Flat tyres likely as Fat Radio sells car, buys bicycle

“We are still a quality radio programme and our format remains unchanged,” says Jong. 

The announcement at 8pm last Thursday shocked loyal fans, many of whom grew up with the show. The final broadcast came less than 24 hours later. 

Possibly the only show giving airtime to unknown alternative artists with or without recording labels, Fat had to move from 104.5Mhz in October last year due to economic reasons. But it drew a lot of sponsors with its niche market and a proud uniqueness and independence. 

Still, the allure was fading somewhat after more than a decade and the sponsors were drifting away again. An industry insider, speaking on condition of anonymity because he’s not supposed to be speaking at all, suggests that Fat simply failed to adapt to the changing scene. “Its strong selling point was as a chic and trendy show, but as time passed it didn’t change much and may have become just one of ‘them’.”

After not quite a year at 98Mhz, Fat looks to have packed up – apart from its Internet output. And that’s what Jong is on about. Its frequency concession expires this Thursday, but management obviously decided to clear out early, bidding adieu to traditional radio last Thursday. The conversation with fans continued on the social media, but management insisted that this was the best solution. Switching to Internet-only relieves it of hefty operating costs and the frequency rental fee. 

“It’s like we’re a vehicle,” Jong said. “We used to be the car taking you guys to your destination. Now we can’t afford the gas, so we’re becoming a bicycle. It also takes you there, but without the gas costs. The fans might feel different, but this is the best solution.” 

He’s pretty confident that the online station can reach as much fans as it used to. “It’s not a setback. It’s the beginning on a new route. It’s no different from changing the frequency. The most important thing is that we still have Fat Radio and our uniqueness.” 

The country’s “only indie music show, Fat also hosted the annual Fat Fest music festivals, and maybe we should have paid more attention when they called the last one “The Last Fat Fest”. That was last November around the lake in Muang Thong Thani and was the 12th edition. “Even though it was the best income-generator for Fat Radio, we had to call it quits,” Jong said. “There are lots of other music festivals nowadays. We don’t have to be one of them.”

Well, we like bikes, but bikes aren’t the best vehicles for Fat people, if you follow our meaning. But the station bases its business appeal on being unique, so let it be unique on the Internet, at www.v1Media.com. Its new motto isn’t the catchiest we’ve ever heard – “The smallest radio show in AEC” – but who knows, this whole Asean Economic Community thing might take hold eventually.