Radio Jeddah turned into 24/7 station

Radio Jeddah 96.5 has undergone a revamp with a name change to Saudia Radio and broadcasts of its English programs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The change took place on Nov. 5, the start of the new Hijri year.
Hussain H. Khalil, superviser of the English section, told Arab News that the station previously broadcast for two and a half hours, and was extended to five hours during Ramadan. But, he said, strong public demand led us to change it into 24 hours a day.
“The order came from the Ministry of Information and they also changed the name to Saudia Radio. Now the Kingdom’s radio stations are under one roof,” he said.
“Many people missed the programs due to the limited transmissions, so now people can hear us whenever they have time." He said there would be regular live transmissions, including from Riyadh, with more programs for young people, particularly teenagers.
The change will ensure more jobs for Saudis. The station also plans to provide training for new recruits.
Nerrin Omar Bamanie, a 22-year veteran presenter at the station, praised the ministry for extending the transmissions.
“We are doing pretty well. We started with a few hiccups but practise makes things perfect. Our radio station deserves to offer a full-fledged transmission, as English is the second language in Saudi Arabia. Now we can target the youth for more than just a few hours,” he said.
Muna Bagel, a presenter, said the change has motivated everyone. “We previously had a very limited time and often couldn’t fulfill all the requirements of our listeners. But now, with this 24-hour, seven days a week transmissions, this will be possible."
"The sudden change is a little bit difficult to cope with, but I hope the station will now have a better future,” said Baqel. Most of the daytime programs would be repeated at night. Presenter Soha Riri said presenters now have the chance to do live shows.
“The station would focus on Saudi culture, society and the youth,” Ziyad Al-Sufyani, another presenter, said.