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EXIT |
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Module Outline |
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Module 2: Skills for Radio Journalists
What to Say: What Not to Say
Part of being a good radio host or presenter is knowing what not to say. If listeners are insulted or embarrassed, they won't want to listen any more. Being a good radio host requires cultural sensitivity and accurate knowledge about an audience, from what style of program listeners prefer to what topics interest them. Experienced radio professionals know what offends listeners.
Radio hosts should not:
- Make listeners feel like just part of a crowd.
- Use sexist or patronizing language.
- Talk unprofessionally or make amateurish requests.
- Send private messages to friends.
- Alert listeners to commercials so that they will want to turn off the radio.
These examples of actual phrases heard on the radio illustrate how listeners
might respond.
| What was said: | Possible listener reaction: | Why this shouldn't be said: |
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Hello to all of you out there in listener land! |
Well, I don't live in "listener land!" |
Makes listeners feel like part of a crowd |
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And thanks to our lovely newsreader, Angela. She's looking drop-dead gorgeous today! |
Angela's a professional. Isn't that what you're supposed to be? Such comments are sexist and patronizing. |
Sexist |
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Whoops! Finger trouble again --we've just got a new computer in the studio--so do bear with me! |
Why should I? I expect YOU to do your job. I've got problems of my own! |
Unprofessional and amateurish |
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Well, I seem to have run out of time again. Join me again tomorrow. |
WHY have you run out of time? Shouldn't you be watching the clock? |
Amateurish |
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And here's a special song for my boyfriend, Sipho. He'll know why it's special. |
Why should I be excluded just because you want to send a private message to what's-his-name? |
Private message |
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Well, let's go off to the marketplace for a few messages from our sponsors. |
Oh, commercials. I'll go and make a cup of coffee. Maybe I'll just switch off. |
Commercial alert |
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