China Radio International: September 2007 Archives
Long-time staff members at China Radio International will be very familiar with Wang Shuo. She worked at the organization writing website content with occasional program hosting duties until January of 2005, when she decided to pursue other opportunities. Since, she has worked at Beijing Radio Corporation, as a professor at a university in Haidian, and also attended a high-profile translation school in California.
She continues to do some translations, but has already been spotted around the halls of CRI. She is resuming full-time employment there this week.
As one of the most talented, ambitious, and friendly people in the business, China Media News wishes her every success.
Shanghai's 87.9 FM, which is owned by China Radio International, is set to see a decrease in the number of shows being produced from Beijing.
For years, many programs, such as the morning drive show featuring Felix and Yuzhou, China Drive AM and PM, and learning shows were simulcast on CRI EasyFM stations throughout China. But that's about to change.
China Media News has learned that advertisers in Shanghai are finding it difficult to sell English-language programs. They have been given increased control over programming decisions, and want more Shanghai-centric programs in Chinese.
China Media News understands that China's largest and most dynamic market would require more tailor-made programming. However the result is that many popular programs will be pulled off the air, alienating loyal listeners. In fact, these shows, including the Learning Pub, and the Pulse (which replaced Joy FM) were pulled in March. Felix and Yuzhou's show and China Drive PM were the only ones returned after massive listener complaints.
The only show that will remain in Shanghai will be Yuzhou and Felix's morning music show. The change will occur within the next two weeks. CRI staff in Beijing have been instructed not to mention the move on air, and a phone number has been set up for listener complaints.
China Media News reported earlier that China Radio International news host Joe Edwards had been relieved of his duties prior to the end of his three month probationary period.
Edwards, known for his baritone voice and his DJ experience in Canada, arrived in China several months ago looking for a new challenge. Unfortunately, his move from being a music jock to a CRI news host didn't go well.
Edwards, however, has found another fresh start with Beijing Talk magazine, the northern outpost of the Talk magazine chain, which also includes Shanghai Talk, South City Talk, and Macao Talk, among others.
China Media News wishes him continued success.
