Troubled minds soothed by sound of music

Reactions on radio

On Jan 17, Wu Siwei a 48-year-old radio show host in Xiangyang, Hubei, received a message from a bus driver who had been quarantined after returning to Xiangyang, his hometown, from Wuhan.

Wu, 48, who has worked at the Xiangyang Radio Station for 27 years, said: "He was very nervous and I invited him to share his life with the listeners through the show. Talking calmed his nerves. We also listened to music together to make him and others with the same anxieties feel relaxed at such a difficult time." He added that the bus driver is not infected.

Six months ago, Wu launched a channel on the popular podcast platform Himalaya FM, providing two hours of programs every day to an audience of about 10,000.

Like Wu, many radio program hosts in Hubei have launched channels on podcast platforms to communicate with and relax listeners during the outbreak.

In 2003, Ba Chao, a radio show host at Wuhan Broadcasting and Television Station, reported on the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Now, the 39-year-old has a travel program on Himalaya FM, in addition to his regular work.

During the viral outbreak, despite a hectic schedule, he has been constantly updating the travel show.

"People read news about the virus every day, which makes them nervous. I use my voice and my show to offer them a corner to relax, which is my role in this battle," Ba said.

Some people in Hubei are also working as amateur hosts on podcast platforms to share their experiences and offer listeners encouragement.

Li Ying, 28, who lives in Jingmen and owns a gift shop, has seen trade fall due to the outbreak, but has been even busier than usual.

She talks with listeners to her online shows, which she has hosted on Himalaya FM since 2016. One of her main focuses is giving lessons to children staying at home due to postponement of the spring semester.

She works with Dingxiang Doctor, an online health information sharing platform, to record news about the outbreak. As a part-time voice-over actress, she also records stories for children's books.

"The city is empty, but many people listen to my shows, which keeps us close," Li said.