Television Jamaica reported today, that Jamaican radio station, NewsTalk 93 FM, has been sold to the University of the West Indies (UWI).
They bought the 49% shares previously held by The Breakfast Club.
The university previously owned 51% of the shares in the radio station.
The Breakfast Club is owned by Universal Media, whose managing director is Anthony Abrahams.
One of the questions with this new ownership structure is what will become of controversial Talk Show Host, Dr. Kingsley "Ragashanti" Stewart.
Even though Dr. Stewart's Talk Show,"Ragashanti Live", is promoted as "the vibes and variety morning show that focuses on culture, current affairs and entertainment", Mr. Stewart is known for the very sexually explicit discussions that he sometimes has on his Talk Show, that serves as a draw for mature Jamaicans to the 9:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. slot.
In April 2008, the Broadcasting Commission (the organization that regulates broadcast radio and television in Jamaica) threatened to suspend NewsTalk Radio's licence, after the controversial host was accused of making derogatory comments about a UWI lecturer.
UWI Management also had a problem with his comments at the time.
Well, we will see what UWI Management does.
Ragashanti's programme is extremely popular and a major draw of listeners to the radio station. When a cost-benefit analysis is done, UWI Management may find that it's more profitable to keep him than let him go.
Will keep you updated!
(I would like to thank goatee for the use of his Flickr inset photo entitled, "Radio Studio". It shows what a typical radio studio looks like).
Gillian
Sources Include
1) Television Jamaica's Mid-Day News, July 26, 2010
2) Article, "MAJ opposes recommendation to suspend NewsTalk's licence", April 4,2008
Gillian