sharing Bicol Mail item today… Naga’s DWNX dominates the air waves
September 27, 2018
WE’VE all heard of stories about people going against all odds and coming out triumphant after the experience.
Well, DWNX is yet another story of a collective team conquering seemingly insurmountable odds to reach the top.
RMN’s formidable radio station in Naga comes out smoking hot and garners the coveted top spot in ratings based on the 2018 KBP Kantar survey.
Number One for Both AM & FM
Just on its first year of operation, DWNX AM 1611 KHz has already made its way to the top by ranking first overall in the survey, getting the lion’s share of listenership among audiences in Naga City and in the province of Camarines Sur.
Its FM counterpart, DWNX 91.1, has also come out as the no. 1 News & Public Affairs station among all FM stations in the city and in the province.
Pioneer
Not new to breaking new grounds, DWNX had pioneered the AM/FM hybrid format, having introduced it back in 1996. It was an AM-on-FM broadcast first – news and public affairs programs aired over the FM band and in full stereo.
Since then, DWNX has maintained its leadership in various surveys without ever compromising its professionalism and integrity.
Against the Odds
The success of DWNX is not without its own share of troubles. Before it could even start its broadcast in its new location in Milaor, its tower was felled by the strong winds of Typhoon ‘Nina’ in December 2016.
Station Manager Alfredo Ubaña, who has been at the helms of DWNX since 1992, said the station also faced objections and harassment from certain politicians before it can even start its operations in the new location.
In terms of technical capacity, the station wasn’t even hitting on all cylinders, operating at only 50%.
In his Facebook post, RMN Vice-President for Operation Rico Canoy sent his congratulations to the staff and echoed this same sentiment: “Great work to you, Al, and your hardworking team despite all the challenges.”
He further added, “MARAMING-MARAMING SALAMAT, PO!!! Ang karangalang ito ay magsisilbing karagdagang inspirasyon ng lahat ng inyong mga Radyo MaN para bigyang-buhay ang R..M..N…Patuloy na Maglilingkod sa Sambayanang Pilipino.”
Awards and Recognition
DWNX has also been recognized by various award-giving bodies for a variety of categories. It has been awarded as Best Provincial Station by the KBP Golden Dove Awards. Catholic Mass Media Awards has also given it several honors, including: Best Radio Station, Best Station Manager, Best Host for News and Public Affairs, Best Field Reporter, and Best Newscaster for 5 consecutive years, the latter elevating the awardee to the prestigious Hall of Fame.
Success Formula
Asked what the station’s secret to success is, SM Al credits it to the strong teamwork of its staff — from the production to the technical and even to the administrative departments, all working together cohesively and sacrificially. He also ascribes the station’s success to the team’s time-tested ability to keep their nose to the grindstone and be at the top of their game when faced with challenges and pushbacks.
