Although television once threatened the existence of radio, the facts now indicate that no other medium of communication is likely to replace radio entirely, partly because of its amazing adaptability. Over the past two decades, as this country's broadcasting industry adapted to the trends of the times, content and style have undergone significant changes. Quality has been raised and quantity expanded, so that broadcasting still enjoys the favor of large audiences.
Radio's strong points include the small size and big sound of the receivers, which makes it possible to carry them everywhere. On the air 24 hours a day, it offers its audience access to the latest news at all hours. Radio's imageless voice, like the purposeful blank space on an expert painting, stirs the imagination. And one can read, drive or do household chores while listening to the radio.
Taiwan has a broadcasting history of 50 years. Early content was not too elaborate: other than music, most broadcast time was devoted to news and commentary, standard radio plays, et al. Much later came variety programs and musical shows, planned in advance, such as Morning Park, Home Sweet Home, and Night Riddles. Today there are 31 radio stations islandwide, featuring variety shows, music, plays, news and an assortment of specials.
Two variety shows have now been on the air more than 20 years: CBC's Morning Park and the police radio's Safety Island. The former begins with a lively waltz, projecting a fresh exuberance. Its short segments include literature appreciation, public health lectures, and general legal topics, all of which are intended to relate to daily life and inspire self-improvement.
Safety Island's program host, Luo Lan, is also a credible writer and has a good understanding of music. The program's strong points, in addition to musical scoring, follow from insights into daily living. One example is a weekly slot called What Can You Do?, which encourages the audience to answer questions raised in a short skit.
After FM stations were established in Taiwan, improving musical quality and boosting broadcasting standards, radio began featuring a wide variety of music--classical, pop, Chinese opera, folk and traditional songs. One top music show, CBC's Music in the Wind, anchored by Chao Ch'in, presents compositions by famous musicians and renditions of popular vocalists, a positive and progressive concept, it is effective in stimulating thought.
[Picture Caption]
A disc jockey changing records for a live radio show.
1. Sound effects control panel in a radio station's recording room. 2. Living Theatre hosts Wen Ming-lung and Lin Li-chun recording a program. 3. Pai Yin (right), producer of the long-running Happy Childhood, showing youthful friends how to anchor a show. 4. Select performers doing a broadcast of CBC's Chinese Historical Figures.
6. Taxi drivers are among radio's most ardent fans. 7. Records are radio's primary source of music.
1. Sound effects control panel in a radio station's recording room.
2. Living Theatre hosts Wen Ming-lung and Lin Li-chun recording a program.
3. Pai Yin （right）, producer of the long-running Happy Childhood, showing youthful friends how to anchor a show.
4. Select performers doing a broadcast of CBC's Chinese Historical Figures.
6. Taxi drivers are among radio's most ardent fans.
7. Records are radio's primary source of music.
