Anonymous email to East Coast Radio had no request but when it was read on air, everyone was in tears
The listener recounted that once the radio helped them navigate load-shedding during an Uber ride
Unlike television episodes or music concerts, most radio programs are invisible to their audience. Yet they remain an integral part of their daily lives, accompanying people through everyday moments — from cozy Sundays to traffic jams on the way home. For the most part, the work of all these radio jockeys and voice actors behind the scenes never really comes to the limelight. Recently, however, the employees of East Coast Radio (ECR) in South Africa received the due appreciation they truly deserve. According to a May 26 report, an anonymous listener sent them a heartwarming letter of gratitude, thanking them for emotional support during their difficult moments. The letter was read on East Coast Breakfast.
Not for 'financial gain'
The letter poured such intense emotion that almost everyone in the studio was moved to tears. The heartfelt letter was addressed to everyone on air and behind the scenes. It opened with the line, “This email isn’t for financial gain or a request, just a note of appreciation from one listener.” The listener expressed that the radio unknowingly became an added buttress of comfort and supported them during their difficult moments and while they were navigating phases of exam pressure, stress, depression, and anxiety.
Their infectious 'good energy'
The ardent listener praised the energy, the conversations, and the way the radio people do their work, which gave them a hope to hold on to. "I know your shows aren’t made for one person, but for thousands of listeners who all need something different. Even on those days, tuning into ECR made a difference," they wrote. The anonymous fan also mentioned that although they don’t tune in every day, they find the radio wherever they go.
Thanks for keeping it real
One significant moment that the listener recounted in the letter was a day from the previous week when they were traveling in an Uber during load-shedding. The driver had put on the ECR. “It made me reflect on how much you were for me, and you were there for me in times when I was emotionally not okay,” the listener said. They added that watching videos from the radio’s WhatsApp channel also helps them calm their emotions during moments of despair. They noted that they appreciate how the radio has kept things "real and uplifting through the reform." They told the employees that their work reaches further than they probably know, and they are grateful to be able to tune in whenever they need.
Invisible happiness multiplier
RadioCentre conducted a study and found that radio has a significant uplifting effect on people’s moods. In fact, among various other media, radio generates the highest happiness and energy scores. Interestingly, radio generates 100-300% higher "Happiness & Energy" scores in listeners. Meanwhile, being the largest regional radio station in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, ECR boasts an audience of over 5 million people, with an average of 1.2 to 2 million weekly listeners, according to Tsogo Sun. “It’s so special, and it shows the power of what we do, and sometimes we forget, and we always, kind of, don’t really see the people that listen to us. This is a good reminder,” the staff at ECR said after reading the letter.
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