Morning radio shows may pump up listeners, but a classical station would soothe drivers' frayed nerves, many Dubai residents have told Gulf News.
Listeners had a taste of classical music in the first weeks of November when stations did not play pop music to mourn the death of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
"What a delight it was to be able to listen to the soothing classical and easy listening music during the past few weeks on most radio stations. Much better than the usual jangling music with depraved lyrics and irritating DJs that is the norm in Dubai," one Gulf News reader wrote.
"I am sure that motorists would be able to cope with traffic better with soothing music in the background." Ghazwa S., an artist from the United States, agreed.
"There should be a radio station that broadcasts light music, such as classical and jazz. Many middle-aged people and the elderly like to listen to such music.
"I used to listen to soft music played on radio stations while driving in America. I don't see any problem with having radio stations airing easy-listening music. I believe that many people need to listen to light music from time to time because it calms them down. It could also help reduce road rage."
Patrick, a salesman from Lebanon, said he used to listen to classical music in his car, or as background music when guests visited.
One radio professional interviewed by Gulf News said he thought a classical music station could work. "I think it would have a good place, if it's marketed properly. Classic FM in the UK makes money because they market it as something really cool, not something that's old and stuffy."
He said he noticed a difference when the UAE's stations played classical music. "Everybody was slower and more relaxed. It had a soothing effect on more people. As soon as everybody went back to normal music, drivers started to heat up."
Abdul Latif Al Sayegh, chief executive of Dubai Radio Network, said: "Stations that play easy-listening music are missed here. We do need such stations that air classical, jazz or any kind of light music.
"Commercially, we have not had such a station because of the number of listeners. However, we might have something in the future, it's just a matter of time. Anything is possible in Dubai." One production manager, who asked that his name not be used, said he did not think it was possible. "Dubai's rhythms are too fast and don't handle classical music. People here want things faster."
He pointed to a Dubai-based radio station that changed from broadcasting chill-out music and fusion to upbeat rock. "Listeners couldn't even handle that, let alone classical music."
When asked if classical music would soothe nerves in the morning, he laughed. "The best response we've ever had to listeners in the morning traffic is updates on the jams around the city. I can't imagine people wanting to listen to classical music in a traffic jam. They'd rather find out where the fastest routes are. It's not music for cars."
Gulf News
