Tuks FM and Metro FM join forces for World Radio Day simulcast

Tuks FM, the award-winning campus community station based at the University of Pretoria (UP), joined forces with national broadcaster Metro FM for a special World Radio Day simulcast on 13 February, creating a shared on-air experience that celebrated the enduring power of radio.

The simulcast brought together the Tuks FM and Metro FM breakfast show teams, blending community and commercial radio in a joint broadcast from the Tuks FM studios on UP’s Hatfield Campus. The programme featured Metro FM personalities DJ Sabby and Owen Hanie alongside Tuks FM contributors including newsreader Ilitha Nonkonyana and other members of the Tuks FM team.

Tuks FM Station Manager Nicole da Silva said the collaboration emerged from a shared desire to mark World Radio Day in a meaningful way. “Metro FM’s Programme Manager contacted us to explore the idea of a simulcast for World Radio Day,” she said. “The day has grown in significance for broadcasters globally and offers an opportunity to do something different with the medium.” 

A dedicated lounge-style studio was set up at Tuks FM studios to host the joint programme. “The intention was to create a shared on-air moment that celebrated radio while recognising this year’s World Radio Day theme around radio and artificial intelligence,” Da Silva said. “At the same time, we wanted to keep the sound authentic and human-led.”

She added that the partnership provided an important learning opportunity. “For our student volunteers, the collaboration provided a valuable opportunity to experience commercial radio in action. It also allowed new audiences to engage with what Tuks FM is and what we offer as a campus-based broadcaster.” 

Tuks FM continues to serve as a training ground for emerging media talent, with many alumni building successful careers in broadcasting and content creation. Among the names frequently referenced by current students are Ayanda MVP, Jodell Tantij and Anele Mdoda, whose work continues to inspire aspiring broadcasters. The station is celebrating 45 years on air this year, making it one of the oldest community and campus radio stations.

World Radio Day is celebrated annually on 13 February, highlighting radio’s role as a widely accessible, adaptable and trusted medium.