Play 99.6 FM

Play 99.6 (99.6 FM) is an English-language music radio station in Jordan. Founded in 2004 the station is part of the Modern Media Company, which also owns Sunny FM. The station plays English songs from around the world using the Top 40 model as well as broadcasting celebrity interviews (for example Sean Paul). According to Ipsos, Play 99.6 has the widest reach of English radio in Jordan. Its listeners are between 15–30 years old. Play 99.6 is headquartered in Amman, Jordan.

History

Play 99.6 was founded by entrepreneurs Ramzi Halabi and Zafer Younis in October 2004.[1] The station initially had 5 team members, Lee McGrath (the morning show's on-air presenter) joined the team from the UK soon after they started. In 2007, the station won international recognition by the National Association of Broadcasters, winning the "NAB International Broadcasting Excellence Award".[2]

Events

In 2007, Play 99.6 brought comedians Maz Jobrani, Ahmed Ahmed, and Aron Kader (Axis of Evil) to perform four sold out events in Amman. The performance was the first stand-up comedy ever to be hosted in Jordan.[3] Following the success of the Axis of Evil performances, the station broadcast shows by Arab-American comedians Dean Obeidallah and Maysoon Zayid.[4]

In 2008 the station hosted magicians The Evasons and comedian/magician Derek Hughes .[5] Play 99.6 are a sponsor for Project Peace.

Community service

The station undertakes Corporate social responsibility in Jordan. In 2006, it launched "Toys of Hope", an initiative to encourage listeners to donate new and used toys, which were then turned over to an orphanage. Mabarrat Um Al Hussein received thousands of toys through this drive.[6]

The campaign was repeated in 2007, Queen Rania called the morning show presenter during the final days of the drive to commend their work and encourage more people to donate toys.[7]

In 2008, the station launched a campaign around Amman to promote local musicians, bands, artists and photographers. Thanks to his appearances on Play 99.6, Jordanian musician Hanna Gargour was featured in a documentary by the BBC in 2008.

References

  1. ↑ , Play.jo, "About us"]
  2. ↑ "JORDAN'S 'PLAY 99.6 ' AND ISRAEL'S 'RADIO HAIFA ' TO RECEIVE NAB INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING EXCELLENCE AWARD", NAB, March 21, 2007
  3. ↑
  4. ↑
  5. ↑
  6. ↑ "Play 99.6 launches Toys of Hope initiative" AmeInfo, Sept 30, 2007
  7. ↑ "Queen supports Toys of Hope initiative" Jordan Times, October 12, 2007

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