Change is always good, they say. This is possibly because of the fresh outlook and perspective that lies in change.
Therefore, after a two month study, the line up of programmes on Yes FM saw a change, the result, a complete change in the sound of the station, which started on March 16, 2009.
Speaking to Shaq, Channel Head, Yes FM he mentioned that the basic change lies in shortening the number of hours of the current shows, introducing new shows and shifting around the current voices on air to different times, all with the aim of sounding the best.
“Yes FM has the most experienced set of presenters,” says Shaq, adding that 60 – 70% of them have been with the station for over five years. In fact everything you hear is conceptualised, designed and even argued on by these guys, he says.
“There’s an amazing chemistry among the guys and girls,” Shaq adds, and this was quite evident upon me meeting and having had a chat with this colourful bunch who are behind the programmes you listen to as well as the numerous other events hosted by the station.
The day starts with The Morning Show hosted by Shaq and Shehara which kicks off at 6am and goes on till 10am on weekdays. “The show is mostly talk and bickering,” quips Shehara about one of the best loved morning shows currently on air, here. “The biggest difference for me is that I am able to be myself here, which I didn’t see before,” says Shehara making a comparison between the station she was at before, to which Axl Young agrees by saying, “We have the freedom to be ourselves.”
From 10am to noon, Ramzi hosts The Daily Dose, which goes on air from Monday to Thursday. And on Friday between 4 and 7pm he hosts The Phat 30, along with Axl Young. “The Daily Dose caters mainly to the office crowd and housewives,” says Ramzi and is a show with skits and an insight on the lighter side of what’s going on in Lanka, while a lot of ‘90’s and millennium hits are played on the show.
The Phat 30 is a countdown compiled with the weeks requests, radio airplay and international charts, “It’s a fun show with comedy skits and movie trailers,” says Ramzi.
Ramzi was more or less involved in training new recruits and keeping an eye on feedback and says, “There is talent out there and we want to give an opportunity to those interested, to experience radio,” he says, adding that they would like to train new recruits to handle the shows in future.
Ramzi’s co-host on The Phat 30 Axl Young whose actual name is Rajiv, is a producer where he is responsible for the character of the station along with Sam (Samitha) and Shane, “They help make the station sound good,” says Shaq.
“I also handle the station’s website,” says Sam who is also the host of the Audio Vault on Fridays from 2 – 4pm. The show presents dance tunes including 12 inch versions of songs and is an extended version of The Phat 30.
Apart from making the station sound good, Shane hosts Lounge 895 on Thursday nights from 8 – 12. “It’s a relaxing show with less talk and less interruptions,” Shane says, smoothly.
In terms of someone behind the scene, one such personality is Jude, who is responsible for the music that goes on air, “I don’t really host a show, I handle the playlists,” he says, which is obviously a vital role as radio is pretty much about the music and as a result making Yes FM sound good!
Await — more interviews with Yes FM DJs next week.
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