Putting A Spin On Radio

Forget trying to get a signal to tune into your favourite radio station. The new era of online radio is making waves – just ask Tbo Touch, Gareth Cliff and DJ Sbu.

- Shanaaz Prince

FANS were shocked last year when he announced he was leaving the security of one of the nation’s biggest stations and venturing into the unknown world of online radio – and he admits it was a risk.

It could have flown or flopped, but he was prepared to take the gamble, Thabo “Tbo Touch” Molefe says. The former Metro FM DJ was inspired when he saw Gareth Cliff leave 5FM and take a leap of faith onto the digital platform.

He wanted in on the action – and besides, online was taking over everything. Surely it would take over radio eventually, too?

It was a good decision. After collaborating with Gareth for only eight months he took his venture, TouchHD, out on its own and is building a steady following of fans. DJ Sbu has got in on the online action too, recently announcing he would be launching his station, MassivMetro.

The jocks have joined what has become a revolution for radio. These days many people don’t need a “wireless” or “transistor radio” – instead they use their cellphones, tablets or computers to tap into the wealth of stations available online from around the world.

It’s a case of going to a radio website or app and clicking to start live streaming.

Or you can elect to listen to a podcast – a recording of a previous show you might’ve missed.

“Streaming platforms are not the future,” Gareth says. “They’re the present.”