on radio, the morning show is the ultimate, it’s the pinnacle so to say,” he said, and added that he was asked to start on the show back in 1999.

When he first started off on the Morning Show it was a more music based programme however 10 years down the line he says the most notable change on the show is that it is talk based. He also went on to say that he feels like the right balance has been found in terms of how the programme now functions.  
“I’ve had quite a few co-hosts and I’ve also done the show on my own,” Shaq says, adding that he currently hosts the show with Shehara. During the past 10 years he has hosted the show with around six different co-hosts, “Each brought in a different, individual element to the show,” he says.

“People want to be part of our morning show because it is interactive,” he said, adding that the show has always been an interactive one which allows listeners to relate to topics and so on.

Shaq went on to say that radio has evolved in to a study and that it’s now become an integral part of everyone’s life, “What the human brain wants, is what radio gives,” he says, adding “we do a constant study for the show.” In terms of music, the mornings would tend to have more up-beat music and toward the weekend they will play music to get you in to that weekend mode!

“Yes, it is a pretty lousy time to wake up and after all these years you don’t really need an alarm!” he says, of waking up really early. Shaq has never been a morning person and would always miss his school bus, however through the years things seem to have changed for him as he says, “I love waking up in the morning – I am up before the world wakes up – it gives you an entire day ahead of you.”

Shaq is currently the Channel Head for Yes FM therefore his day doesn’t end after the show finishes, “In fact the show is more of a stress reliever!” he quips adding that it is now about the bottom line.  

“It’s more than an ordinary morning show,” Shaq says, adding that a lot of effort is put in to the show and that they discuss certain topics prior to going on air, he says, adding that “Shehara does a lot of work behind the show.” Shaq also went on to say, “90% of the show is completely impromptu.”

Something that runs through Shaq’s mind is the thought of stepping down from the show, “I should decide when I would step down” he says. “I love it – I love doing radio as it’s something I have done for a long time,” he enthuses, adding that “The show can evolve and the boundaries are what you make of it and this is what makes the show interesting,” he says.

“It’s the participation of the listeners that will take the show further and further and this is what drives us!” So don’t forget to catch Shaq and Shehara on Yes FM’s Morning Show on weekdays between 6 and 10am.