Top 10 radio stations of 2012

A number of Nigerian radio stations stepped up their game this year, from news coverage to presenting proper music charts and structured playlists. Check out our list of the 10 radio stations that need to be applauded in 2012.

In Alphabetical order…

BEAT FM 99.9: The urban radio station clearly leads the pack in 2012 with their style of presentation, show concepts and premiere of new music, leaning heavily on the personalities of some of their popular presenters such as Toolz, Gbemi, Olisa, and newcomer Osi Suave, who dominated the night time. Beat  FM is now expanding, with the first of many upcoming stations ready to roll out in Ibadan in a matter of weeks.

CITY FM 105.1: Re-launched in July 2012, CITY FM was bolstered by the inclusion of Tony Doe, Westsyde, JLuv and K-Show, who made a mass exodus from Radio Continental to the Ogba based radio station. There’s still room for improvement, but the crew have done pretty well despite their past financial problems.

CLASSIC FM 97.3: The one stop radio portal for the oldies took a giant leap this year, moving ahead of rival station Smooth FM.

COOL FM 96.9: Riding on the back of OAPs Freeze and Kaylah, Mannie and D Angels and Joyce, COOL FM kept it running tight in 2012. The station was able to keep the premium brand intact but still watered down their shows to accommodate the average listener. They also settled their legal battle with COSON, finally agreeing to pay artiste royalties. Add to that one or two controversial interviews with D’banj and Tonto Dike.

INSPIRATION FM 92.3: A fusion of slow paced music and pop, Inspiration FM garnered quite a following, and in 2012, Shola Thompson and the gang kept it thorough, catering to the multi-cultural community.

LAGOS TRAFFIC RADIO: Launched by the Lagos State Government in May 2012, the essence of its existence is to help ease the traffic congestion in Lagos. Almost every driver is now tuning in for traffic updates.

NIGERIA INFO 99.3: In just one year of existence, the ‘Talk, News and Sports’ station has become the go-to for current affairs and relevant info on sports, entertainment and more. Its style of presentation is a break from the norm…

RHYTHM FM 97.3: The seaside station continued with their brilliant presentation style – with IK Osakioduwa, Big Tyme and Omalicha leading the pack. Blending the old school with the new, their format of news casting and the use of in-house DJs Humility and Sose were some of their strong points in 2012. And they replicated the formular in stations spread across the country.

TOP RADIO 90,9: The ever energetic morning show ‘Area’ anchored by Tosyn Bucknor remains a big reason Top Radio makes the cut. With a more grounded appeal, Top Radio dominated this year.

WAZIOBA FM 95.1: With Yaw, Diplomatic OPJ and Lolo, Wazobia could do no wrong in 2012. Catering for a segment that was ignored for years, Wazobia has emerged a leader, and hit hit with mass audiences from Abuja to Kano, Port Harcourt and Lagos.