Culture • October 2013
Eight of the world’s coolest radio stations
No matter where you are in the world, there's nothing like listening to the airwaves in the mother tongue to give you an insight into the local culture. Here are eight radio stations that make it worth tuning in
UK: BBC Radio Four
The second most popular radio station in the UK, BBC Radio Four encapsulates its homeland in talk-based programmes focusing on subjects as diverse as current affairs and comedy, science and drama. Home of long-standing features such as the Today programme, Desert Island Discs and The Archers, a rural drama with a cult following in Britain.
US: This American Life
This American Life focuses on ordinary Americans with extraordinary lives. Each weekly, hour-long broadcast has a theme, which is explored via reports, found footage, field recordings or memoirs, all curated by host and founder, Ira Glass.
Caribbean: Caribbean Super Station
Caribbean Super Station broadcasts simultaneous programmes to a number of islands including Barbados, Grenada and St Lucia, local news, top 40 hits and reggae are delivered with a dose of Caribbean cool.
South Africa: Cape Talk
Set up in 1997 to provide a platform for residents to voice opinions, Cape Talk is a fully-fledged radio station with music, global and local African news and talk shows as well as phone-in debates.
Australia: Triple J
Want a good mix of international and local Australian acts? Then Triple J is the place. The station focuses on the coolest music around. They have a knack for unearthing Australian talent before commercial radio has even heard of it.
UAE: Dubai Eye
One of the best English language stations in Dubai is Dubai Eye, a talk radio channel known for its interesting local and international coverage. Shows like Dubai Today cover food, culture and current events in Dubai and the surrounding area, while music and sport offerings are more international.
China: Beijing Music Radio
Good English language stations are hard to come by in China, but Beijing Yinyue Tai, or Beijing Music Radio is a good compromise. Broadcasts are mostly in Mandarin, but the music is a mix of English top 40 with a helping of mandopop (girl group S.H.E. pictured above) and canton pop.
Online: Luxuria Music
Luxuria FM is an internet radio station broadcasting out of Glendale, California. The carefully curated content delights music know-alls with music from the past 50 years, including bossa nova, jazz, Latin, pop etc.