‘On the Air’ with Patrick Teoh

 

Patrick Teoh helmed a variety of radio shows on RTM back in the day. (Patrick Teoh pic)

PETALING JAYA: Infamous for his wit and dry humour, Patrick Teoh was a household name for local Malaysians tuning in to Radio Malaysia’s English service during the 1970s.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Teoh has rightfully earned the nickname “Voice of Malaysia”, bestowed on him by the mass media and fans alike, for his extensive contributions to local English advertisements.

Speaking to Teoh in conjunction with World Radio Day yesterday, he admitted that he never planned for a successful career as a radio announcer. “It just happened. I was looking for a job after high school and the rest is history,” he said.

In the ‘70s, radio personalities like himself used their gifted voices to rule the airwaves by playing hits of the decade, discussing current affairs and encouraging listeners to tune in and share their thoughts live on air.

Back then there was only one English language radio station. Today, however, Malaysians get to enjoy music from all decades via numerous English radio channels like Hitz FM and Fly FM, that target a younger audience.

“The tone of delivery and language used, and content discussed by announcers today are aimed at younger audiences unlike before which were directed at a wider range of listeners,” he said.

Patrick Teoh and Yasmin Yusuff were among the icons of the Malaysian airwaves. (Patrick Teoh pic)

While many shied away from tackling controversial topics, Teoh addressed them head-on.

“My format on the other hand was different. I was more focused on producing mature content that involved discussing current affairs that impacted our listeners. Listeners were even encouraged to call in to share their thoughts,” he said.

Asked whether discussing certain topics live was a challenge, Teoh said he had to be cautious that the discussions did not get out of hand.

“As a government-owned radio station, I had to walk a fine line between not being too critical but also invoking meaningful conversations with the audience,” he said.

But all work and no play did not make Teoh a dull announcer. He knew how to tease and trick his audience.

Teoh recounted a fond memory from the ‘90s when he interviewed a “vampire” for one of his late-night segments.

“I decided to do this after the movie ‘Interview with the Vampire’ starring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise aired. I got a guy to pretend to be a vampire to dispel all the myths surrounding vampires.

“It was a hit. We fooled so many adult listeners into calling in to ask questions like does garlic ward off vampires? Or do vampires only drink the blood of virgin women?” he said, still sounding amused after all these years.

However, what made that segment memorable was when a young boy called in and told the “vampire” that he understood what it felt like to be different from others.

“It was heartwarming because it turned out that the boy was a paraplegic and instead of asking silly questions, he found common ground with the vampire.”

Teoh’s current favourite hobby when he isn’t on the air is cycling. (Patrick Teoh pic)

Besides spinning interesting conversations on air, Teoh was also actively involved in getting the audience to groove in clubs.

“Previously, people could only dance to live music performed by bands but when recorded music became available, it was a gamechanger. As a deejay, I wouldn’t just play the music. I presented it – as if I would on the radio,” he said.

These days, deejays do not talk much because they are focused on the beats and the quality of their mixes, he said, adding that this is just one of the ways in which radio has evolved through the decades.

“Radio used to be the sole form of entertainment back then, now thanks to the internet there are so many other ways to entertain oneself. But one thing remains – radio announcers still play an integral role as they are a steadfast companion for devout listeners on their daily travels,” Teoh said. - FMT