What people don’t tell you about working in Radio

I have been on and off Radio for nearly one and half decades and here are a few things they never tell you about being on Radio.

?

1.????? THE LOVE FROM PEOPLE IS REAL

One of the things about Radio is that people listen for connection. No matter how many automated, downloadable music streaming networks come, there will be a portion of society that will always listen to Radio. This is also why Radio will never ever die. So knowing your audience is everything. Understanding your audience not only helps in the music format, it is also vital to the content you take on air, which ultimately builds or breaks your radio station. Having said that, the love you receive from people is so REAL. They will drop off food, flowers and goodies for you all the time and would love to speak to you every now and then. They will also open up to you about their lives and their problems. Never breaking their trust is key. Saying the right words and offering words of comfort can also save someone’s life.

2.????? PEOPLE LISTEN TO YOU

As I said… People Listen. Even when they can’t find the time to call or don’t send texts. they still listen. I have had listeners tell me; “So I tried this trick as you said on such and such a date on this particular show….”

So it is so important to be authentic and watch what you say. You don’t want to alienate a whole group of people by saying something offensive but neither would you want to be someone you are not behind the mic. Radio is a great way to change people’s perspectives and have an impact on the world. For instance, I believe in a more ecofriendly society and equal rights for all people despite their caste creed religion or sexual orientation and therefore I incorporate the values I believe in, in to my talk segments. I believe in everyone’s right to politics so whenever I learn of an unfair act passed or presented to parliament I use my talk segments as a platform to inform people so more people are aware and can take action.

3.????? NEVER LIE ON RADIO

And for the same above reason…. I never lie on Radio. I willingly accept I don’t know enough about the topic at hand than lie about something and lose someone’s confidence. If people don’t find me interesting for not knowing something, I think that’s better than to cost the station its integrity. On the other hand, this also makes me human and hopefully more relatable.

?

4.????? YOU MUST REALLY KNOW THE MUSIC

Yes. Saying I love that song about a song you don’t love is eventually going to show. How do I know this? Because there was one time I worked for a station that played music that wasn’t my type…? and it eventually started showing because I couldn’t relate nor could I find anything interesting to say… again because I never lie on national Radio.

Having been an 80’s 90’s and a 2000’s baby all my life and after appreciating the 60’s and 70’s music as a 20-year-old I am going to be very honest about the fact that I don’t enjoy certain types of new and trendy music and therefore I always try and stick to stations that play the kind of music I actually enjoy - which is called Retro and Adult Contemporary Music.

And as a Radio Presenter it’s important to know lots of various type of music and if not anything, you must at least know the artists you play on your station. I personally watch a lot of different artists and listen to lots of different music we play on the station and I can honestly say I enjoy it too.

5.????? EXPECTED THE UNEXPECTED

When you are on live Radio, you have to expect the unexpected. It should be Newton’s 5th law. No but really.... Mics can die, people can fall sick with the mics on, the system can freeze while you speak or you could want to cough violently. So it’s important, if not essential that we are prepared for these. On Radio, we back up our back up.

6.????? SAY GOODBYE TO LONG HOLIDAYS

I am not exaggerating when I say this; but if you enjoy your annual leave and leave of any type… Radio isn’t the place for you. This does not mean we come to work sick. Of course we can stay back if we are sick but in my entire radio career, I have only take 2 long holidays at max!

And before you ask.. yes we work on Christmas and Poya and New Years! And when you need a day off when you are on roster… refer to the next point.

?

7.????? HAVING A GREAT TEAM IS EVERYTHING

I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Having a great team, you can count on, who will have your back and who will cover for you is the most important pre- requisites to building a great Radio station. I know this is no brainer for any type of job, but mandatory for Radio. If you don’t like your colleagues, it will show when you go on air and if therefore if you want to be great a presenter, be a great friend and team player first. Another thing about Radio is that you have to be soft and considerate. If you know someone is pulling a long shift offer to bring them a coffee or snack. If you know someone is pulling a long shift and you are on next – Do NOT get late. As Radio Hosts we never leave our seat from the time we say hello till the time we say Goodbye. We rarely if at all take a toilet break. And we definitely don’t eat or drink at our seats. We are not allowed even water bottle in the studio as Radio equipment is very expensive.

What I am trying to say is Be On Time for your show if not early to release the person who pulls a long shift.

?

8.????? TRYING TIMES FOR THE COMMUNITY ARE TOUGH

During the past decade and a half I have been on Radio, Sri Lanka has gone through some tough times.? From terrorism to natural disasters to a leadership generated financial crisis, we have seen it all. Being a Radio presenter is particularly tough during these times because you can never find the right words to say no matter how prepared you may feel you are; and sometimes you feel guilty for asking people to enjoy the music or have a great evening while your own countrymen struggle to get through another day or grieve the loss of a loved one.

?

9.????? RADIO WILL KEEP PULLING YOU BACK NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU TRY TO LEAVE

I have bid farewell to radio to pursue other job opportunities and to move countries. But every single time… Radio has pulled me right back in. There is a great sense of power in changing perspectives and putting new ideas in people’s mind simply by sitting behind a Mic. Because while Radio is a one on one experience and you speak to one person at a time - you also speak to thousands at the same time.

Besides, no matter what you do or where you go… you become a part of it and Radio a part of you!

If you liked this article check me out Week Days 5- 8 pm (SL time) on the smoothest drive back home – The Lite Drive on Sri Lankas premier adult contemporary English Radio Station Lite 87.8. Listen Live on: www.lite878.com

?

?