TALK RADIO 702 CELEBRATES 25 YEARS

On Tuesday 28 June Talk Radio 702 celebrated its 25th birthday with hundreds of 702-landers joining in the celebrations at Primedia Place. Guests included prominent politicians, government officials, celebrities, leaders of the corporate world, sporting administrators and of course the many former 702 presenters and key personalities that remain such an integral part of what the station is today.

Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Shilowa, delivered the key note address. North West Premier Edna Molewa also addressed guests.

In a message read out at the celebrations, President Thabo Mbeki said:

"Radio 702 has reached a major milestone. Tribute to its achievement is that, for many, the number “702” automatically means lively, topical and robust debate. For some, it is over-robust - or bordering on unstructured chatter. From the safety of Bop, it was a worthy thorn in the side of apartheid. Now it is a proud, committed part of our electronic landscape. It guards its independence fiercely and puts its own ethics under introspective scrutiny. Well done!"

In a recorded message, Former President Nelson Mandela in a special message to Talk Radio 702 said:

“For the past 25 years even though we could not tune in to your station while imprisoned, 702 had been the independent voice for the people. You were the alternate voice and you have persevered over the years. 702 has been close to the community. 702 was and still is democracy in action. We salute you for not only talking but for your actions. Thank you very much for helping the many charities including the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and the Nelson Mandela Foundation through your platform. You should continue to use your frequency well and to the benefit of our people. I am sorry that I am not able to join you for your celebrations - we are with you in spirit. Happy Birthday 702. Keep the nation talking for they say that ‘it’s when the talking starts the wars stop’ - I thank you”.

BIRTHDAY WISH PROMOTION

In the build up to 702’s birthday the station invited listeners to send in wishes on behalf of friends, family members and colleagues and got to work in making sure that as many as possible came true. The promotion culminated in the granting of a particularly big wish when Gold Reef City donated R70 000 for Colleen Rose to have a life-saving kidney operation.

No request was too big or too small and each and every single wish was considered. Talk Radio 702 called on its clients and partners to assist in having these wishes fulfilled.

“We had an overwhelming response and we made dreams come true”, said Pheladi Gwangwa, station manager for 702. “The wishes have ranged from magical to medical, from life-saving to love giving”.

Thank you to Gold Reef City and all the sponsors for their generous and invaluable support that ensured the success of this promotion.

Happy birthday 702, here’s to 25 more years!

Issie Kirsh (Primedia’s Founding Chairman) and Yusuf Abramjee (Primedia Broadcasting’s Group Head of News and Talk Programming) cut the cake at 702’s 25th Birthday celebration.




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