就是萬人迷 WRM celebrates its sixth anniversary on Monday. Incredible. I didn’t imagine I would have lasted this long when I returned to the morning show on 05.09.2005. It was a hasty move- I was reluctant to revert to ungodly waking hours, but I was getting bored with the nightly dedications show.

The programme title and original format was conceived by Lingzhi, my first partner in WRM. She was very diplomatic, and asked if I wanted to make any changes. Well, my addition to the show was confirmed three weeks before the launch and I told her that there was hardly any time to revise anything. Actually, we had more than enough time. Hahahah. But I was too preoccupied with my thoughts- “Should I really go back to the morning show? Really? Would I regret? It would be very embarrassing if I left again six months later!”

The two years prior to WRM was tough. The morning show was ranked No. 2 or 3 in 2003 and 2004. There were constant meetings and perpetual changes. Uh huh. The fact is, I didn’t really like what I was doing.

I can’t pinpoint what exactly happened, but WRM was a hit right from the start. It shot up to No. 1 within three months. “Right, this must be an accident.”, I shrugged. And there was no champagne because I was all ready to see the annual ratings fall back to the previous runner-up spot. It never did. In the last six years, the show consistently came in tops, and WRM still is the No. 1 radio programme in Singapore.

I’m beaming, of course. Would you expect anything less? Hahaha. And deeply appreciative of the support we have received in the last six years.

From time to time, my marketing and promotions people demand that I write them a synopsis or list unique selling points of the show. I stare at them blankly and go, “I don’t know what to say!” I just go in there every morning and do what I enjoy. I count down to Fridays because that’s exactly what I have on my mind the first four days of the week. I play songs I like (and what I think most people might like), and share stories the way I will share them with my friends over a hearty meal or a casual chit chat. And those silly lame jokes? I laughed out loud when people tell me those, and I thought I would just take about twenty seconds each time to spread the cheer.

Looking back, I realised that I’ve unintentionally defied numerous theory books written by broadcasting experts all over the world. They will probably flip when they discover that WRM is perhaps the only morning show in developed markets which does not have a regular call-in segment, or even fixed segments in the peak hours for that matter. So why are people listening? Don’t ask me, ask them!

The last six years have been great. Happy Birthday, WRM.

Thank you for listening, and thank you for bearing with me- there are days I deliver like a pro, and there are times I act as though it’s my first day on air. Argh. And most importantly, thank you for making WRM a part of your life.

We celebrated 75 glorious years of Radio at a gala dinner at Capella last night. I wasn’t part of the organising committee, and neither did I perform. I merely dressed accordingly, and showed up to mingle with 300 invited guests.

I think my colleagues did a brilliant job in the preparation and execution. From a quick history lesson showcasing Radio milestones and interviewing former Heads of Radio, to my managing director Florence Lian singing “Yesterday Once More”, to the veterans tribute and the video in memorial of colleagues who have passed on… With so many radio legends gathered together, and numerous former colleagues returning with their heartiest congratulations, it was a fantastic night by all standards. And I somehow managed to drink more than I usually do.

I could totally relate when Jean Danker recounted the day she discovered the magic of Radio. “How did this little black box contain so much music? And those DJs?! How did they talk like that? “

“I want to be a radio presenter when I grow up!”

We did. WOOHOO!

Hossan Leong and Vernetta Lopez closed the night with “Turn It On”- a song commissioned for Radio’s 75th anniversary. Then all the DJs were asked to go onto the stage- something that we weren’t prepared for. As we hastily wiped our mouths, we glanced around cautiously. No one wanted to be the first to rush up, and neither did anyone attempted to be the last. Hahahha. To Bobby Tonelli, I said, “Gee, you’re too good looking. I don’t want to stand beside you.” And to Shan Wee, I exclaimed, “You’re too tall. I don’t want to stand beside you either.” It was a tragic finale as I ended up sandwiched between these two guys right in the middle of the stage. The most appropriate expression would be, FML! Hahaha.

I’d always turn up my nose when people suggested that “Video Killed the Radio Star.” They came, they tried, and we survived. But we’re not taking things for granted, of course. We radio folks know that we’re facing keen competition ahead, and we’re determined to maintain a competitive edge. Thanks for the 75-year journey, and WOOHOO! to many more ahead. As my CEO Shaun Seow said, “RADIO ROCKS!”

And the results are out. Congratulations to Chongqing and Weibin for winning the annual challenge. Thank you for your support, for coming down personally with recyclable cans and pledging your support online.

We were leading in the first fifteen minutes, thanks to a slight advantage in the number of supporters who showed up. Then the lunch team unleashed their secret weapon in the form of a F&B owner. The number of cans he brought was well, like a tsunami that pushed everything out of the way.

Jiahui and I will be doing our regular shift from 6am to 10am tomorrow, and we’ll also be doing the 12pm to 2pm lunch show. So it’s gonna be IT’S FRIDAY x 2.

We went, we conquered. We had so much fun last year and we’re doing the challenge again this year.

Date: 12.05.2011 Thursday
Time: 5-6pm
Venue: Carpark, Kallang Leisure Park

Support your favourite duo by bringing empty drink cans. The team with the most number of cans wins! It’s that easy.

The cans are for recycling. There is no limit to the number of cans each person can bring. And everyone who turns up will receive a small gift from the station. (While stocks last)

Please support Jiahui and I. If we win, we’ll hand over our shift at 8am the next day and go for breakfast (and maybe do a victory parade). If we lose, we’ll do the entire morning shift, as well as the 12-2pm slot. And I certainly won’t be shouting IT’S FRIDAY if we lose. Muahahahahhaa.

See you this Thursday. WOOHOO!