JUST A THOUGHT: If your world doesn’t allow you to dream, move to one where you can. – Billy Idol

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RADIO BOOM: A recent study claims that radio has been proving its bankability as an advertising medium, contrary to claims that TV has long ago eclipsed it along this line.

The study, in fact, says radio has shown renewed resurgence recently and can yet emerge as the medium to beat where reaching preferred audiences is concerned.

The findings serve as a vindication for radio, which has, time and again, faced threats from all other new emerging media. It was the same way when commercial television was introduced in the country in 1953. Everyone thought the rise of TV meant the death of radio as a medium.

The prophets of doom were proven wrong in the long run. Radio persisted as a popular medium and has gone on to witness this new phase in its re-discovery in the present century.

Today’s young people may opt for their iPods and mobile phones where they can listen to their favorite songs, but studies reveal they still tune in to popular FM stations for more music and lots of chit-chat.

Such behavioral pattern among young listeners explains why FM stations these days have reformatted to include lots of talkies between songs, it is said.

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WOW-FM: Talking heads are what the newly launched 103.5 Wow-FM radio offers in various degrees of acceptability.

The station opened amid fanfare and drums rolling while it welcomed a set of radio anchors formerly heard on other stations. They include familiar names as Mr. Fu, Laila Chikadora, Tina Ryan, Tito Potato, and Justin Bibo.

Based on their spiels during a recent press lunch, it is evident that Wow Radio is following the same music-comedy format popular among today’s stations. One hopes its DJ’s won’t be as sexual or as green-minded as those from other stations, whose jokes often border on the profane.

Wow-FM is operated by The Radio Partners, headed by Bobet Vera, and which also runs Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1 and Magic 89.9 and 99.5 RT.

The station broadcasts from Jollibee Plaza along Emerald Avenue in Ortigas Center, Pasig. In keeping with today’s radio trend, Wow is an FM station catering to mass audiences, pang-masa.

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BY THE WAY… Actor-model Jon Hall says the best thing he learned from taking part in “Survivor Philippines” is not to take for granted the comforts found in every day life. “Things like food, shelter, clothing, those are very important. You shouldn’t take them for nothing,” he told us during Survivor’s breakout party at a Quezon City club Aug. 30. Trust is also something one must not look for or hope to find during a Survival shoot, he said.

People are quite impressed with the elegance shown by Miss Universe fourth runner-up Venus Raj. Venus has stated her interest in becoming an actress. She will do well in a talk show.

Nora Aunor’s fans are saddened by the loss of her singing voice. They hope it’s just temporary. The superstar lip-synched her performance during a recent concert in Australia. If Nora truly lost her singing voice during a beauty enhancement procedure in Japan, she must tell the world about it or sue those concerned. A lot of myths are being spread about Nora’s condition. A final word from the superstar can clear the picture once and for all.

(nescuar@yahoo.com)