Today’s FM radio landscape is being littered by ‘masa’ stations that play basically old love songs and novelty singles. The proliferation of ‘masa’ stations practically hurt the FM radio industry, which led to audiences tuning out and turn to other means of listening, such as internet radio and digital downloading. But back when the radio industry in the Philippines was full of diversity, several radio programs stand out, and here are the top radio programs that deserved to return on air.
Top 20 @ 12 – Campus Radio 97.1 DWLS FM
No one does it better than the Triggerman to count down the top 20 songs at the stroke of noon. The program is the top chart show on radio for many years, and even its counterparts can attest to that. While the Top 5 at 5 on Magic 89.9, The Playlist on 99.5 Play FM, and the Countdown Top 7 on Monster Radio RX 93.1 carried on its tradition, no one can still beat the legacy of the Top 20 @ 12, and it deserves a comeback, wherever station it may be.
In the Raw – NU 107
This program introduced us to several upcoming bands that went on to achieve success both in the box office and in the record store. NU 107’s flagship program proved successful that more bands signed up to perform on the program. Unfortunately changes in the radio landscape led to the reformat to ‘masa’-flavored 107.5 Win Radio, but ‘In the Raw”s legacy is secured. So much so that it deserves a radio comeback, preferably on Jam 88.3.
24K Friday – 99.5 RT
It is the oldies show that is more diverse, versatile and enduring than other oldies shows. Not even Friday Madness and Saturday Slam of Magic 89.9, Wave Back Wednesday on Wave 89.1, Monster’s Riot on RX 93.1, and Decade and Turn of the Century on Mellow 947 can attest to the longevity and popularity of 24K on 99.5 RT. The long-running radio program is just as identifiable as ‘The Rhythm of the City’, as it was the staple of the network during its two incarnations, and even during its run as 99.5 Hit FM. Sadly, management wanted to go younger, thus the program had to end its run once 99.5 became Play FM. Nevertheless, the veterans of the network are trying to revive the program as a full-time online radio site, but its heart will always be on terrestrial radio.
Pinoy Rock N’ Rhythm – 105.9 RJ Underground Radio and DZRJ 810 AM
This was the program that made Dante ‘Howlin’ Dave‘ David famous. It introduced listeners to Pinoy Rock and bands such as the Juan dela Cruz Band, Asin, Sampaguita and Freddie Aguilar during the Martial Law years. The program was cancelled once DZRJ-AM became Radyo Bandido after the EDSA Revolution, but was later revived on 105.9 RJ Underground Radio. After Howlin’ Dave’s death in 2008, the program endured through various jocks, but was cancelled again after UR ended operations in 2011. The program was such a classic that it needs a second chance, preferably on RJ 100.3 FM.
Talk Back – 103.5 K-Lite
Before ‘Boys Night Out’ even existed, there was Talk Back on the original incarnation of 103.5 K-Lite. It was basically under the format of ‘talk radio’, featuring listener and DJ interaction. The program may be only running for an hour, but listeners are keen and willing enough to gather information regarding the topic being discussed. Talk Back lasted for much of the original K-Lite’s tenure, but when the current K-Lite debuted in July, Talk Back was not included among the returning programs. It was a radio classic that deserves a revival.
From the Tube 
Hopefully, this will return, now that Joshua has come back to radio after a number of years in hiatus. Drive time has become longer and absolutely unbearable. Looking forward to it, actually. Joshua, now of DCG FM, was the the man behind Talkback @ 103.5 K-Lite. It was actually his radio show, officially called Talkback with Joshua and Jinji. So I genuinely hope this comes back, if only to help myself and others get through being stuck in EDSA, esp on occasions when the iPod’s playlists have no longer work.
K-Lite today does not pale in comparison to the K-Lite from 1995-2006. Today’s K-Lite don’t have the great shows that the old one used to have. They even got rid of Lite Wave, Classic Lite and other programs that they revived early on.
And with their constant changes in their DJs, programming and genres, I would rather refer to the current incarnation of K-Lite as ‘Wow, Heart to the Max na K-Lite’. As it stands, the current playlist of K-Lite is a mix of Heart, Max and Wow incarnations of the station.
Honestly speaking, I don’t listen to the new K Lite anymore. At least sa Magic, umaasenso nang kaunti especially with Joyce Pring now a part of the latter station.
Joyce is Boom Gonzales’ new co-host in On Demand and she will sing live on Wednesday.
That’s why I’d rather call 103.5 as ‘Wow, Heart to the Max na K-Lite’. They are even welcome to bring back Mr. Fu to the station.
Mr. Fu is happy with Energy FM. He gained popularity with Energy.