FIVE months after becoming the giant Cumulus Media Network Group’s (CMNG) “reggae and Caribbean arm”, the head of Irie Jam Radio says the partnership has given the Queens, New York station a greater opportunity to expose West Indian culture to a broader audience.

The Irie Jam Show, co-hosted by Dubmaster Chris and DJ Ron, airs Sundays from 8:00 pm to midnight on Radio 103.9, one of the hundreds of radio stations under the CMNG banner.

Clarke, a Kingstonian who started Irie Jam 22 years ago, told Splash that the CMNG deal has helped the station move beyond its hardcore Caribbean base.

“We’re now heard in different markets which gives us a bigger voice and platform. We have a full-fledged variety show that is distinctly Caribbean,” said Clarke.

CMNG moved into the Caribbean market one year after purchasing Radio 103.9 FM. One of the world’s largest radio conglomerates, it airs a number of top-rated shows by major media American personalities including Don Imus, Tom Joyner, D L Hughley and United States presidential contender Mike Huckabee.

The Irie Jam Show plays the latest in dancehall and soca music, as well as classic reggae and Calypso. There are also current affairs, lifestyle and sports slots.

Significantly, contemporary music gets the lion’s share of play. With mainstream New York stations like Hot 97 not as prolific as 15 years ago when they helped break artistes like Beenie Man and Sean Paul, Clarke stressed the importance of the Irie Jam Show.

“Hot 97 played a great role in keeping the culture alive but they have reduced their reggae format considerably. So, the onus is on us to break more songs, pass more information and fill that space,” he said.

— Howard Campbell