Tuning into Life

It's not something their job contracts list out. Neither is it a task the bosses expect them to execute.

Counselling in person,dishing out advice on their blogs,being friends on social websites…
the citys popular radio show hosts are connecting to listeners off-air as well

It’s not something their job contracts list out. Neither is it a task the bosses expect them to execute. Nevertheless,some of the citys popular radio show hosts at the local FM stations are dedicating their off-air hours to connecting with listeners much after their shows are over for the day (or night as the case may be). When my show,9 Baje Ki Setting,goes on air the phones dont stop ringing. But its impossible to take all calls. Thats where my blog helps, RJ Sofie who works with Big 92.7 FM shares. Hosting a show that makes the most of love and relationships,its not surprising that the radio jockey is inundated with messages that request her either to air love issues or help a listener hunt down a suitable match! Its got much to do with how radio today has penetrated everyday lives and also the bond listeners make with an RJ, she is quick to point out. So when the shows over,Sofie logs on to the social networking site Facebook that hosts her public profile and takes it forward from there. Sometimes,an ardent listener just wants me to hear out his or her story or indulge in friendly chit-chat, Sofie smiles to say. When it comes to sorting out problems by way of counselling,it helps that Sofies a major in psychology! And I have studied English literature too, she adds clicking away on her computer.

Elsewhere,at the studios of My FM,work for popular RJ Meenakshi,who hosts the weekday show Oye Hoye Meenakshi,begins much before the show goes on air late in the evening. Apart from phone calls and messages for the show,I have people calling in and wanting to meet me in person, mentions Meenakshi. While thats got much to do with her celebrity-like status,its also because Meenakshis a great listener. I usually ask them to come to our office where I get to interact with them in person, informs the RJ. From ardent fans wanting autographs to those seeking help on emotional issues,the RJ steps in as a counsellor every now and then. I remember a girl who had been a victim of date rape coming to meet me every day for a month. I helped her move on with life and that was a great feeling, shares Meenakshi,who even has a newspaper column to her credit.

While traditionally radio show hosts were always heard and never seen,its no longer the case. As RJs we also host on-ground activities that bring us face-to-face with our listeners. Interaction is more and hence the rapport, pitches in RJ Abhimanyu who steers the show Fly Over on Big 92.7 FM. Despite the fact that his is not a lovey-dovey show or one that gets listeners to share their deep,dark secrets,its often that the RJ finds people arriving at the radio station looking for him! There was once a girl who wanted to meet me and that too outside the office. She sounded in trouble and I took a call on my own and met her, remembers the RJ who went on to help the girl make peace with her troubled boyfriend! She thanked me endlessly and I felt I had done a good deed, admits Abhimanyu.

While sharing phone numbers is a strict no-no,radio jockeys prefer chatting through their blogs and networking profiles. Sometimes I would log on in the middle of the night and there would be someone wanting to connect, you hear Abhimanyu say mentioning a certain lady listener who calls every day just to hear his voice! Apart from making polite conversation,I have dished out advice on career options to handling stress to shopping tips et al, he laughs to say. But theres a flip side to staying connected always. Mentally its exhausting but no RJ will crib about it. After all we are here because of the listeners out there, sums up Abhimanyu. Now thats some bonding over the bandwidths!

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