ON Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Radio 2’s Radio Newsreel listeners not only get interesting stories, but interesting reporting too.
The kind of file reporting you hear on Radio Newsreel is not as good as the regular ones, some newsreel reporters need to improve on their pronunciations, pausing and voice projection.
Some sound like they are singing a report or running commentaries.
But, you cannot blame them, for they may not be full-time broadcasters, just in need of some kind of tailor broadcasting training.
It is not too long when former Information and Broadcasting Services minister Mwansa Kapeya announced that the Government had planned for tailor trainings for community radio stations staff, a move that would benefit newsreel reporters also.
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‘Chriszo’ Christopher Mwewa has cut himself out of the monotonous play list employed by most radio presenters today.
At least Chriszo plays indigenous Zambian music from all corners of the country, punctuating his shows with lively commentaries. He was at his best last Sunday morning.
RADIO 4
Boyd Milimo presents a Uniturtle promotional programme on ZNBC’s Radio 4 every Saturday from 11:00 to 11:45 hours.
From his days back in time on radio, Milimo has a captivating voice and presentation style.
He is original, steady and in control whenever on air.
Upcoming reporters would do well emulating him, but not copy-cat his style.
RADIO 1
Member of Parliament Chansa Nsensembeka from Chimbamilonga Constituency in Nsama District of Northern Province acquitted himself well last week on Kabusha takolelwe bowa programme when he highlighted development programmes.
PHOENIX
They start like chit-chatting, then listeners start calling in, before you know it, the discussion would have attracted huge following only halted by limitation of time.

. Roxy

It is a collaboration of Roxy and Luchi on Radio Phoenix morning shows.
In an event where you have Paddy and Christine also, then listeners are in for an electrifying early morning wake up call.
The quartet discussants sound relaxed, open minded, and so engaging making the whole debate as though it were a simple friendly chit-chat, yet informative, educative and entertaining.
This column has in the past identified the reason that chat has become popular, the discussants’ eloquence, freedom of expression and being original in thought.
RCV
Let there be order on Radio Christian Voice (RCV)’s Chat Back programme. Speakers on that talk-show can be heard speak at the same time, which makes it difficult for listeners to grasp the debate.
Even if it were not for radio, a situation where two or more people speak at the same time, without giving each other chance, is kind of altercation.
Debate, discussions, interactions or chat rules demand that the speaker listens while the other is talking and talks while the other is listening.
It is because each speaker wants to be heard, that they resort to raise their voices to suppress others, a situation which ends up in cacophony.
ICENGELO
Last week’s Health Talk on Radio Icengelo discussed care for premature babies. During that live show, callers gave their views, experiences and guidance to would-be mothers.
Catriona Chisompola Phiri anchored the programme which proved popular, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to repeat it as a way of exhausting questions which remained hanging.
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Amapinda nensoselo (Bemba proverbs and riddles) on Radio Icengelo is, apart from the Friday 20:30 hours programme.
This column last month requested Chilufya Masongo that ba Mikaeli Chatengwa to go a step further in explaining his ‘Letaa ubutaa!’ chant.
What an intriguing explanation it was! Interestingly, a number of listeners confirmed they benefited from that clarification.
It is simply a call of courage even when one is not as armed as he would sound.
BAPTIST RADIO
That was Pastor Conrad Mbewe’s voice heard on the new Baptist Radio last week. He is a calm and precise speaker. His sermonnete on that day was a call for Christians to be particular on matters of hygiene.
JIVE FM – ‘ITS WHERE YOU AT’
An official from JIVE FM Radio phoned through to clarify that the station’s slogan was, “It’s where you at”. The “Number one radio station” slogan referred to in this column last week, is, but, just a jingle which is commonly used by other radio stations.
Here is paragraph three of what we published; “If the station has settled for “The number one radio station” as its slogan, they better come up with something new.
The slogan is not good enough because, firstly, it has been over-recited by several other radio stations in Zambia and outside.
In an event that listeners miss the other part of that identification slogan and only pick the last part, chances are that they may be confused as to which one station among those going by the same slogan they may be tuned to.”
JIVE FM response was:
“The matter refers.
Get your facts right, our slogan is… JIVE FM- its where you at. We are really disappointed that you want to kill us even before we make our mark.
Get details @jive909fm or facebook page 90.9 jive fm.” – Ramsey
TIPS
A look at signaling
The simplest studio signalling system will generally have ‘Stand by’ and ‘On air’ signs. It may also have a cue-light device which can be flashed to warn artistes.
The cue-light can also be used to indicate a need for an increase or slowing down of pace.
But in addition to the use of light signaling, it is useful to develop a code of hand signals.
Hand signals can be passed very quickly through the glass separating the cubicle from the studio, and they can be much more expressive than simply flashing a cue-light.
During the rehearsal, the use of hand signals will pass messages quickly without need to interrupt the rehearsal by use of the talk-back.
To ask for level: Fingers of the hand bunched at the lips then gently spread
To move away from the microphone: Hand with palm facing artist pushed
To move closer to the microphone: Hand with palm held towards face brought
To warn an artist to watch for cue: Point with index finger to your eye.
To indicate that you want a better balance when two artists are at the
microphone:
Weigh your right against your left hand like scales and then point to one of the artists and use the signal for move in or move away.
Stand by: The palm of the hand held upright above your head for all to see.
Go: The hand dropped and the index finger pointed clearly at the artist who is to start the programme.
Speed up: Extend the index finger and make a clockwise circle in the air.
MULTICHOICE NEWS FLASH
For this week, we ask a question, correct answers will win readers Multichoice giveaways!
Mention any radio stations, days and times Multichoice DSTv highlights are aired?
For comments, observations and contributions; jackmwewa@gmail.com – 0955115777