Play 99.5 FM

City Jordan Amman, Jordan
Slogan Jordan's No.1 Hit Music Station
First air date October 14, 2004 (2004-10-14)
Language(s) English
Owner ModernMedia Co.
Website http://play.jo/

Play 99.5 (99.5 FM) is an English-language music radio station in Jordan. Founded in 2004 the station is part of the Modern Media Company. The station plays English songs from around the world using the Top 40 model as well as broadcasting celebrity interviews (for example Sean Paul). According to Ipsos, Play 99.5 has the widest reach of English radio in Jordan. Its listeners are between 15–30 years old. Play 99.5 is headquartered in Amman, Jordan.

History

Play 99.5, previously known as Play 99.6, was founded by entrepreneurs Ramzi Halabi and Zafer Younis in October 2004.[1] The station initially had 5 team members, Lee McGrath (the morning show's on-air presenter) joined the team from the UK soon after they started. In 2007, the station won international recognition by the National Association of Broadcasters, winning the "NAB International Broadcasting Excellence Award".[2]

Milestones

In 2007, Play 99.6 brought comedians Maz Jobrani, Ahmed Ahmed, and Aron Kader (Axis of Evil) to perform four sold out events in Amman. The performance was the first stand-up comedy ever to be hosted in Jordan.[3] Following the success of the Axis of Evil performances, the station broadcast shows by Arab-American comedians Dean Obeidallah and Maysoon Zayid.[4]

In 2008 the station hosted magicians The Evasons and comedian/magician Derek Hughes .[5] Play 99.6 are a sponsor for Project Peace.

In 2010 the station hosted the Play 99.6 All Schools Talent Show.[6]

In 2011 the station held the boldest competition "Live in it to win it" [7] in Jordan to win the amazing Toyota Yaris.

In 2012 the station held another bold competition "Dance for it to win it" [8] to win the recent Volvo C30 back then.

In 2014 the station held the "What would you do to win" [9] competition to win a ticket to 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

In 2016 the station hosted the international Grammy award-winning artist Enrique Iglesias in Amman, Jordan.

In 2018 the station changed its frequency from 99.6 to 99.5 to widen their reach and accommodate American Cars.

Community service

The station undertakes Corporate social responsibility in Jordan. In 2006, it launched "Toys of Hope", an initiative to encourage listeners to donate new and used toys, which were then turned over to an orphanage. Mabarrat Um Al Hussein received thousands of toys through this drive.[10]

The campaign was repeated in 2007, Queen Rania called the morning show presenter during the final days of the drive to commend their work and encourage more people to donate toys.[11]

In 2008, the station launched a campaign around Amman to promote local musicians, bands, artists and photographers. Thanks to his appearances on Play 99.6, Jordanian musician Hanna Gargour was featured in a documentary by the BBC in 2008.

References

  1. ↑ , Play.jo, "About us"]
  2. ↑ "JORDAN'S 'PLAY 99.6 ' TO RECEIVE NAB INTERNATIONAL BROADCASTING EXCELLENCE AWARD", NAB, March 21, 2007
  3. ↑
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  10. ↑ "Play 99.6 launches Toys of Hope initiative" AmeInfo, Sept 30, 2007
  11. ↑ "Queen supports Toys of Hope initiative" Jordan Times, October 12, 2007

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