DUO presentation on most radio stations is working out well. A few presenters, however, need to give each other time rather than talking at the same time.
Just like any ordinary conversation, only when those conversing allow for the completion of one’s thought can a discussion be pleasant.
We have heard a few pairs on radio not only speak at the same time, but each one raises the voice as if to outdo the other resulting in a cacophony.
The situation becomes even worse when we have a guest who also wants to come out like a co-presenter.
The ideal way of co-hosting a live radio presentation is firstly to be as formal and free with each other as possible, yet allow each one of the presenters be heard in a coordinated conversation.
As for guests, radio presenters have a duty to guide them as to when they ought to speak and when they ought to listen.
Just as it is a duty of the hosts to introduce the topic of discussion and discussants, it is also the hosts who should close and wind down any live discussion.
We have heard some guests take over the entire show and be the ones to conclude the show with remarks like; “Join us next time on the same programme, this has been Chirwa on the show.”
PHOENIX
Paddy Mukando is back on his ‘Gospel Show’, morning shows on Radio Phoenix after a month’s absence, and he had to make up by playing listeners’ taste tunes.
At least we heard listeners express their longing for the man with a golden voice whom they engaged in close-friend salutations, to which he responded in a friendly manner.
Maybe the exuberant moment, like it has always been, comes when Paddy passes over broadcast to Karen Nakawala – the latter does not take over without a ‘fight’.
Then Karen will do what she knows best; Synchronise her voice, laughter and charm into soft, nostalgic and soul-searching tunes after her uninterrupted sig tune.
Exit Karen, then enters Sam Sakala, who truly is ‘Man of All Seasons’. His presentation is that of a veteran who is ‘at home’ during his show: Easy, free flowing and reminiscent.
***
Listening to Christine Ngwisha either read news, host guests on ‘Let the People Talk’ programme, one hears an intelligent, focused and flawless speaker.
Christine’s role in handling sensitive presentations suites her well. She comes out differently from other up-coming female radio personalities.
Maybe up-coming female presenters ought to know that it takes a solid and focused mind to anchor serious programmes than simply playing music and interacting with callers.
DEAR JACK
One follower of this column wrote; “Dear Jack, I read in the Sunday Times of August, 9, 2015 in which you highlighted a female DJ you said played a new song recently on radio.
Being one of the up-coming broadcasters, I have an idea about what happens in some community radio stations.
What happens is that some radio presenters get songs, some that are not even released from singers in a bid to promote their works.
I feel what is supposed to happen is that radio station supervisors need to approve the type of music to be played on radio beforehand if they have to avoid such mistakes.”
Concerned reader.
***
Yet another follower wrote; “Hi Jack, I totally agree with your article about some radio Deejays playing songs that are not good for listeners.
I tell you, it’s bad, some songs they play are full of insults, you can’t understand the message they try to put forward, what is sad is that even some ‘so called’ gospel songs don’t sound that gospel.”
Ricky Chibuye, Lusaka.
TIPS
Below is an extract on what makes a good radio presenter; “One has to create this little club, you are not talking to an audience. You’re talking to one person and they’re only half-listening. It’s a mistake to think that everybody’s clinging to your every word.”
It is a fine advice and it also draws a firm, defining line between broadcasting on the wireless and the television, where the reverse is true.
That observation is also useful guide in working out why some radio presenters gel with listeners more than others: a tricky and subjective question.
Listening to some stand-ins and special shows over the festive period, though, the inclusive, intimate quality of some presenters shone through, while it was lacking in others.
Not that some presenters may not be seasoned, but they never quite get the warmth right, especially in interaction with listeners.
Some do not make you feel as if they are speaking just to you, but unrivalled at creating the feeling of a “club” and that draws vast audience, and seems to reach out to listeners effortlessly and with huge charm.
It is the knack of creating a real sense of connection and listener identification in radio that glues audiences to certain shows and presenters.
Stay tuned, don’t touch that dial! – jackmwewa@gmail.com   0955115777