ZIP INNA MI EARS

When we speak about Jamaican mainstream entertainment we can't do so without reference to the popular radio station ZIP 103 FM.  ZIP has become a household name in Jamaican entertainment and has changed the game so much so that even the radio pioneers are playing catch up. 

 In Movado's own words, "ketch-up Dem a play me a Peppa" best describes what Zip 103 FM has been doing.  And the popular talk around town is:

"ZIP Inna mi ears" which translates to "ZIP in my ears", meaning I am always listening to ZIP FM

Of course this rapid growth in popularity has also attracted the nuts and bolts of mass media.  I'm talking about advertisers.  Critics have argued that Zip has become a victim of their own popularity finding displeasure among a number of fans because of too much advertisements. 

Has Zip 103 FM dropped the ball on entertainment?  Have they missed the balance of music and ads that will keep both their listeners and shareholders happy?

To answer these questions I would have to set a context for the arguments.  Zip 103 FM started on June 9, 2002, and has since pioneered a number of innovations in radio. ZIP is one of only two STATE OF THE ART FULLY DIGITAL radio stations in Jamaica with approximately 98% effective coverage on 103.1, 103.3, 103.5, 103.7, & 103.9 Frequency Modulation.  They have been responsible for the introduction of the first 90 seconds cutting edge Info Cast, every Hour on the Hour, 24 hours per day, changing the way news is delivered on Jamaican radio. 

Where Zip FM has led the way and probably won me over is their live streaming online. They offer a free streaming service at 96Kbps and a premium service at US$ 3 per month at 192Kbps (CD quality).  The station has developed an almost cult following among young Jamaicans and mega personalities in the form of Bambino, ZJ Liquid, ZJ ICE, ZJ Sparks (shown right) among others have emerged.

We have to admit, in response to the questions, that the ZIP Disc Jockeys are among the best in the world and have really provided valuable entertainment in the almost 10 years that Zip has been on air.  The variety and structure of their mixes are very commendable and living in Trinidad Zip has definitely helped me to keep in touch with Jamaica.  

On the other side of the fence, I would have to also sympathize with the managers for the spurious advertisements.  As I wrote in a previous article on Jamaica's Media War this is how the media makes their money.  We would not have an opportunity to get a free online stream if advertisements didn't pay for it so we have to be mindful of that.  To extend this point, I think the Zip Ads are actually entertaining, "chug it" for example has some hilarious ads.

I know I speak for a great number of people but not all the listeners.  A friend of mine for example made the statement: "Zip only play ads with a little music between them". That had me cracking up and I empathize with her somewhat because at certain times of day and with some of the ZJ's in particular this has been evident.

While we continue to build Jamaica and Jamaican entertainment, I appeal to the managers to find that balance that will keep both the shareholders and the audience happy.  Your biggest stakeholders are your audience and you have to keep us satisfied.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN ZIP 103 FM LIVE