Max goes for World Records
Ruwini Jayawardana
Completing four ’vibe’ filled years in the field Max radio began
their celebrations with a new note by eyeing a spot in the World
Records. The concept was derived trough discussions and finally it was
decided that the team will take on the challenge of carrying off the
longest radio show in the world.
Two presenters, Gihan Kalinga and Krishan Jeewa Ranasinghe, both
armed with years of experience took on the task on September 10 at 7.18
a.m.
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Gihan and Krishan make history |
“A New Zealand presenter holds the record for hosting a radio talk
show for 176.5 hours. Our presenters too hope to achieve this target. We
will go down in the World Records as the Longest Marathon Hosting Radio
Talk Show (Team),” Max CEO Jayanth Ukwaththa said adding that the world
record is already in their grasp as a team had not competed for this
feat before.
“We are targeting the 176.5 hour record as well at the moment. That
will be an added bonus as we have established our name in the World
Records. They will continue as long as they feel up to it,” he
expressed.
Dr Geethanjana Mendis of the Sri Lanka Sports Ministry Medical Unit
served as the judge for the record along with several other experts in
the field. The presenters will be under observation all the times.
“We were handed the guidelines some weeks back and have trained the
presenters for the job. They are allowed a five minute break every hour.
If they do not feel the need to take the break they can add the minutes
together and take the break at a stretch. They will be given two hours
of sleep each day,” he said adding that both presenters will have to
take their breaks together since it is a rule that both have to be at
the studio and speaking during the crucial period.
“More then 10 seconds of silence cannot be maintained between them
during the program. Both their voices should be heard on air. A music
segment should not elapse more than five minutes.
A news reader can come on air to present the news but that too will
have to be cut down to no more than 10 minutes. Commercials can go on
for only eight minutes. Neither of their voices should be used in the
commercials aired during this period,” Ukwaththa explained the rules of
the great venture.
Gihan and Krishan had to go through a training process before being
chosen for the task. They will be monitored at all stages by individuals
as well recorded on CCTV. Both of them need to begin, continue and end
the program sequences together.
“The main problem that they faced is on time management. They were
trained to speak at a certain speed as it could affect their voices
because they have to go on for hours. We also discussed on what type of
food and beverages should be offered to them. We have changed our course
for this event,” he stressed adding that one cannot use the title
‘Guinness World Record’ for the purpose till the record is established.
Max Radio Managing Director Janaka Ramanayake said: “Today we find
the ’star concept’ in every radio and television show. Max does not
believe in following others’ lead. We wish to bring out a concept of out
own for our listeners and viewers. Our aim is not to become the number
one channel in Sri Lanka but to be the channel which people cannot do
without.” |
