Dear Editor,
It is with great concern that I note the shift from the original concept of having a radio channel primarily dedicated to music for the listening public in Guyana. I recall when 98.1FM was first launched many Guyanese thought it was a welcome idea and would often stay tuned to that channel whenever convenient as they went about their daily routines. That joy, however, seems to have been shortlived as we are now subjected to various sales driven walk-about interviews at merchants and more recently, call-in programs that inevitably do not facilitate candid views of those with the patience to endure the often unprofessional approach of the facilitator.
Of particular note as well, is the declining standard of those permitted to host various segments of programming. Indications are that anyone equipped with a convenient accent, fancy verbs and “big-up” attitude can get on air these days. Is there a screening process for these persons, and are there any established standards for this group of employees. Long ago parents encouraged their children to listen to radio because of the command of English exhibited by former radio personalities. The standard today, however, is a far cry from what we were accustomed to and one often cringes as many on our airwaves take the English language to task. It would be remiss of me however, not to give credit to the commendable effort of a few who continue to do a good job with easy listening on select days like Thursday and Sunday. I think the time has come however, for Management to take the necessary corrective action to arrest the fast declining standards of this medium so that Guyanese can again tune in to 98.1FM for their listening pleasure of less talk and more music.
Yours faithfully,
E.C. Grenville
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Mr Martin Goolsarran, the Programme Director of National Communications Network for any comments he may wish to make.
