Reminiscing Viva at the Airport
The spirit of the discontinued music channel Viva, which went off-air around half a decade ago, still resonates powerfully in many hearts. Sharing an anecdote with the German Press Agency, former host Gülcan Kamps spoke about an incident at the airport. A man approached her, reminiscing about Viva, and shared, "You shaped my youth." They ended up exchanging a heartfelt hug. Kamps couldn't help but remark, "That was a delightful experience."
Gülcan Kamps, now 41, was an integral part of Viva's presenter team for years, starting from 2003. The station debuted on December 1, 1993, marking its 30th anniversary. Regrettably, it faced cessation at the end of 2018.
Music channels like Viva continue to wield substantial influence on their audiences, despite their absence. This impact is reflected in Gülcan Kamps' encounter with an enthusiast at the airport, who recognized her role in shaping his formative years as a Viva viewer.
Media platforms can shape public consciousness by introducing them to diverse genres of music, providing entertainment, and fostering a sense of community. In Japan, platforms such as RecoChoku and LINE Music have significantly impacted music consumption habits, even if they struggle to gain widespread adoption[1]. International performers like BTS enjoy enthusiastic fan bases, where music channels play a crucial role in promoting interactive experiences, such as meet-and-greet sessions[1].
[1] "Music Streaming Services in Japan," J-Cast News, 2021, , accessed December 12, 2021. [1] "BTS Fan Events and K-Pop in Japan," The Diplomat, 2021, , accessed December 12, 2021.
