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For three quarters of a century, the corporate radio has been an integral part of life at Železiarne Podbrezová. The first broadcast aired in 1951, and since then it has accompanied generations of employees. Although technologies, the way programmes are prepared, and the people behind the microphone have changed significantly over the past 75 years, its main mission has remained the same – to deliver up-to-date information directly to the workplace.

The Beginnings Date Back to 1951

The first corporate radio broadcast took place during a period of major modernisation at the then Šverma Ironworks. Its primary role was to provide operational news and keep employees informed about current developments within the company.

For the first three decades, the technical side of broadcasting was managed by Oldřich Slabák. The radio operated via a wired system and loudspeakers installed in production halls, offices and, gradually, throughout the entire ironworks premises. The first editor was Božena Kurianová, whose voice employees heard every working day at 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Voices Known Throughout the Factory

Over the decades, several editors took turns behind the microphone of the corporate radio. Their voices became a natural part of the working day for employees.

In more recent history, the radio was particularly associated with Valter Mitterpach and Silvia Tomčíková. Until 2000, the radio studio was located in the premises that are now home to ŽP Rehabilitácia.

A significant technological change came around the turn of the millennium. The original equipment was replaced with a more modern radio studio, making both recording and the preparation of daily programmes easier.

From Vinyl Records to Digital Broadcasting

The development of the corporate radio also reflects the technological changes of recent decades. In the past, vinyl records, cassette tapes, CDs and MiniDiscs were a natural part of broadcasting. Recordings were prepared using mixing consoles and several separate devices.

Later, a gradual process of digitalisation began. Today, individual programmes are prepared and edited using professional software, and the final audio track is played directly in digital format.

One of the voices associated with the more recent history of the corporate radio is Marian Jančovič, currently Head of the Promotion Department. As he recalls, the content of the broadcasts has always reflected life at the ironworks – from production results, occupational safety and steel industry updates to sports, health topics and other information intended for employees.

Still Broadcasting Twice a Day

The corporate radio remains active to this day. Employees of Železiarne Podbrezová can listen to its broadcasts twice a day – at 8:30 a.m. and again in a repeat broadcast at 2:00 p.m.

The programmes include information about current events in the company, operational and personnel announcements, points of interest, sports news and song requests.

A Tradition That Continues

Over the past 75 years, the corporate radio has broadcast thousands of programmes and accompanied several generations of Železiarne Podbrezová employees. The technical equipment, content and methods of programme preparation have changed, but its importance for internal communication has remained.

Much like the Podbrezovan company newspaper, which is one of the company’s long-standing communication traditions, the radio helps employees stay connected with what is happening across the company. Železiarne Podbrezová also continues to publish Podbrezovan, the oldest company newspaper in Slovakia.

Even after three quarters of a century, the sound of the corporate radio remains a distinctive part of everyday life at Železiarne Podbrezová.

Author (source): Podbrezovan