PRR 2015: Philippine Radio in Review

Another year is about to end. But before the calendar flips to 2016, here is a look back at the year that was in television and radio.

Our friend MC’s Corner will look back at the events that shaped Philippine radio in 2015. Enjoy.

MC's Corner

2015 is about to end in a few days. But before we bid goodbye to this year, here is a look back at what happened in the world of Philippine Radio. This article will analyze on the Top 10 newcomers, comebacks, reformats & restructures in Metro Manila (and a few in other key cities).

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This list ranges from newcomers to restructures to ventures.

1. 8TriMedia’s Big Move

8TriMedia Broadcasting

Late last year, 8TriMedia, a media company of Jojo Soliman, began as a blocktimer on DZJV 1458, airing its programs during nighttime (6pm onwards).

Last April, 8TM bought time from DWBL 1242 to air its programs. From 4 programs, they expanded to 7 on this 20-Kw station. The roster is consisted of veteran newscaster Miguel Gil, singers Lloyd Umali & Ima Castro, showbiz columnists Shalala & Rodel Fernando, and former Manila mayor Fred Lim, among others.

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New Station Manager for Retro 105.9, Plus Other Philippine Radio News

Hill Billy Willy assumes the post of station manager on Retro 105.9 DCG-FM, and will also board every weekday morning. (Photo credit: DJ Hillbilly Willy Official Facebook)

Retro 105.9 DCG-FM will have a new station manager.

Willy Inong (a.k.a. Hill Billy Willy), formerly of Wish 1075, has taken over the said role, with predecessor Cris Hermosisima taking over as consultant. The veteran jock will also be on board every weekday from 6:00-10:00 a.m., starting today.

The new weekday schedule of Retro 105.9 will be as follows:

6:00-10:00 a.m. – Hill Billy Willy

10:00-2:00 p.m. – Karen

2:00-6:00 p.m. – Joshua

6:00-10:00 p.m. Jimmy Jam

10:00-2:00 a.m. – Andy Tuna

2:00-6:00 a.m. – Automated music

This should be a breath of fresh air for a station that needs another on-air voice and some tweaks in their playlist. It’s up to Hill Billy Willy to expand and reinvent Retro 105.9, which has been recently criticized for having a shallow and repetitive playlist.

As for Wish 1075, they have not announced a successor to Hill Billy Willy as station manager. More updates will come in the near future.

In other news, Wave 891 is looking for a new DJ. This comes after Peter Clay left the station for undisclosed reasons.

The requirements include:

1. 15 minute voice tape
(a). News Casting
(b). Adlib / Song Intro
2. Resume with full body picture
3. Must be at least 19 years old and willing to take any time slot
4. Willing to be trained

Those interested in joining the Wave DJ search may email the station at info.wave891@gmail.com for more information.

And finally, DZRJ 810 and 8TriMedia Broadcasting signed a blocktime deal that would allow the latter to air their programs on the former. Previously 8TriMedia was in a blocktime deal with DWBL 1242.

The new blocktime deal will not affect the on-air identity of DZRJ, which will remain mostly in English and under the tagline ‘The Voice of the Philippines’. The 8TriMedia block airs weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Programs produced by 8TriMedia may also be seen on its official website.

The Launch of 107.5 Wish FM

107.5 Wish FM was officially launched on August 10, 2014, in a live concert at the World Trade Center in Pasay. (Logo courtesy of the Progressive Broadcasting Corporation)

It’s a wish come true for DWNU 107.5.

On August 10, Daniel Razon’s Breakthrough & Milestone Productions International, Inc. officially launched 107.5 Wish FM, in a live concert at the World Trade Center in Pasay City. The concert featured bands such as Rivermaya, 6Cyclemind, Sandwich, Imago and Spongecola, as well as artists like Richard Poon, Mitoy Yonting, Jonalyn Viray, Gerald Santos and Jeffrey Hidalgo.

In addition, the management of the station granted ‘wishes’ to various individuals. One such wish involved progeria-stricken Rochelle Pondare, whose wish was to be a recording artist despite suffering from premature aging at 17.

Wish FM also introduced the first-ever mobile FM bus. The said vehicle will travel to different places within Metro Manila, with the intent of promoting the station to its listeners.

The launch of Wish FM was not complete without its staff of DJs. The new station introduced industry veterans Hill Billy Willy and Uncle Harry, as well as DJs Princess, Alice, Jelly Kisses, Flynn Rider, and Russell.

Wish FM is now the third iteration of the 107.5 frequency currently occupied by the Progressive Broadcasting Corporation. The station was previously known as NU 107 (hard rock/alternative format) from 1987-2010, and 107.5 Win Radio (hot adult contemporary format) from 2010-14.

The transition from Win Radio to Wish FM began on June 26, when BMPI took over management of 107.5. This led to the resignation of Manny Luzon as executive vice president of PBC and subsequent relocation of Win Radio to erstwhile sister station 91.5 Big Radio two days later.

Soon after, the unnamed station adopted a broader adult contemporary format, and was initially broadcast as P.S. FM before BMPI decided to launch under the more catchy Wish FM brand.

The rebranded station also relocated from their old booth at AIC Gold Tower in Ortigas Center, Pasig City, to the temporary UNTV Center in Philam Homes, Quezon City. Win Radio, however, will continue to occupy the AIC booth next door.

With that, let’s wish the new station good luck on its first week of broadcast.