'Real Man Things', a vibrant, exciting radio show that deals expressly with men's issues, is set to take the local media landscape by storm when it debuts this month.

The radio programme will speak specifically to male-related issues.

"The new show will seek to go beyond masculine posturing and bravado to engage Jamaican men, at home and throughout the diaspora, in honest conversation about the challenges they face as they struggle to cope in a society where they are becoming increasingly marginalised," read a release from Communications and Business Solutions (CBS).

The interactive programme is aiming to stimulate a new way of thinking among Jamaican men by promoting frank, mature and responsible discussion about male- related issues. It will also seek to provide a forum where men can voice their opinions, vent their frustrations and get constructive advice, encouragement and coaching as they seek to contend in an increasingly hostile environment.

Popular radio advice

'Real Man Things' is the latest innovation of CBS, the company that conceived and produced the immensely popular radio advice programme, 'Your Legal Corner' which airs on Power 106FM.

CBS's Marketing Director Melody Cammock-Gayle said she was anticipating another big hit as the new show should appeal to a wide cross section of male and female listeners.

"'Real Man Things' will fulfil a unique niche in Jamaican radio because there is no other programme on air that deals specifically with Jamaican men and seeks to explore their unique issues and really get to the heart of male sensibility," Cammock-Gayle explained.

"We don't only expect to have men tuning in because many of the issues that the programme will deal with are issues that have a direct impact on how men relate to women and children so we believe this show will have a universal appeal."

Complex range of issues

Recognising that the host is critical to the success of any talk show programme, CBS has joined forces with social activist, philanthropist and motivational speaker, Kevin Wallen. Having lived in rural areas and working-class communities in Jamaica, and after residing and studying overseas and doing extensive social work with men from various backgrounds, including inmates in penal institutions, CBS said Wallen "is versed with the complex range of issues that are currently affecting Jamaican men".

Acknowledging the need for media programmes that can serve as vehicles for social intervention, Churches Cooperative Credit Union (CCCU) has come on board as a sponsor. "We liked the concept of 'Real Man Things' right from the start because it's not only about talk and discussion but about finding solutions to some of the social problems that are having a negative impact on our society," said Juven Montague-Anderson, CCCU's marketing and public relations manager.

'Real Man Things' will be broadcast on Power106FM starting on October 25. The hour-long programme will be aired each Sunday at 9 p.m.