STILL ON AIR Why Radio refuses to fade away in Srinagar
Srinagar, Feb 27: At a time when podcasts and streaming platforms dominate the audio space, FM radio in Srinagar continues to command loyalty not out of nostalgia, but necessity and connection. From early-morning commuters to homemakers seeking respite from screens, the medium remains deeply embedded in everyday life.
“I don’t believe radio is declining,” says Mehak Zubair, a radio jockey who remains confident about the medium’s enduring relevance.
According to Mehak, radio’s strength lies in its authenticity and reliability. “From authentic weather forecasts and traffic updates to information about diversions and what’s happening in the city, people still turn to the radio for its local relevance,” she says.
Unlike algorithm-driven platforms, FM radio offers immediacy and intimacy. “It’s a platform where you have a one-on-one emotional connection with the speaker, live interaction and real-time response, which distinguishes it from other formats.”
While the rise of podcasts has transformed audio consumption globally, Mehak believes the two media platforms serve different purposes. Podcasts offer long-form, on-demand storytelling, whereas FM radio provides quick, utility-based updates with entertainment “Both have their own space,” she says.
One of radio’s most loyal audience segments, Mehak observes, comprises motorists. Drive-time shows, particularly in the mornings, see strong engagement. “I receive a lot of calls from people who tune in as they begin their day,” she says. Interaction through calls, messages, and song requests has grown steadily over the past years,she emphasised.
For one regular commuter, the radio remains indispensable. “Radio is my constant companion on the road. Whether I’m stuck in traffic or driving long distances, the RJ’s voice keeps me company. The traffic updates are useful, but it’s really the conversations and music that make the drive feel lighter and less lonely,” he says.
At home, the connection runs as deep. Aatiqa Bano, who has been listening to the radio for 35 years, says it forms part of her daily rhythm. “I can do my household chores while listening. My eyes feel heavy from too much screen time, so I prefer the radio. It helps me relax after a hectic day,” she says.
Bano believes radio continues to resonate across generations. “A lot of the younger generation listen to FM music. I don’t think radio will ever stop; it will always find its listeners.”
She cites Seharbeen as her favourite programme, noting that it highlights issues from across Jammu and Kashmir, including far-flung areas often overlooked elsewhere. “It keeps you updated about your own region,” she says.
Looking ahead, Mehak acknowledges the adaptation of FM to a digital format. “Digital evolution is inevitable, but I don't think a format change is going to be the death of FM radio. It will just make it more accessible.” As media platforms evolve, radio’s strength lies in what it has always offered — a human voice in real time. And that, for many, remains irreplaceable.
By: Faria Bhat
