988 FM lures kids to tune in with more talk
Lim Tock Peng and Sean Lee insist that radio is still a hit with the kids.
By Chew Wan Ying
Radio isn't dead. So says Sean Lee, a 22-year radio veteran and TV host—and now anchor of the new show PS Friday on the Chinese FM station 988.
"Whenever we audition for new talent, a huge crowd will turn up. There are many who still harbour a dream of working in radio," added his co-anchor Lim Tock Peng, who is also the programming director for the station.
Despite all the flashier and fancier forms of entertainment these days, there's something precious about how radio works, Sean said.
"We're losing the art of verbal communication. Kids are busy with their cell phones and mobile devices whenever they're out. Young people are growing up lacking in interpersonal skills. That's why radio's role is more important than before. It's unique in the sense that it makes you feel as if a friend is talking to you."
"So hopefully, through what we're doing, we can get more youngsters to enjoy talking again," Lim quipped.
Sean and Lim share a friendship that dates back to the start of their careers, but this is the first time they've joined forces for PS Friday, touted as the highlight of a new programming line-up being rolled out by the station.
"The word 'PS' (postscript) means we can talk about anything—in a simple and light-hearted manner. We don't want things to get heavy on a Friday," said Sean, who is a mass communications lecturer at various colleges around KL.
"PS" also stands for Peng and Sean. "We've known each other for so long, we can talk about random stuff for hours," said Sean with a smile. "We just have to talk to each other more to strengthen our chemistry," Lim added with a laugh.
Before Lim hung up her microphone in 2008, she was one of Malaysia's most popular Chinese DJs and was nicknamed "cili padi" for her fiery style. As for the youthful-looking Sean, now 47, he was a regular radio personality from the 1990s to early 2000s before moving on to TV. He finally returned to radio in March this year through Remember The Moment, also on 988 FM.
"PS Friday" airs every Friday, 8pm–10pm, starting this week. 988 FM is owned and operated by The Star Media Group.
Published: 12th July 2012
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