Radio Jamaica Celebrating 70 Years

Sunday July 4, 2021 Page 21 The Conscience of Jamaica H otline remains the most popular radio talk show in Jamaica whether judged by listenership or by the broad base of the many who call in for information, advice, and discussion. Interestingly, Hotline was not the first talk- show programme on Radio Jamaica. It was preceded by What’s Your Grouse . Hotline has had many hosts over the decades. Among the most popular hosts were Dick Pixley; Neville James, a mentor of current managing director Gary Allen; Wilmot “Mutty” Perkins; and Suzanne Dodd. Dodd was interesting in that she was a Caucasian, a Rastafarian, and rode a bike. She was followed by Antoinette Haughton and Colin Henry. The biggest among them all, however, was Barbara Gloudon. According to Gary Allen: “No Hotline host stands out as significantly as Mrs. Gloudon, who was the programme’s host for three decades. She became ‘the people’s representative’ on Hotline . She has a broad- based education and a wealth of knowledge on all things Jamaican. She possesses the ability to break down the most complex of issues about the economy, politics, and our social fabric while still being able to add that understanding and people’s touch in all of that.” Mr. Allen added that all the hosts have left their significant mark on Hotline , including the HOTLINE continues on page 22