Radio Plus celebrates its 15th anniversary

The number one radio station in Mauritius celebrated its 15th anniversary on Thursday. On 13 April 2002, Radio Plus took quarters in Labourdonnais Street. Since then, it has come a long way and made a fabulous journey along with the growing ranks of faithful listeners.

Mauritius has several radio stations. Radio Plus is known for its proximity with the population and its breaking news. Since 2003, the radio station has been doing various activities among the public. For instance, their first outdoor programme was on the fate of Chagos population living in Cassis. In the same year, the radio held its first public show at the Lakepoint in Curepipe. It was like a first for Mauritians to see a radio and its hosts right in front of them.

The programme director Venen Coolen announced that in the near future, the station will be using technology and transform radio program into a television program. “In two to three months, Radio Plus will allow its listeners to watch some of its shows live,” he added.

For 15 years, information has been at the centre of interest and Radio Plus has always been at the heart of major events. Highlights include the arrest of Dev Hurnam live from the studios or the debates between special personalities. Highlights are also often marked by major events, such as the transcription of the Budget in creole since 2008, and electoral campaigns that the public can follow live.

Various activities were organised for the 15th anniversary of Radio Plus. A peaceful march was held in the streets of Port Louis to say No to Drug as from 11 am. It began at the Champ-de-Mars and ended at the Jardin de la Compagnie. Various high profile personalities participated in this walk such as the leader of the opposition Xavier Luc Duval and Minister of Health Anwar Husnoo. Moreover, broadcast of different programmes took place outside the studio in different regions. The number one station also organised a forum debate at the Alliance Française de Maurice in Bell-Village on the theme “the place Radio Plus occupies in a person's life and the liberalisation of private radios.”

Radio host Jean-Luc Emile welcomed Marie Michèle Etienne, former public radio and private radio host, former chairman of the Independent Broadcasting Authority, Ashok Radhakissoon, Cread's director and president of the Association of Advertising Agencies Vino Sooklall, and university lecturer Roukaya Kasenally.