In Kuwait, we receive a wide range of FM radio stations.  Many of these are provided thanks to the American-, British-, French-, and Kuwaiti governments. The easiest one of the English language radio stations to find on the radio dial when traveling throughout the country is the VOA (Voice of America Radio).  Next in line in terms of reception quality is the BBC.  These two stations can be received in car or home most anywhere in the country.

This past year VOA has been using a peculiar radio station identification several times a day-used especially during its music programming.  The station ID goes like this: "We are your radio station, NOT YOUR ROLE MODEL."

The same statement-"not your role model"--might be said  or claimed to be true by almost any radio station on the planet-whether we are talking about a government-run radio station or an independent radio sender.

Nonetheless, isn't it a disingenuous or dishonest to claim that?  Isn't it true that when a radio station is playing a certain sort of

(1) musical text,

(2) musical score,

(3) oral text,

(4) carrying out issues discussions,

(5) promoting certain social or political critique, or

That  radio  station's emission will be translated or interpreted automatically in many shapes or forms, partially as  an attempt (directly or indirectly) to reach  or to at least assuage peoples' hearts and minds?

In short, if a radio station has listeners, a message is shared. A message can influence a listener in numerous ways.

Any study of media-TV, radio, internet, magazines, play station, and other games-demonstrates that roles of the OTHER are interpreted and absorbed over time by the viewer, reader of game player.

This is true regardless of intended message, e.g. "this is just a game" or "we are not your role models".

AMERICAN RADIO IS LIVING OUTLOUD

This past New Years Eve as I was heading out of my new flat in Fahaheel Kuwait to a New Years Celebration, I was able to receive a broadcast of the Armed Forces Radio out of Baghdad. As an American citizen and as a teacher & ambassador of improving cross-cultural relations, I did not appreciate the "fun" and music I heard that night.

I should note, that at different times of day & in different locations in Kuwait we can sometimes receive at least two different Armed Forces Radio stations.  (I now live closer to one of the larger U.S. military bases in Kuwait, so I have better reception than had been the case.)

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