WHILE I appreciate your editorial writer's support (October 19) for the proposed changes at RTHK's Radio 4, I am disappointed at his rather unfair comments about Radio 3. It would appear that he has not bothered to listen to Radio 3 before passing judgment.
To respond to your editorial, Radio 3 does cater for young people. The daily ''Kids Time'' within Martin Clarke's Drive Time programme is a big success, we have had nothing but praise from parents and teachers for the ''Kids Time'' segment. In addition, we have Teen Time every evening. This is a programme aimed at senior students from Anglo-Chinese secondary schools. While still in its early days, the programme is reaching its targetted audience. On average, we receive about 20 calls each evening.
As regards specialist music, Radio 3 has more of it than ever before. We have Folklore, Sound of Surprise Jazz, Big Country, Big Band Sound, the Sunnyside of the Street Oldies and Gotta Sing Gotta Dance show tunes. Gerry Jose has revitalised evening listening with his good choice of music and lively competitions. Ian Delahay continues with his brand of competitions on Sunday afternoons.
It would be fairer to say that our music is more contemporary than middle of the road. While we still play the best of the music from the 50s to the 70s, the majority of the tracks are in fact from the 90s and 80s. Radio 3 admittedly does not have a charts show. We have given some thought to this. If our younger audience keeps on increasing, we may introduce one in the not too distant future.
I do believe that Radio 3 has made tremendous improvements. An independent survey has just been completed. I am confident that when the results are released, they will prove us right.
JAGJIT DILLON Head/English Programme Service Radio Television Hong Kong YEE Hah! The hacks of Quarry Bay strike again.