Citi FM @ 5
ACCRA-BASED radio station, Citi 97.3 FM, marks its fifth anniversary with a resolve to continue charting an innovative path in the radio industry in particular and the media in general.
Citi FM, which was officially inaugurated in November 2004, at a time when the radio market was considered somewhat saturated, has managed to carve a successful niche for itself as a refreshing and innovative brand with a vibrant stable of on-air programs, as well as compelling events and promotions.
The station also takes pride in its track record of discovering, honing and mentoring raw journalistic and on-air talent; moulding them into seasoned on-air personalities.
Among the many initiatives Citi FM has introduced is its unique anchoring class of the popular Eyewitness News, which had as its 1st host, Paul Adom Otchere, and now has Shamima Muslin in the hot seat.
The station's commitment to reaching and engaging with its audiences drove it to pioneer the community outdoor broadcast outreach programs, which allowed ordinary Ghanaians to articulate problems facing them and give them a chance to contribute to national discourse from the comfort of their communities.
The significance of this approach to radio was recognized by the BBC in its first Africa Radio Awards in 2007, when the station was adjudged New Radio Station of the year in West Africa. Its flagship show, The Citi Breakfast Show, hosted by Bernard Avle, was awarded the Talk Show of the year for Africa.
The station's news team, led by Fred Chidi, continues to show commitment to excellence in covering news and current affairs by regularly bringing live proceedings from Parliament and other important sittings of commissions of public enquiry to Ghanaians across the country.
Apart from on-air programs, Citi FM has within its five years of operation organized exciting events that not only portray their commitment to family, business and fun, but also provides opportunities for advertiser engagement with audiences and for networking and relationship building.
The Citi Business Olympics creates a platform for businesses to compete on the track and the field. It has over the past five years served as an exciting finale to the station's Management Development month.
Still on the business front, Citi FM's quarterly Corporate Seminar Series has over the years provided business people and professionals with a chance to learn from and interact with seasoned resource people from all over the world, with the most recent edition featuring acclaimed global brand guru, Brad Van Auaken.
The Music of Ghanaian Origin (MOGO) concerts, as well as the December2Remember events, which the station organizes at the end of the year, are two examples of carefully thought-out events that serve the twin purposes of rewarding music lovers with authentic Ghanaian music and creating a wonderful platform for advertisers to engage with their potential customers.
The station's commitment to giving back to society has been the motivation for its annual Help a Christmas Child Project and the Easter Orphan Project, two social outreach programmes that it holds during the Christmas and Easter holidays each year.
Led by Radio Pastor, Steven Wengam, Citi FM's 'This is Your Day' has provided inspiration and spiritual nourishment to cherished listeners and has served as a platform for regular intercession for the nation.
As it celebrates its fifth anniversary this week, Citi 97.3 FM is poised to continue delivering innovative programs, events and promotions to enrich the lives of its cherished listeners and audiences.
The station is grateful to its listeners and business clients for believing in the strength of their brand and to its partner stations across the country for their contribution to their operations. They hope to continue with the fruitful partnerships in the future.