From the news desk

Fresh changes for Ramadan

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With Ramadan traditionally a peak listening period for Muslim broadcasters, VOC is set to undergo a few shifts in programming during the month and a number of new shows will be introduced. Much of the stations regular programming will continue to run under revised and shortened times, so as to ensure listeners receive a wide and comprehensive variety of content during the month ahead.

As VOC celebrates its 20th Ramadan on the local airwaves, the station has decided to bring something innovative and different to its content this year. The stand out change will be the annual Khatam programme, which will take on a new twist this year. For the first time in local radio history, VOC will broadcast the recitation of the Holy Quran in 20 different dialects of the Arabic language, all dating back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

“We decided we are going to make it very different. So we consulted with the MJC’s department of Quranic affairs, who advised us to get together the best local huffath, to recite a khatam for us in the 20 different riwayat styles of the recitation,” said VOC programme manager Mishka Daries.

Daries said the unique khatam was a result of the popularity and success of the Ramadan programming in years past, which prompted the station to go all out, and do something different for 2014. The khatam recitation will take place from 16:50pm until Maghrib each day and will be accompanied by a talk by Maulana Saliem Gaibee, who will provide information regarding each style of recitation.

Another highlight will be the pre breakfast programme, Sobagh al Khair. The show will take place from 5am until 6:20am each morning, and will be hosted by Mohammad Zaid Cassiem. Sobagh al Khair has already been running over the past month, with the aim of getting listeners into the spirit of fasting.

Other changes will see the Breakfast Beat show re-christened to ‘In the Fast Lane’, for the duration of the month. Afternoon Cruise is now expected to run from 13:20pm until Asr each day, with Drivetime taking over until 16:50pm. That will be followed by the new khatam programme until Maghrib, after which the Iftar Show commences.

VOC will also be broadcasting live Taraweegh programmes from different masajid across the city. On Sundays, VOC stalwart Jamiel Wallace will be hosting the station’s 15th annual Ahlan wa Sahlan outeach project from 5pm until maghrib.

The station will also be incorporating a social media campaign into the programming this Ramadan. By using the hashtag #vocfmramadaan on Twitter, listeners can keep up to date on upcoming shows. The hashtag #vocfmprogramme will provide users with a forecast of what is happening on the stations various social media platforms.

For more information on scheduling you can contact the station on 021 442 3500. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)


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