Radio Ga Ga

“So don't become some background noise
A backdrop for the girls and boys
Who just don't know or just don't care
And just complain when you're not there
You had your time, you had the power
You've yet to have your finest hour
Radio - radio

All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio goo goo
Radio ga ga
All we hear is radio ga ga
Radio blah blah
Radio what's new?
Radio, someone still loves you”

Radio Ga Ga – Queen

I love the radio. In saying this, it would be a bit odd for me not to like radio as I have spent the past four months, and will spent the next four months, studying the industry inside and out with hopes of getting a full time job at the end of the year. So, my wonderful blog readers, brace yourselves for a blog which is so pro radio it will make you want to switch on a station and sigh with relief (hopefully).

Queen’s song Radio Ga Ga is said to be a commentary on television coming into everyday lives by the 1980’s (when the song was released) and radio taking a backseat: a very, very far back backseat. As people’s attention turned to a box with pretty flashing colours, the dial which had originally been so precious seemed to be spending more time in the off position. Instead of being captivated by The War of the Worlds and The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, it was the sitcoms such as I Dream of Jeannie and Get Smart which society was paying more attention to. And now, in the 21^st Century, there is more chatter of the internet becoming predominant over the radio and the FM dial is in danger of becoming nothing more than static.  

But that’s all it has ever been – chatter (and a rather good song from Queen). From the television to the internet, radio has not only survived the threats of these new media industries, but have adapted with it and made sure radio does not shrink. People can’t call in to complain on TV One, but Newstalk ZB makes sure you have your say with their talkback segments. As for internet – you missed a bit of a radio show? Simply check out the online podcast. And radio, our dear friend radio, is still the number one secondary activity, as it keeps you company while you go about your everyday life. See, radio? We still love you.

On a different note, isn’t it a tad ironic when radio stations play this song?