Era FM hosts back on air a month following 'racist' video controversy

Era FM's "3 Pagi Era" show hosts Radin Amir Affendi Ahmad Aruani, Azad Jasmin and Nabil Ahmad have returned on air this morning (7 April) following a month-long suspension. The hosts were suspended for their involvement in a controversial video allegedly mocking the religious "kavadi" Hindu ritual. 

In lieu of the hosts' return, Era FM has posted a series of videos welcoming the trio back on air. The first clip posted on Instagram this morning garnered over 19K likes within three hours. It featured the hosts entering the studio wishing everyone "Selamat Hari Raya" as they prepare for the morning show. The caption read: "Three friends are united once again. Welcome back 3PE. After a long time not being on-air together, today is a historic day for them. Did you miss them?" 

Don't miss: Era FM escapes license suspension, fined RM250,000

The comments section seemingly brimmed with netizens wishing the hosts well and expressing their joy at the hosts' return. Another clip posted on the radio station's Instagram page showed the hosts performing the morning prayer together, which drew even more positive comments from Era FM fans.

According to media monitoring and social listening company DATAXET Nama, the overall sentiment in the comment sections of Era FM's videos leaned towards being negative and critical, with sentiments being 65% negative, and 35% positive.

However, this was not negative sentiments towards the hosts or their wrongdoings, but more towards the radio station Era FM itself. 

"Many comments expressed discontent with Radio Era's actions, highlighting frustrations over perceived injustices and double standards. Some comments expressed support for Radio Era’s actions," said DATAXET Nama. 

Some of the clearly positive comments expressed support for the employees and relief at their return, with a number of netizens showing direct support for the affected staff, emphasising that their reinstatement was a positive step.

25% of the comments were in relation to criticism over Era FM's decision to suspend its employees, especially given that they had apologised. Many felt that the punishment was excessive. Another 20% of comments were regarding the perceived double standards and unequal treatment when compared with other incidents. Netizens observed that similar actions by others had not attracted the same level of criticism or consequences as faced by the three hosts. 

Meanwhile, some clearly negative comments (20%) included calls for boycotts against Astro and Era FM, as well as some remarks indicating feelings of being marginalised or offended by the controversy. 

The word cloud provided by DATAXET Nama indicated that many people had been looking forward to Era's morning show resuming its activities. Words like “esok” (tomorrow), “bertugas” (on duty), and “ditunggu-tunggu” (eagerly awaited) suggested a strong sense of anticipation. Nevertheless, the presence of words such as “kontroversi”, “akta komunikasi” (communications act), “pindaan” (amendment), and “RM250” hinted at ongoing debates or legal considerations.

According to checks by A+M, some comments poked fun at the hosts asking them when they'd dance "Vel Vel" again, while another netizen reminded them to be considerate and to not be "syok sendiri" ('self-absorbed'). 

On 4 March, a video involving the three Era FM hosts surfaced online where they were perceived as mimicking the sacred Hindu act performed during Thaipusam, chanting the phrase “Vel Vel” while laughing. The video stirred backlash from the public, politicians, and industry organisations.

Following which, Astro Audio released a statement to announce the suspension of the three hosts and three other staff members in light of the issue. It added that it was committed to upholding the trust of its listeners and maintaining a respectful and inclusive media environment. It also affirmed that it would be taking steps to strengthen its content review process. 

Meanwhile, the centre for independent journalism (CIJ) also released a statement condemning the Era FM hosts’ actions. “While we acknowledge the prompt internal process initiated by Astro Audio and the subsequent suspension of the three hosts, a further in-depth probe on the root and systemic cause for the racist actions of its staff is essential," said CIJ. 

Three weeks ago, Era FM escaped a license suspension as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission considered the corrective actions taken by the radio's license-holding company Maestra Broadcast and the apologies issued by the parties involved in response to the issue. The decision also took into account the potential impact of a suspension on other radio stations under the company such as Melody FM and Mix FM, said the MCMC in a statement seen by A+M at the time.

However, Maestra Broadcast was fined RM 250,000 for an offense under section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The MCMC said it viewed any action that could cause tension between religions or disrupt societal harmony seriously.

In conversations with A+M, industry professionals commended Astro's swift actions. While Astro still has to take active steps to win back credibility, the incident will unlikely affect ad sales.

“Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) may be a touchy subject to some nowadays, but it is something Astro will have to lean hard on to show that the right parties are being involved in rectifying processes long-term and endorsing their corrective measures," said Dave Prem, senior director at Redhill Malaysia.

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