Fine Music Radio (FMR), South Africa’s only dedicated classical and jazz radio station, has announced a revised program line-up aimed at strengthening its core musical mandate and positioning the station for long-term growth.
The updated schedule, which came into effect on Monday, 26 January, reflects what station management describes as a process of refinement rather than reinvention. FMR says the changes are designed to improve on-air consistency, focus resources more effectively, and create space for future development, while remaining firmly rooted in the station’s distinctive identity.
“Our purpose is clear: to champion jazz and classical music in a way that is relevant and sustainable,” says Station Manager Vasili Vass. “This line-up allows us to focus our resources, strengthen consistency on-air, and create space for future growth, while remaining true to FMR’s identity.”
The core of FMR’s weekday programming remains unchanged, maintaining familiar anchor shows that have long defined the station. These include Classic Breakfast with Mike Mills (06:00–09:00), Classic Morning with Rodney Trudgeon (09:00–12:00), and Classic Drive with Nic Harrop (16:00–18:00).
Among the key updates, Mike Mills will expand his on-air presence by also hosting Cape Diary on Tuesdays and Fridays (12:00–13:00) and Fine Movie Classics on Wednesdays (12:00–13:00). The weekday Matinee program has been extended to three hours, airing from 13:00 to 16:00 and rotating between presenters Louise Howlett, Paul Wise, Graham McCulloch, Otto van der Walt, and Chantal Coetzee.
Business content has also been strengthened, with Classic Business featuring Michael Avery now broadcast every weekday from 18:00 to 19:00. Evening programming sees In the Lounge move to weekdays from 19:00 to 23:00, offering a dedicated jazz showcase. Richard Green will present on Mondays and Tuesdays, while Andrew Williams takes over from Wednesday through Friday.
Weekend programming places an even stronger emphasis on jazz. Saturday Breakfast at 07:00 with Melissa Stephens leads into a full day of jazz programming presented by Saan, Diane Jane, Anathi Godlo, and Shireen Fisher. On Sundays, Otto van der Walt hosts Sunday Breakfast at 07:00, followed by jazz shows with Mzukisi Maketa and Shireen Fisher.
Vass acknowledged the contribution of presenters and volunteers affected by the changes, underscoring their importance to the station’s legacy.
“Fine Music Radio is built on the dedication of its presenters, volunteers, and listeners,” he says. “As the station evolves, we thank those who have handed over the microphone after years of exceptional service. Their contribution remains an integral part of FMR’s story.”
Founded in 1995, Fine Music Radio has built a loyal audience in South Africa and beyond by offering uninterrupted classical and jazz programming at a time when such formats are increasingly rare on commercial airwaves. The revised line-up, according to management, is intended to safeguard what makes FMR distinctive while ensuring operational stability in a challenging global media environment.
“This is about protecting what sets FMR apart,” Vass concludes, “while continuing to serve classical and jazz audiences with excellence, relevance, and stability as we prepare for the future.”