Coming soon: a competitor for your morning cuppa Joanna Lobo / DNA / July 9, 2010 http://www.dnaindia.com/lifestyle/report_coming-soon-a-competitor-for-your-morning-cuppa_1407246
It could be your new morning alarm: a healthy dose of information, fun and music. Adjust your frequency to 90.8 Jago Mumbai and tune into the latest buzz from your neighbourhood. A community-driven radio station, launched in May by the Union Park Residents Association (UPRA), it broadcasts from 8am to 12pm. “We offer infotainment on issues that appeal to children, students, parents, housewives, and senior citizens across all demographics,” says Bharati Kakkad, secretary, UPRA. Available in a broadcast radius of seven kilometers from Union Park, Khar, Jago Mumbai does not transmit live but records and edits its programs a day earlier. The broadcasts are in Hindi, Marathi, English, Gujarati and Hinglish. “Community radio being a powerful medium to connect to people, we want to use it to spread awareness, highlight local issues and also promote local talent,” says Brian Tellis, UPRA member and project consultant. Of the people, by the people and for the people, Jago Mumbai believes that any issue can be brought to light only through the people, using radio as the medium. The segments are hosted by volunteers, who take time out of their studies and work to spend time in the studio: coming up with ideas, doing research, scripting and recording their shows. Sonal Chabria, 39, is a mother-of-two who takes out four hours of her daily chores and volunteering at an NGO, to come and record her morning show, Jago Mumbai. “I like the concept of a community radio that spreads awareness and I enjoy being on air,” she says. Her morning show touches upon events of the day and medical information with a special bit on environmental issues, an issue that is close to her heart. Tellis hosts the segment called ‘Citi Speak’, which features local people making a difference in society. Other segments include: ‘60 Plus, No fuss!’ for senior citizens, hosted by 23-year-old marketing professional Savio Pashana, morning show Jago Mumbai hosted by Peter Abraham and Sammy Mamdani, who call themselves ‘two fat guys doing bakwas’, ‘Peace of Mind’ by psychoanalyst Varkha Chulani, ‘Right Sight’ by student Parinaaz Mubaraki, who talks about the daily trials and tribulations of being a visually challenged student, ‘Umang’, which deals with issues related to the girl child, and ‘Chocolate bungalow’, which is focussed on kids. In their bid to promote talent, Jago Mumbai plays only original music from local artists and bands like pop singer Nikhil D’Souza, Still Waters, Something Relevant, Tough on Tobacco and Soul Fusion. Future plans include: “an interactive website which will be up and running in a few days, inviting callers and increased broadcast time,” says Kakkad. Those interested in volunteering or offering support to Jago Mumbai can call 022-4266400, or mail them at jagomum...@upra.in
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