SA jazz, classical radio station finds more listeners on TV

The station, which is based in the country’s Western Cape province, is now available to listeners from across Africa on the DStv Family, Compact, Compact Plus and Premium packages.

“We’re thrilled to be on DStv,” FMR station manager Mark Jennings said. “It really opens up the airways for more people to experience the magic of music that brings calm in chaos and restores the human spirit.”

Jennings told Music In Africa that availing the station on DStv had increased the number of its listeners.

“It has widened our reach, and people who were out of our signal range can now enjoy crystal-clear listening. It really opens up the airwaves for more people to experience the magic of music that brings calm in chaos and restores the human spirit," he said.

“The response has been incredibly positive. Our motivation to be on DStv came directly as a result from requests by our listeners. They are now thrilled to be able to access their favourite radio station on DStv audio channel 838.”

Asked why the station placed an emphasis on broadcasting jazz and classical music, Jennings said: "Our Independent Communications Authority of South Africa [ICASA] licence stipulates that we play classical and jazz music. It’s important to note that as the only classical and jazz music station in the Western Cape we are peerless.”

Jennings said the station had made vast contributions to the growth of the jazz scene in the country.

“On weekdays we play an average of seven hours of jazz. During weekends there is an average of 15 hours of jazz. We also do live jazz broadcasts, notably Jazz in the Native Yards from Guga S'thebe Theatre in Langa and the Jazz Masters Series from Artscape. Jazz musicians are often interview on our shows Cape Diary and Kaapse Dagboek.”

FMR said its mission was to stick to the company's core principles of delivering the best listening experience to listeners.

“The classical music selection is melodic and non-raucous appealing to a wide audience without compromising on integrity,” a press statement said. “FMR’s jazz is a mix between mainstream smooth and classic soul.

“As a community radio station, FMR is mindful that their mandate is to serve the community not only with music but also upliftment. FMR listeners are motivated to make a difference.”

This year the radio station was also involved in various charity initiatives in the Western Cape. Listeners can access FMR station on 101.3 FM in the Cape Town metropole. The station can also be streamed online via the FMR official website.