South Africa was one of the last countries in the world to introduce television to its people in 1976 – 40 years after pioneers like UK or Germany and even 20 years after Finland. The reasons for the delay seem entirely crazy. Then again, they are very much in line with the apartheid era. However, from radio’s perspective the late introduction of television bears great stories and memories.

Photographer Mike Abrahams, a colleague of ours from Westbury Youth Centre, lived his childhood in the 70’s Johannesburg. In his memories radio was the top, the only, the most exciting entertainment media available. The stories cling to many European memories from the 50’s. So, what was the place and role of radio in a coloured boy’s life in the 70’s Joburg? What happened when TV came? How did radio change? Did it vanish? Way no. Something much better was to come, even under the apartheid rule.

Photo: Mike Abrahams michaelabrahamsfot.wix.com/michaelabrahamsfoto

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The clips from the topmost legendary South African Radio Drama, Squad Cars, are a courtesy of Sonovision Studios and SABC.

The clip from the Kofifi FM broadcast on the 19th of November 2014 at 11h30, as well as the jingles framing it, are attached to the interview with the permission of Kofifi FM. Thank you for cooperation, Kofifi CEO Joseph Cotty and sound engineer Ralton Seegels.

More info on the legendary Squad Cars is available e.g. in the abundant Internet Archive. Enjoy!

For a more detailed analysis on South Africa pushing the introduction of TV till 1976 check e.g. Bernard Cros’ article in ORACLE.

For stories of the first decades of South African TV check e.g. Carin Bevan’s free thesis.

Paula Salovaara is one of the key actors in the Finnish radio scene. She has been involved in numerous radio changes since 1980’s, among them a legend: the first remarkable private urban radio station Radio City. In the year 2000 she shaked the Finnish radio scene by putting up her own work of art: Radio Helsinki. It’s one of the pioneers of Internet radio in Finland and nowadays a renowned local music and talk FM radio. With the concept of no playlist, tens of professional dj’s and long discussion programs Radio Helsinki was said to never be able to succeed for more than a year. On the 1st of September 2014 the urban dream just celebrated its 14 year anniversary. The times are hard. So are the workers on the little legendary channel. Looking back to the year 2000: why did Paula Salovaara want to put up something as crazy as an own radio station?

Photo: Paula Salovaara with Njassa and Sami Yaffa