Radio 702 celebrates 30 years of 'fearless' reporting

"Carried the torch for free expression"

"We carried the torch for free expression. During the late '80s we were unique in extending this platform to the banned ANC members who were in hiding at that time," Pheladi Gwangwa, Talk Radio 702 station manager, told Bizcommunity.com this week, recounting the station's early history.

Radio 702's outspokenness got it into trouble with the apartheid regime, which often summoned the station's management to the presidential compound to explain its "excessive criticism", subsequently threatening to close it down.

But, with the wind of freedom now blowing all over South Africa, Bizcommunity.com asked if operating in a democratic environment is all smooth sailing.

"Not very media-friendly"

Gwangwa said straightforwardly: "The Mbeki government was not very media-friendly. We received lots of complaints from them regarding the coverage government was getting.

"They seemed to think that because they were democratically elected they should not be criticised. We tried to educate Government that part of the role of media in a democratic society is to hold officials to account."

Gwangwa, who was appointed in March 2005, said she felt privileged to be part of Radio 702 organisation at this momentous occasion. "I had very big boots to fill when I was appointed station manager but I was embraced by both the listeners and the staff at the station and we're having fun on this wonderful journey.

"Now, we continue to give listeners the opportunity to express themselves freely, but we are now operating in a more competitive media environment."

Racism and gender inequality

However, in an industry often seen as not practicing what it preaches, and which some insiders believe it is still challenged by racism and gender inequality, it remains unclear if Radio 702 takes these issues to heart.

Gwangwa said: "Talk Radio 702 is very mindful of the need to get our own house in order as we encourage our audience to do so. Behind the scenes, at all levels of Primedia Broadcasting, we have outstanding gender and racial splits which reflect the demographics of the country.

"Although we have a mix of presenters from varied racial backgrounds, both men and women, on the main weekday line up, it is something that is always top of mind."

Charity initiatives

Issie and Natie Kirsh launched the station as Channel 702, and to date charity initiatives remain Radio 702's best moments for the past 30 years.

"Another source of deep satisfaction for us comes when the truth finally comes out about an issue we have been covering," Gwangwa said.

Radio 702's very low point, according to Gwangwa, is that in the late 1990s, the station went through a phase of being 'whinge radio'. "All we talked about was crime and we didn't reflect on the many positive things happening in the country."

Top talents such as John Berks, Cocky "Two Bull" Tlhotlhalemaje , Stan Katz, Martin Bailie and Alex Jay plied their trade at 702. Veterans such as John Robbie (since 1986), Jenny Crwys-Williams (since 1992), Aki Anastasiou (traffic desk since 1990) and David O'Sullivan (since 1996) and Kate Turkington, whose show has been running for the past 18 years, have remained behind.

Fresh blood

The station's fresh blood includes Redi Direko, Kieno Kammies, Udo Carelse and Leigh Bennie.

Talk Radio 702 was this year named Station of the Year in the inaugural MTN Radio Awards

For more:

• Official site: www.702.co.za
  
• Twitter: @Radio702
  
• Facebook group: www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702