ສົນທະນາທົ່ວໄປ

Radio plays an important role in providing news and entertainment to listeners in all corners of the country, but many people still want radio stations to improve in quality and develop a wider range of programmes.

A medical student, Mr Supaseud Supanga:

Mr Supaseud Supanga

Whenever I can I listen to the radio to relax. I like music programmes, but I don’t enjoy advertisements. They are boring for listeners, but I agree that DJs should provide information about health to youth and the public. This assists people to learn to take care of their health and protect themselves from diseases.

Sports news should be reported for listeners all over the country, as then they can be aware of events involving Lao athletes both at home and overseas. I believe this would increase radio ratings. Reporting on food and restaurants in Vientiane would be useful to inform listeners of good dishes to taste. Regular weather forecasts should help the public plan their travels.

A resident of Nonsavang village, Ms Pavina Changluexay:

I don’t like DJs who talk too much, and whose words aren’t useful for listeners. They should discuss problems that affect young people to advise them to protect themselves.

However, I like what some DJs have to say in encouraging people to think creatively. Today, I also observe radio stations lack reporting about economic issues. As we know, the country is developing and people would like to know which businesses they should invest in and which ones they should avoid.

Most importantly, radio reporters must be more professional in analysing leading social and economic problems so that listeners can benefit. It’d also be good if radio stations invited monks to teach young listeners about how to act and develop themselves through the use of Buddhism.

A medical student, Mr Sulisak Kaenmani:

Radio stations are doing well to improve their quality and there are new stations appearing in Vientiane. This gives listeners more choice, but the stations still lack educational content for youngsters. Programmes focussed on youth activities, such as scholarships, should be added to stations to encourage boys and girls to participate in society.

DJs on music programmes should only talk a little when introducing songs. I believe listeners want to listen to music much more than advertising. Current news reports on events such as natural disasters should be broadcast in a timely manner to help listeners in affected areas.

An office worker, Mr Sana Ladtanasithod:

Radio is more important than other media as listeners in all areas have immediate access, especially those in rural areas. For the sake of farmers, I just hope radio stations report on both the positive and negative impacts of agricultural investment. Radio must provide information to make farmers aware of the price of importing and exporting products to assist in their survival.

I think radio programmes should provide general knowledge for listeners in between songs. Radio stations should broadcast government policies so that young listeners can learn to follow them. Radio should make listeners aware of social problems and teach them how to protect themselves if they are faced with certain situations.

Source: Vientiane Times
By Ounkham Pimmata
August 21, 2010