More than a million seconds on air
On Saturday, the 31st of January at 8 AM, “Radiocentras” had already counted more than one million and one hundred million seconds on the air. This comprises a very rich period of 35 years – that is how long one of the first commercial Lithuanian radio stations has been broadcasting without any interruptions. Music, hundreds of shows and radio voices, news, events, impressive prizes – all the seconds of airtime have been, are and will be dedicated to several generations of listeners.
The first call signs of “Radiocentras” were heard in January 1991 from the commentator booth of the Sports Palace, and only a few months later the radio moved to another place – the Press Palace. During those years, a lot has happened and changed: from broadcasting just a few hours a day from tape recorders to an entire radio group with many radio stations and the application of the latest radio broadcasting technologies. From symbolic advertising campaigns and small events to “Radiocentras” music awards that shaped the Lithuanian entertainment and music world, dance music events and, of course, huge on-air games with rich prizes. From the romantic chaos of the 90s to the professionalism and accuracy of radio today. Radio has changed and is changing, but the most important thing is always the listeners and the stories they tell.
“To celebrate our 35th anniversary, we invited listeners to remember their most impressive personal stories related to “Radiocentras”. We received and broadcast more than 100 impressive memories covering various periods of “Radiocentras”. For example, listener Beata, one of the first members of “Radiocentras” fan club, told us that she helped sort through the letters of the listeners, which used to arrive in the editorial office in bags. Listener Robertas recalled how he shaved his hair and wore the RC logo on his head a few years ago in order to get tickets to Karklė festival. And Ramunė, who works in a prison, recalled how a couple of years ago she promised to put in a good word for the RC hosts if they ever had to go to prison in their lives,” program director of “Radiocentras” Vaida Zakarkienė shared the stories of the listeners.
Even the colleagues who have been working on the radio for the longest time cannot remember as many different and impressive stories as listeners have told in one week. A birthday is an opportunity to remember what happened, to pause, to rejoice in it. And, of course, at that very moment to move forward even more firmly, because the seconds of airtime never stop.
“History is important to us as much as it helps us understand where we are today. Also, where we want to be tomorrow. We are contemporary radio people working with modern methods, creating radio that would be a companion, friend and fellow for the listener. We cherish every second so that we can present to the listener only what is interesting, important, fun and, of course, sounds good to the listener, not to us. Thank you to the listeners, whose attention and love we feel every day. Happy birthday to you too!” – congratulated Vaida.
Currently, the broadcasted program grid of “Radiocentras” is created by experienced and beloved radio voices: the morning duo of Simas Stankus and Danielė Patapaitė, Eglė Kernagytė-Dambrauskė, Vitalijus Zuikauskas, Simona Lisicyna and Paulina Skrabytė. Alongside them is a solid editorial team and the entire team of “Radiocentras” radio station group.
“Radiocentras” radio station group consists of radio stations “Radiocentras”, “Relax FM”, “ZIP FM”, “Radio R”, “Rock FM”, “Radio fiesta”, four online radio stations and online radio listening platform Radijas.lt.
