Radio Jamaica Celebrating 70 Years

In 1996, General Manager Hugh Crosskill decided that there was need for an in-depth programme on RJR 94FM, looking beyond the current news of the day. Thus Beyond the Headlines, now just shy of its 24th birthday, was born. At first, the programme was aired late night and had several hosts. “At that time, there was no afternoon discussion programmes. All the afternoon programme were music,” said Jackson-Miller. Jackson-Miller says that the success of the show is simple: “We ask the questions we know the people at home want to hear us ask. The programme is live, so we react to stuff as it happens while keeping a balance. We try to have a broad appeal.” That appeal has grown over the years, and the programme is now one of the most listened to by global subscribers on 1spotmedia. Constantly Evolving Jackson-Miller believes in using the new technologies to her advantage, constantly updating and modernising her format and adding social-media platforms to enable a wider audience. “The text lines and WhatsApp are our biggest sources of listener interaction,” she noted. Jackson-Miller is also pleased with the RJRGLEANER Group merger, which has created new opportunities in sharing and research. But she is even more strong on radio, stating: “I believe that radio will never die as long as it keeps evolving and changing with the times.” A Passion for the News “ You must have a passion for the news to keep at it for almost a quarter of a century. And you must have range. Every programme cannot be politics and crime. If a topic is of general interest, then it is worth discussing.” Beyond the Headlines gets regular feedback from the Caribbean Diaspora in North America and the UK, plus calls and messages from other global locations. Jackson-Miller is very happy to be part of the Radio Jamaica family. “Since starting work as part of the Radio Jamaica family, I have never wanted to work anywhere else. I have been approached on numerous occasions, but it’s always no thanks. I have been able to fulfill everything I wanted to professionally, here at Radio Jamaica. The experience has been really, really good. Happy 70th birthday Radio Jamaica!” TOASTS ON ITS BIRTHDA Y 70 th Page 30 Sunday July 4, 2021 continued from page 29