BEN Kangwa, a seasoned broadcaster featured on most Radio stations with Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) sponsored run-up interviews to the just-ended presidential election.
Upcoming broadcasters have valuable lessons to learn from the way he handled interviews.
Number one lesson is that as an interviewer, Ben listens more than he talks, he gives enough time to his guests for them to exhaust their thoughts.
It is only right that listeners hear what the guest on such a programme has to offer than hearing the host’s opinion, therefore, the prudent thing is to give them time.
Secondly, Ben is always calm and attentive to his guests.
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Listening to Kachanana partnering with Cash on ZNBC Radio 4’s morning shows, one immediately notices a complete broadcaster in her.
With a firm, clear voice for radio, she also has the eloquence and intellect to support her ability to interact with listeners for a long time.
Kachanana reads news well and can deejay with maturity.
Radio becomes fascinating when anchored by a presenter capable of appealing to listeners of different classes.
Twice on their morning shows, the duo has played one of the most ‘happening’ songs titled ‘Toliwe’ done by Willz featuring Wezi. Toliwe is a thrilling rendition that has not played on other radio stations.
Radio 4 has interesting segments ranging from an interactive ‘After 8 hours’ chat show, Excellent Life Style devotions presented by Brenda
Muntemba, Aerobics tips and a Gift Inambao presented Entertainment.
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Mr Justine Lienje who is principal engineer for ZNBC’s northern region clarified on the Kitwe studios’ transmission sounds.
This column reported that; “African Beats presented by Nicholas Sibanda on ZNBC’s Radio 2 from Kitwe studios every Saturday afternoons, has poor recording. Such, is, in fact the case with most recorded programmes on ZNBC from Kitwe studios.”
Mr Lienje clarified it is not a POOR recording, but rather a HUM in transmission.
We thank Mr Lienje for such a technical clarification more especially that there has been tremendous improvement in all transmission from ZNBC’s Kitwe studios.
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Exide Batteries is currently running promotional sales advertisement on Radio 4 as; ‘In this festive period,’ one wonders how long the festive period runs.
PHOENIX
Radio Phoenix has one of the best weekend packages from Saturdays when Panji Banda reminisces with hit disco songs of yesteryears, Paddy Makando comes with gospel beats on Sunday mornings before Karen Nakawala takes over with ‘Sunday Mellow Madness’  while Sam Sakala does the jazz afternoon.
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Luchi read the main morning news last week when he came out something like, “Here is the news read by Luchi.” As we have indicated in the past, newsreaders ought to give their full names and NOT stage names.
ICENGELO
Francis Chapa ‘Flapper Jay, Champion of the World’ was in his usual buoyant mood dropping tunes on the Airtel morning show. Flapper’s high-rapping style will arrest every listener.
CHIMWEMWE
Going by an increased flood of messages sent to Ndola’s Radio Chimwemwe, one can safely say that the station has already become popular among Copperbelt listeners.
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Dear Jack and happy 2015!
I do not understand why the police command issues statements on the strategies they would to police a particular event.
For example, is it correct for the police to announce through a media statement and aired on News that a certain number of police officers would be deployed for an election.
Does the number or warning make news?
The police should just do their job quietly, they do not need to publicise how they would police an election of a politically rally.
How do you announce your strategies to your ‘enemies’?
The police can use the media better other than those warnings.
++++++++++++++
I was shocked to listen to a political advert on Radio Pheonix in the run up to the January 20 presidential election where Lenon Shinde
announced that there would a mammoth rally for the UPND, but how can you tell how mammoth the rally would be when it has not taken place.
I believe you can only tell how huge the rally is or was after it has taken place, however, before that I feel it is being ambiguous.
Warm Regards
Joe Kalapa
Lusaka
TIPS
Some tips on how to conduct an interview state that the interviewer allows the guest to let the guest talk. Allow silence.
Don’t always jump in with questions. Often, some truth will follow a silence. Think of the listener’s innocence; ask the obvious, along with the subtle.
To both the interviewer and interviewee below are seven rules for radio interview extracted from Brad Philips’s book called ‘Media Training Bible.’
Radio interviews are nothing like normal conversations (unless your friends take listener phone calls and go to commercial breaks!).
Remember these seven rules for your next radio interview:
1.      Prepare for an abrupt start. Most radio interviews are done by phone, not in studio, and most stations prefer to call you. Some producers call a few minutes before the interview begins, allowing you
to listen for few minutes to get a feel for the program’s tone. But others wait until the last possible second, meaning you’re on the air
within moments of picking up the phone. When you pick up the phone, be ready to go live on a second’s notice—or on no notice at all. You’ll
hear the host over the phone line, so turn your radio off to avoid hearing a distracting delay.
2.      Express passion. Sure, you’re on the radio. But listeners will hear it if you stand, move your hands, and smile—so get a telephone headset and gesture away. Try to match or slightly exceed the host’s energy level to avoid sounding flat.
3.      Sit close to the microphone (in studio). Ashe advises guests to sit close to the microphone, no farther than a “fist’s-length” away.
4.      Connect with the host (in studio).  It’s key for radio guests to make eye contact. “Look at the interviewer.” “Speak to him or her, and speak like you’re talking to a friend or spouse. If you exude confidence and comfort with the interviewer, the listener will feel confident and comfortable with you. Be friendly, be cordial, and act
like you’re just chatting with your best friend.” It’s okay to take a few notes with you and glance down occasionally to remember your key points, but try not to lose your connection.
5.      Don’t depend on them to make the plug. You’re probably on the radio because you want to promote something—a new book, your website, your company. Although many experienced hosts are adept at “plugging”
whatever you want promoted, some aren’t. So it’s up to you to mention that information a few times throughout the interview. You can increase the host’s odds of getting it right by sending in advance the information you’d like plugged. I also often send the producer a shortened version of my bio, which many hosts use verbatim to introduce me on the air.
6.      Treat crazy callers with respect. If you appear on a radio show that takes listener calls, you may get an angry caller who goes on a rant that has little to do with your topic. Maintain the high ground.
The public recognizes angry callers for what they are, so impress the audience with your graceful and kind handling of the caller. Push back on incorrect assertions, but do so respectfully.
7.      Listen to the tape. Few people enjoy listening to tapes of their interviews, but doing so can help you identify and fix problem areas.
You may be surprised to hear you said “uhhh” a few too many times during the interviews. That self-awareness will allow you to kill the “uhhhs.”
Stay tuned, don’t touch that dial! – jackmwewa@gmail.com  0955115777