question about the radio

I know this is a dumb question, but I don't know jack about cars. My boyfriend owns a '94 Cherokee and his radio doesn't work...once in a while we can pick up a station, but it usually cuts out. The only way we can get it to work sometimes is if you hold the wire that hangs down by the passenger side. So does he need a new antenna?? Or something else?? If so, how much would it cost to buy him a new one??

That wire I think is the antenna. Look at the connection to the radio(back), and the connection at the antenna. May need to replace it, but check the connections first.

I have an 88 cherokee and the radio works just fine, but none of the lights work in the radio...so I can't see what stations I am dialing...the only other problem with electrical is a slow start, usually takes about 3-5 cranks before the engine fires up....any thoughts...???