DJ Al Pal hosts the “Power Mix” show on Mix FM. Picture: Instagram.
Listeners of the community radio station Mix 93.8 FM are facing a grim reality as the beloved station grapples with an ownership struggle labelled as a “hostile takeover.”
Over the past few weeks, turmoil ensued when a group purportedly seeking to rebrand the station managed took over the airwaves.
According to online reports, the abrupt change was reportedly facilitated by a member at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), the governing body responsible for radio frequencies and licensing.
The intrusion saw the station not only removed from the airwaves but also stripped of vital broadcasting equipment. This was allegedly done because a deal between Mix FM’s owner and two employees who looked to buy the station seemingly went sour.
The online article said that station manager Abi Milosevic agreed to sell the station to long-time employees Kudzayi Tiribabi and Sanny Mlotana.
A deposit was paid but Tiribabi allegedly didn’t pay the remainder to acquire the station fully. As a result, Milosevic tried to retain ownership and it’s here that the matter went to the Gauteng High Court.
“The court, however, threw the matter out in June stating that the matter wasn’t suitable for urgent court, the parties then agreed to arbitration except they both obtained protection orders making arbitration next to impossible.
“It seems that at this point Tiribabi approached Icasa which sided with them and stripped Mix FM’s studios as a result,” it reported.
Among those affected, Mix 93.8 FM presenter AI Your Pal addressed the situation on Facebook. He shed light on the chaotic circumstances that transpired.
“I have out of respect for our management and the patience for the law to take its course - not said anything to anyone till now!
“So if you have tuned in to Mix via the ‘fm’ frequency and have heard music and another line-up … it is not the Mix you have got to know over the years and has none of the presenters you have come to know.”
On the abrupt switch-off, he said: “One minute we were on air, and the next minute we were ambushed and turned off.”
Pal's revelations indicate that the station has been effectively “hijacked” by individuals aiming to reshape its identity to cater to a different demographic.
“The frustration is palpable as the Mix family works tirelessly alongside their legal team to reclaim their license and broadcasting resources, feeling the deep impact of actions rooted in ‘greed, entitlement, and a lack of morals and integrity’.”
Pal said the station had been “hijacked”.
“There are individuals who have been trying very hard over the last year and a bit to take over the station and change it up to serve a different demographic and LSM.”
In a shocking claim, Pal stated that the purported takeover included the theft of broadcasting equipment.
“They also helped themselves to our broadcasting equipment and to pass it on to these individuals. Our management team have been tirelessly busy with their legal team to get back the licence and all of the said equipment. There is just so much happening and that has happened that just screams dodgy.”
In light of this disruption, advertisers who had booked airtime have faced significant setbacks, impacting not just the station’s revenue but also the livelihoods of DJs and other staff members dependent on the station for their income, especially in the lead-up to Christmas.
“This will result in non-payment from our advertisers and probably result in myself and the other DJs you have become accustomed to - not getting salaries and this just before Xmas.
“Long term the damage to the brand is almost unimaginable and all this because of greed, entitlement and a lack of morals and integrity ...
“We have become accustomed to this term ‘corruption’ in South Africa, and this has it written all over it. Never did I think we would experience this first-hand in the communication space.”
With an emotional plea, Pal urged listeners to support Mix FM by signing petitions and voicing concerns to the BCCSA and ICASA via their respective websites.
“You have a say in the community station in your community and would love for you to stand behind us in getting Mix 93.8 FM back from these hijackers.
Currently, the petition has over 1000 signatures.
He ended: “On that note I thank you for taking the time to read this post! I would also like to take this opportunity to wish you and your families a blessed Xmas and well deserved break.”
Read the full Facebook post below.
Mix FM listeners were shocked at the revelation.
Jacques Grobler commented: “This is shocking! Hopefully the legal team will win the fight.”
Isabel Sampaio Kimble said: “What a nightmare, unbelievable this can happen 😡.”
Jacky Shaw wrote: “Thought I had lost my mind when I heard the crap playing on mix frequency. Now it all makes sense.”
Joeleen Gray commented: “Thinking of you, miss you and the rest of our Mix family. Petition signed and shared and is spreading like a wildfire. Thank you for the detailed explanation.”