DESPITE the rise of new media platforms, radio remains a vital component of campus culture, said student jocks during the World College Radio Day celebration at the UST Quadricentennial Park on Nov. 8.
Titus Vecino, a student jock from Mapúa University, said that while social media and online streaming platforms have gained popularity, radio offers personalities behind the microphone.
“What makes radio different is the jocks e. Kaya, what we say, what we do on air, it leaves an impact on the listeners,” said Vecina of Mapúa Radio Cardinal, the school’s official campus station.
Apart from providing entertainment, radio also delivers crucial news and information, especially during emergencies and natural disasters, according to Marcus Aranas, another student jock from Mapúa University.
“If there’s an emergency, your number one option for a source of information would be radio,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino. “Radio may seem outdated, but it gets the job done, and it’s something we shouldn’t lose.”
Student jock Simon Tan from the University of the Philippines (UP) said radio must evolve to stay relevant.
“I think that is the key—integrating it to the trends like the biggest right now, social media,” he said. “That’s why radio has survived.”
Asha Medalla, project head of the event and a student jock from UST Tiger Radio, echoed Tan’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for radio to adapt to changing audience behaviors, particularly shorter attention spans.
“Maximize technology, maximize visuals. Even if radio typically doesn’t have visuals, we’ll have to grow with it because that’s what it means to still exist,” she said.
The event, organized by UST Tiger Radio, brought together student jocks from various universities, including the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, UP, and Mapúa University.
It featured performances by Thomasian artists Benchfly and Band ni Cat, as well as student bands Karamel from Far Eastern University, Along the Alps from UP, and Wednesday Nights from San Beda University.
This year’s World College Radio Day had the theme “The Soundtrack of Democracy and Making Your Voices Heard.”
