SEAFIELD.FM: Trip to Astro 2011

Hi guys! You may have heard, but in case you haven't, Seafield.FM's just visited Astro! I know some of you must be thinking "Astro? Really? Have you guys no where else to go?" Yes, some of their channels play out-dated stuff on repeat and yes, their services often get disrupted during the rain, but there's actually a good reason for that (apparently the frequency they use to broadcast and receive is safer using the current frequency but is very sensitive and susceptible to interference from rain). All in all, the trip has been a very mind-broadening experience for everyone. It was fun and we all got to learn new things.

We got to learn of the many functions of various departments in the place, which are very efficient, I might add. The staff appeared very much professional; you'd think you were in research facility or the headquarters of an international bank. Everything is well-organized there and the whole complex is very clean. We learned how shows are beamed in, screened and filtered, and then beamed back out to you guys, the customers on your TV sets. The equipment the guys there use isn't the latest nor the most advanced (as our guide told us) but they were very high-tech and expensive in our eyes. More importantly, they do their jobs well. Stuff like dishes, servers, etc. also cost a bomb We learned of Astro's fool-proof back-up plans (which I'm assuming I'm allowed to disclose on this blog, seeing as they have restrictions on may things there) .

Many of the shows on channels work on a system and are based on logic, apparently. Say a new movie's brought in. Whether it gets played on HBO or whatever depends on it's content and it's relevance to the majority of viewers. Shows are brought in and screened months before it's to be aired to be reviewed, cut and censored so that it's of an acceptable standard for the eyes and ears of Malaysians. Apparently, stuff with too much profanity in them don't get played at all after the screening process because they become too short and much of the crucial parts of it, like the storyline would have been compromised. Oh, and I almost forgot! The rights on shows like CSI, The English Premier League, The Simpsons, etc. are bought at the cost of up to 700 million ringgit a piece! Recently, many have been complaining of Astro's service hike but as I've said before, there's a good reason for that: shows just cost more now. Our guide said that the screen rights on several shows run into the billions now.

Oh, and I saved the best for last ;) WE GOT TO MEET SOME OF THE GUYS ON HITZ LIVE AND IN THE FLESH! No joke! Everyone I told was (what color was it? I forgot) with jealousy. That's right, we got to meet JJ, Ean and Jin! Jin was kind enough to invite us all into the Hitz studio (this small-ish soundproof room with all kinds of audio equipment and monitors) and give us an insight into the life of an announcer (apparently, the term "DJ" is now invalid as DJs used to bring their hard-copy discs in to play, instead of using digital media like now). You had to be disciplined, cheery, immune to tiredness. open-minded and above all, humble when you're on the air with an audience that runs into the hundreds of thousands. You also have to have a good voice (FUN FACT: That lady on the KDK Raku-Raku ventilation what's-it advertisment makes up to RM 60,000 a month! I crap you not) not only for announcing but also for advertising, which in turn grants you endorsements from leading brands both locally and internationally. Jin's endorsed by Puma!

But don't get me wrong, life as an announcer isn't all that serious: there was a marker drawing of Rebecca Black, Rick Astley, Nyan Cat and various rage faces all over the notice board. Oh yeah, it was also signed by Jason Derulo.

And at the end of it all, we all got our one-and-a-half seconds of fame when Jin put us all on air at 12.54 PM. We got to say "BLARGH!!!" After that, there was a short tour of the rest of the "radio section" of the place, where we got to meet the announcers from Lite.FM and several other stations. Finally, it was time to say goodbye and the bus departed for school at around 12.20 PM.

It was great, all in all. I think by now, everyone who went thinks their qualified for announcing or lending their voices for advertising, because it really isn't that hard! Before I end this post, I'd like to thank everyone at Astro for allowing us, rowdy bunch of kids to visit your high-tech lair of awesomeness and I'd also like to thank our guide. Unfortunately, I didn't get his name, but we all here at Seafield.FM extend our utmost gratitude for showing us around and taking the time to answer our questions. Your English's great by the way!

Now, for the pictures! Unfortunately, I over-estimated the capabilities of my cell-phone camera and well... let's just say that they don't look too nice. I'll be using the purdy pictures of the almigty Kimberly with her trusty sidekick, her camera! Alternatively, you can view the entire album HERE