9 Staff of ZJB Radio Montserrat. (Photo supplied by ZJB Radio) CARICAD ASSISTS ZJB RADIO MONTSERRAT By Franklyn Michael, Supplementary Associate, CARICAD T he Government of Montserrat has funded and managed the operations of ZJB — Radio Montserrat, since 1957. ZJB Radio broadcasts on two frequencies in the FM Band — 95.5 and 88.3. It is the only Montserrat-based radio station in existence today. Montserrat was home to the famous Radio Antilles until the station faded into history because of major changes in global geopolitical circumstances and advancements in radio technology. Photos courtesy of Philip Brade, Government Information Unit (GIU) Montserrat. ZJB Radio has had several locations during the last 65 years. The station moved to its current location on a picturesque promontory at Davy Hill in March 2019. The facility is modern and very wellappointed. ZJB Radio has been at the heart of Montserrat’s social and cultural development. It functioned as an essential service during the first five years (most dangerous time) of the volcanic eruption, from 1995 to 2000. It is an indispensable source of information in any emergency or crisis. It is also the “audio archive” of Montserrat. The station provides a surprisingly wide variety of information, education, religious, political, sports and entertainment programmes. There are about 70 regular programmes in 10 categories. The stated Mission of ZJB Radio is: To provide a trusted and indispensable source of information, actively engaging our listeners through high quality community radio programming that is educational, entertaining and service-oriented. Its Tagline is “ZJB Radio the Spirit of Montserrat.” The resident population of Montserrat is less than 5,500 people but the station is popular with the Montserrat diaspora worldwide. Its listenership is therefore numerically significant. It now has global reach because its programmes are made available Continues on next page
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