New SAfm programme schedule announced

SAfm's announcement of changes to the evening and weekend line up is part of the continuation of the Rebuilding Radio Strategy, which was first implemented in February 2003 for the day-time line-up from 05:30 - 18:00 Mondays to Fridays. At that time, the station changed its format to news-talk and positioning to that of News and Information.

SAfm, in fulfilling its duty to protect and nurture English as one of South Africa's 11 official languages, broadcasts in English to all English speaking and understanding listeners in all areas of the country. English is used as a means of communication.

The new evening and weekend programme schedule which will be introduced on 01 October 2004, will enable the station to take advantage of radio strengths of flexibility and immediacy.The schedule will include much more live presentation and where applicable, listener access. The new evening and weekend programmes will contain most of the current content, in a way that will appeal to all listeners.

Additions to the programming will include Public Broadcaster Mandate elements like Youth and Children Programmes, Business Development and Insights into Africa, e.g. Nepad and lifestyles.

The new programmes will bring about change to the current evening and weekend presenter line-up and the introduction of some new voices. "These latest changes are part of the ongoing process of making better radio for our listeners. I'm excited about the new voices joining our team of seasoned broadcasters," said Dennis O'Donnell - SAfm Programme Manager.

SAfm Station Manager Mapule Mbhalati says "The SABC is set to reinforce its national leadership role in providing quality insightful programming to all its listeners. The decision to revamp is part of a long-term plan to take advantage of format opportunities in the radio environment."

In response to requests from listeners, SAfm will start Live Audio Streaming on the 1st October 2004. This will enable office listening and access to South Africans working or living outside our borders to get updated with essential news and information via the internet. Log on to www.safm.co.za.

The details of the new SAfm evening and weekend programme schedule are also published on these pages.