Iam, by all definitions, an FM radio freak. I listen to a lot of music and have tremendous respect for the hard working radio jockeys that bring us quality entertainment and great information. The secret behind being the fame that is associated with an RJ is their voice. The distinct tenor of their voice coupled with their ability to keep their listeners interested in their topics, is what makes people tune into a show at a specific time.

It was precisely the voice of a young RJ we know as Annie that led me to getting a one-on-one interview with her to find out more about the person behind the mic. Read on!

The power of radio is awesome. Almost as great as the Internet, FM radio has the power to influence the masses (or the classes) with a particular style of talk or accent, or just get a chance to entertain listeners with the power (and gift) of radio jockey gab. 21-year old Qurat-ul Ain, more affectionately and popularly known as Annie on the radio frequencies across Pakistan, is a true patriot at heart. Well, that along with studying to be a doctor. Did she say a doctor? How on earth do you manage the time to host shows?! �Beyond the scope of time management, I love what I do as much as the field I am studying to enter. I firmly believe that in order for a woman to be independent and have the power to influence those around her, she needs to be in a career that will allow her to be self sufficient. Being a doctor does just that!�

Amidst the countless RJs on the air, her gift of gab makes her stand out to the extent that even if you tune into a station and listen to a bit of a program, if she�s there, you�ll know it. �I have lived all over the place because of my father; his job and change in postings took us to live in a number of places.� Over a cup of Alaskan Cream Coffee and Dunkin Donuts, Annie reminisces about how the experiences living in various parts of the world have added to her personality. �I had my foundation schooling in the United States and that is where my accent comes from. If you live in any culture and are exposed to those surroundings at the right age, the characteristics of that culture will become a part of you.�

I come from an extremely conservative family coupled with the fact that I grew up with a fear of public speaking. Being on radio has been a huge milestone in my life.� So why did she answer the �wanted ad� for RJs to begin with?! �It was a challenge and I wanted to see what I could do with it. Radio is extremely tough and very demanding. You have to consistently be alert as to what is going with a live presentation, give people something to hold their attention and give them reasons to stay tuned to your radio station and keep coming back every time your show is on. Radio is a lot more difficult than television because you have nothing but your voice to keep them tuned in!� In fact, her father still can�t believe how much success and recognition Annie has earned since the start of her career as a Radio Jockey.

Annie auditioned at City FM89 and landed the popular early evening daily show called �Nashaa 89�. You talk to most people about the time that the �Annie and Talha� team used to host �Nashaa 89�, and almost all of them will tell you that it was the content and delivery of the program that they loved the most. �It�s tough when there are two people on live radio because if you aren�t coordinated in your dialogue, it�s going to bore people and they won�t hear what you have to say anymore.� So how did these guys hold the interest of their listeners? �Lots of research. I�d pick up the �Nashaa� of the evening from people around me. Quirks of things I found people engrossed in doing. Since I document almost everything, I started making a huge list of different quirks I saw, I�d meet with Talha and we�d talk about how to introduce it and talk about it on the show. That program was a lot of fun to work in!� Since then, Annie has joined �Radio One FM91� and hosts several programs and has most definitely earned her right as one of the most popular RJs around. What exactly is the recipe for her success? �I keep it real. If I make a mistake, I don�t shirk away from it. I talk about everyday things that everyone does, and make sure to use them to relate to people listening to me. I am everything I talk about and everything I do. I think that quality has appealed to people.�

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Well, that and a lot of research and content development for all her shows. Annie could probably publish a book out of all the documentation she keeps on her live programs. �I am a compulsive note taker. I am an obsessive organizer. I do a ton of research into my programs just to make sure I know what I am talking about.� Any presenter, radio or otherwise, has a responsibility towards their audience. You need to have the dedication to develop material to share new ideas and knowledge with your audience. �Judging from the content that we see in the media these days, I think a lot of people view the various media as turning them into instant celebrities. They see radio or television as something they can learn about, write, plan and deliver at the last moment, and get away with it because their face or voice appeals to an audience. That�s not the way it works. I remember the time when I joined FM89, we went through rigorous training to perfect our delivery and style. For those of us who were committed towards investing in ourselves in that way, we are still around and are recognized. For those who did not, there are hundreds who have phased out over a short period of time.� Essentially you need to invest in yourself and create a niche for yourself. Media by no means, is an easy way of life. It takes a tremendous amount of effort and creativity in order to stand out.

The majority of FM stations in Pakistan concentrate on the English factor. Considering that the bulk of our population doesn�t speak or understand it, doesn�t limit the popularity or effectiveness FM radio will have in this country? �True, though the English language factor depends from station to station. There are certain stations that won�t even allow you to speak in Urdu in certain shows. I personally think Urdu conversation is extremely important to include and appeal to the masses as opposed to attracting only one portion of society. I know my Urdu isn�t that great, and that is perhaps my only regret on the part of my education. However, I am making an effort to change that.�

What better way to improve Urdu vocabulary and sentence structure than to read the Urdu Daily Jang to your father every morning! Annie�s family consists of excellent Urdu and understanding and appreciation for Urdu ghazals and poetry. In fact, one of her all time favorite ghazals is �Mohabbat karney waley� by Farida Khanum. Wait a second. Ghazals for someone who sounds so American?! That�s when Annie smiles and admits to the fact that she grew up in an environment rich in Pakistani culture. �English and Pop music has actually been quite a recent phenomena in my life.� Oh alright. �Obviously. Music is a part of our life. My favorites? Well, lots! Some of my personal picks include Alanis Morisette, Maroon5, Tina Sani and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.� Though she is careful to giggle and clarify that she doesn�t impress her music tastes on others!

So, Annie. How has the media changed over the years that you have been involved in it? �Tremendously!� Media, according to Annie, has come a long ways and she credits the positive change to the workings and policy implementations of President Pervez Musharrif. �Take Ahmed Jahanzeb and Ali Zafar for example. The government calls them and provides them with resources to promote fashion, music or Pakistan through their efforts!� It will, however, still be a while before media in Pakistan really matures, she says. �There is so much potential!� It�s just a matter of time and Annie, along with the people around her, have a tremendous amount of hope for a better and more stable industry. 

Amongst other things, Annie is also pro women�s lib. �I think women have the power to make or break anything, whether it is at an individual level, or at a large scale, corporate or national level. Women in places like Karachi for example, do an amazing number of things during the day. They have an awesome sense of responsibility and ability to multi task. There is probably no position that a women can�t do as good, if not better, than a man.� As we dwelled upon the gender discrimination in our society and completely went off the original topic of the interview, we did touch on the topic of whether young women should get into media if it is all that bad. And so Annie jumps in with a few words based on experience, �Make sure you know who you are working for. It is a demanding business and one where there is little or no job security. If you do well one day and fumble the next, your position will be quite shaky. It is also very important to have a complete education before getting into the field. It helps to open up your vision and bring in a sense of respectability and discipline into your work ethic.� We did manage to come to a consensus and close the topic: women rule; even in Pakistan!

How technologically oriented is Annie? �Extreme techno maniac and at times, I wish there was less of IT in my life!� From a dependency on the Internet for research, to her trusty iPod Nano, she has it all! Technology is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity simply because it is so much more affordable and a lot more easily accessible even here! 

�I love gadgets! I love USB devices! Online forums such as Orkut allow me to get audience feedback and even come up with ideas based on what people want to hear. It�s instant. It�s powerful. It�s an integral part of my life!� So technology will take over and replace everything in our lives? �No, not exactly. Despite being so useful and handy, email will never replace letter writing or greeting cards (despite having severely reduced the postal traffic); the internet will never replace the enjoyment and company a book can give you. For things like that, some old fashioned, traditions are what matter the most.� Though of course, as far as radio is concerned, almost everything is digitally archived and available for RJs to use and experiment with. The recording studios and the works. It�s all technology there!

Where does Annie see herself in the years to come? �Well, my career as a surgeon is definitely something I am going to keep working towards. In addition to that, I�d like to continue to use my voice to be an influencing factor in the lives of those who listen to me. I see myself doing work which will benefit others and hopefully benefit all of us nationally also.�

Any parting words of wisdom Annie? �Oh yes! You should never forget where you are coming from. Regardless of the language you speak or your outlook, if you know what your roots are, you can never go wrong.�