AIR
RAVES
BY ANTHONY THANASAYAN
THE issue of disability - a topic close to my heart - was the focal point on
several radio stations not long ago.
Aired on both FM and shortwave broadcasts at home and abroad, the feature
programmes provided much food for thought for
listeners with or without
handicaps.
During the third week of July from Monday to Friday, the Word on Health
segments on Airtime Management and Programming (AMP) radio networks such as
Light & Easy and MIX FM carried a daily interview with Dr Chew Nee Kong, a
well-known neurologist at the University Malaya Medical Centre in
Lumpur
The one-minute pre-recorded audio clips featured the specialist and medical
adviser of the Malaysian Parkinson's Disease Association effectively
dispelling many of the myths surrounding the health problem.
Dr Chew explained what PD was really all about, its symptoms, treatment and
the important role that caregivers and support groups play in the lives of
those afflicted with it.
The Word on Health special was written and presented by Mohanaapriya
Sina
Raja from AMP's Info Centre department.
Good show, AMP. The only downside was that the presenter tended to swallow
her words which faded off at times, making listening and comprehension
difficult.
Also, when I tried last Sunday to click on the Word on Health homepage on
http://www.lightradio.com.my/05/lifestyle/body_mind/word_on_health/ for a
repeat listening of the feature, I found that it was last updated only in
July 2004.
Rewarding' the uncaring
Not to be outdone, zany hosts Double D and Roundhead of Traxx
FM's weekday
afternoon interactive drive-time show Flexx on Traxx tried to take the
mickey out of non-disabled drivers who unashamedly usurp
parking spots
designated for their disabled counterparts.
Last month, the boys decided to turn a little sarcastic and give a
"standing
ovation" on the air to "champs" of such selfish acts commonly
seen at
shopping malls, hotels, airports and elsewhere by asking listeners what they
thought would be the most deserving "reward" for them.
The suggestions were almost unanimous and quite unforgiving; tow away their
cars at once; impose hefty fines; clamp their vehicles; and give the
"proceeds" to charity.
The show ended with the deejays asking the non-disabled public to think of
their fellow human beings and put themselves in the shoes of the handicapped
if ever the temptation to be inconsiderate to others arises.
A good cause, brothers!
Right to choose
On the shortwaves, the
highly controversial - and I must say, most
intriguing - subject of "The Ethics of Forced Medication" took the
spotlight
on the daily international call-in show Talk to America (TTA) on the Voice
of
Broadcast live from
programme discussed the pros and cons of the matter.
Those for the issue argued that psychiatrists had a right to force
medication on mentally ill patients when the individuals couldn't make a
decision for themselves and posed a threat to society.
Those against, who described themselves as "psychiatric survivors",
debated
that mental health medicine services should not, amongst others, take away
the right of people to choose what kind of medications they want, as well as
the right of such people to explore alternative forms of treatment towards
mental well-being.
Some of the guests included persons who had recently recovered from mental
illness.
The TTA host was Doug Bernard, who let everyone speak without much
interference. If only he had done more to steer the conversations to
minimise the use of jargon and terminologies, then it
would have allowed
ordinary listeners to fully follow the discussions.
TTA is broadcast daily from Tuesdays to Saturdays at
6.160kHz, 49m; 7.125kHz, 41m; and 9.760kHz, 31m.
To listen to the programme again, click on http://www.voanews.com/english /
NewsAnalysis/TTA-New-Past-Shows.cfm.
Anthony Thanasayan, who was born disabled, is an avid
radio listener. His
work, training special dogs for the physically handicapped, has been
featured on local and international radio. His dogs, he says, help him 'stay
in tune with life'. E-mail him at athanasayan@hotmail.com
.