Oman’s first English station Oman FM is undergoing a complete makeover as part of a new initiative implemented by the Ministry of Information. The initiative, conceived over the past several months, begun implementation from January 1, 2022.
The station has already undergone a complete program overhaul in which they have ceased airing all their previous programs and have begun to premier various brand new live programs as well as podcasts. The station aims with its new programs to create a radio service which offers more content, with greater diversity, than it had previously. Since then, Oman FM has seen a significant amount of engagement from their listeners off and online that relates to their current programs.
Aside from merely overhauling the programs, the station has also introduced new and young presenters, all Omanis, from across the Sultanate.
With the new presenters and programs that are being aired, Oman FM is distinguishing itself from other stations by aiming to be more fundamentally connected with, and representative of, modern Omani culture, by discussing issues and news which are relevant to the Omani society as well as introducing modern Omani culture to residents. Their values: to be relatable, credible, and youthful.
Some of the new programs include daily Variety Shows “Jump Start” hosted by Talal Al Shahri & Amal Al Balushi (7-10 a.m.), “Muscat Candid” hosted by Asma Al Riyami (11 a.m.-1 p.m.) & “Sunset Drive” hosted by Rapper Yuosuf Al Taei & Singer/Producer Asim Al Namani (4-7 p.m.) as well as the podcast styled talk show “Ain’t Nobody Listening” hosted by Abdullah Al Maawali (7-9 p.m. Sun-Wed) and the weekend special “Touchdown Muscat” hosted by Sami Al Asmi (Thu 7-9 p.m.). The new podcasts include “Through Their Playlist” where Sami Al Asmi interviews musicians from different corners of the world as they curate a playlist of music that has special meaning to them, Islamic podcast “Road Map” by Hatim Al Abdissalaam, “What’s Up Kids” hosted by Oman’s youngest radio presenter & author Malak Al Balushi, and Oman FM has also started a partnership with “Papercut Club Podcast” hosted by Fatma Maki for all the book lovers out there.
In terms of the music, Oman FM has also adjusted, wherein it now shies away from strictly mainstream music, and leans more towards highlighting lesser known but well-deserved artists, a move which the station expects to further distinguish itself from other stations, by providing something unique and different. There will also be many new initiatives, programs, and podcasts rolling out through 2022.
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