DZRJ launches all-English AM radio station today

MANILA, Philippines – Tune in to 810 khz today and experience a refreshing, informative and unique AM station, now called The Voice of the Philippines, as legendary radio station dzRJ launches its new format with a new high-powered transmitter for its AM station.

The Voice of the Philippines, the first and only all-English AM radio station in the country, is a brainchild of Ramon “RJ” Jacinto, president of Rajah Broadcasting Network Inc., and is headed by Ramon Arrastia Tuason, general manager.

DZRJ-AM embarks on this groundbreaking journey in alliance with The Philippine STAR, which will provide up-to-date local news content.

“It’s an honor to have The Philippine STAR with us. We will certainly have fun. We will also make everybody’s lives better by giving them advice and news, information and entertainment,” Jacinto said.

For his part, Philippine STAR president and CEO Miguel Belmonte said: “AM radio has a huge market of listeners who are hungry for news and commentary, thus The STAR’s partnership with dzRJ would surely widen our audience to include not just the reading public but followers of AM radio as well.”

DZRJ 810 AM will also feature live feeds from foreign partners, BBC and Voice of America.

“Our foreign partners help to ensure that our news and public affairs content is very fair, objective and compliant with international standards,” Jacinto said. “BBC told me that they were looking for a news organization that has these qualities, so that’s how our programming will be: Fair, objective, constructive, and The Philippine STAR is that way, too.”

DZRJ 810 AM will feature local headlines from senior anchors David Nye, Michael Williams and Neric Acosta.

A slew of other seasoned radio journalists also join the fray in anchoring public affairs programs and radio shows that focus on imparting helpful information, interesting facts and trivia, and providing entertainment that will uplift the Filipino spirit while broadcasting in English.

The station’s new format will further enable both DZRJ and The Philippine STAR to contribute to the betterment and empowerment of the people by providing the public with “real-time news, all the time.”

Segments from life coach experts

In addition, DZRJ 810 AM’s eclectic and exciting fast-paced programming is sure to keep listeners tuned in and interested with their sprinkling of segments provided by experts and personalities from various fields who serve as life coaches to listeners. Airing throughout the day are helpful segments by lawyer Katrina Legarda of the Child Protection Network, former Marikina mayor Marides Fernando, restaurateur chef Ed Quimson, Nick Tuason of Bellaluce Productions, Lulu Tan Gan, legal eagle Lorna Kapunan, Anton San Diego of Tatler Magazine, and Billy Esposo, Mayenne Carmona, Apo Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes, Mons Romulo Tantoco, Babe Romualdez, Johnny Litton and lawyer Jose Sison from The Philippine STAR stable, among others.

Live PBA, UAAP broadcasts

For sports enthusiasts, the station will also feature programs that include premier leagues such as the UAAP and the PBA, and “Sports Insider Radio” hosted by Jinno Rufino and Noel Zarate.

Listeners of all ages and demographics can tune in and be delighted by the appeal of diverse content ranging from the classics to hip and trendy programs that will be the mainstays of the new DZRJ 810 AM. Old-time radio theater classics such as Superman, Green Hornet and Western Classics on radio are also sure to entertain.

Date with history

DZRJ 810 AM has a history with revolutionary episodes. 

It has received many awards in recognition of the pivotal role it played in the 1986 People Power Revolution, which brought Filipinos to EDSA as June Keithley called out to the public; and broadcasting from the DZRJ AM Tower that was then located in Sta. Mesa after Radio Veritas was shut down upon orders of former President Ferdinand Marcos.

DZRJ AM came to be known as Radyo Bandido. The radio station also played an influential role during the EDSA 2 Revolution of 2001.

Reflecting on DZRJ’s role in these historical episodes in the country’s democratic journey, Belmonte said: “This is the perfect time to launch this partnership. President Noynoy Aquino’s administration has brought about a certain air of optimism and renewed hope all over the country, especially in the business sector. We know that P-Noy is a defender of press freedom, and for our part, The Philippine STAR will always be on the side of truth and justice.”

He is optimistic about the partnership. “When two highly respected leaders in their respective fields band together, only good things can happen. The partnership will greatly benefit both The STAR and DZRJ, in the service of the Filipino people,” he added.