Talking non-stop can now land you an exciting job!!!

"Video killed the radio star", laments one singer. However this is not wholly applicable in our country. Radio is still the only electronic medium that has the widest reach. Since it is cost effective every house and tea stall in the remotest village sport this electronic medium. Many times it is the only connection to the outside world. Advertisers and government publicists take to the radio to disseminate information across the country. One good example of the power of this medium is the success of the Green Revolution. Where in a time of no visual media, radio was exploited to take new technology to the radio- enabled farmer.

Voice like a Nightingale

The tenor tones of Amin Sayani and the crisp voice of Abdul Hameed have livened up many dreary days, bringing popular movie songs to the people in a time when television was confined to urban centres! These luminaries were then called radio announcers but are now known as RJs or Radio Jockeys. With the advent of FM channel and 24 hour music channels radio-jockeying is becoming an exciting career option for the music-mad generation. One of the main requirements in this field is that one should have a good clear voice, fine diction and pronunciation without a dissonant accent.

It is absolutely necessary that you have in-depth knowledge about various styles of music, musicians, albums, trends and trivia from around the world. Non-music based shows like news, traffic beat, public service announcements have a well-written script and the RJ doesn't need about the contents of the programme.

Excellent conversational skills are essential and the ability to extemporise will add verve to the programme. This field is talent based but some background in theatre can be of big help. There are a few helpful courses that are offered: Xavier Institute of Communication conducts a course in Announcement, Compering and Dubbing and so does Film and Television Institute (FTII), Pune.

One can gain entry into the field through two avenues:

* All India Radio holds auditions for RJs every 3 months and notices are put up on a board at the AIR building announcing the dates. An enrolment form has to be filled to for participating in the audition. The Programme Co-ordinator holds the auditions and you might be asked to do a mock interview with a personality, a mock dial-in show, or jam on any subject for few seconds. Your wit, humour, presence of mind and ability to banter, other than a good voice will make the selector sit up and listen. AIR trains the selected candidates for a period of 2 months where one is taught everything from operating a CD player to mixers and DATs (Digital Audio Technology).

* Another option for entry is to approach the company that produces radio programs for the client directly. However, they generally prefer people with 2-3 years experience and sponsored programs pay you between Rs. 1,400 to Rs. 2,500 per show.

Video Jockey:

Otherwise known as program presenters have been in business right from the nascent days of telecasting. The music and quiz shows have revamped their image, and they have become popular public figures, household names and can greatly influence the TRP ratings of a television program thus determining its life span. Excellent presentation skills, good body language and dress sense is essential to work in this visual medium.

One should be very confident and should not have fear of facing the camera. Good communication skills are very important and the VJ must be able to communicate to people from various segments of the viewers. In the case of live shows the presenter must have the presence of mind make entertaining conversation with the callers in absence of a script.

A veejay (VJ) is not expected to have any specific educational background, but emphasis is placed on good language skills and the right type of accent. This is important, as one needs to talk a lot. A background in mass communication, visual communication or the performing arts comes in handy. Today many of the programs have a flexible scripts so the VJs have to be well read on a wide variety of topics in order to initiate an interesting topic for discussion. Some amount of voice training would also help, as the inflections, tone and a pleasant, strong and clear voice can make all the difference to a television show.

VJs are recruited on a contract basis either by the channel or by the particular program producer. The job certainly is very glamourous and one can hope to be recognised on the streets, as a certain celebrity status goes with the job. The flip side, however, are the long and erratic hours of work and frequent travelling. These are careers that have recently come under a lot of attention as its no longer a taboo to be working in the media.

Creativity, screen presence, a capacity to talk non-stop to arrest and hold the attention of the viewer are the primary characteristics necessary to excel in this industry. However, careers can be ruthlessly cut short if performance dips and ratings don't climb. In the middle of the on going channel wars only the fittest who constantly re-invent themselves can thrive.

MALINI SURYANARAYANAN

maalini.mds@careercommunity.co.in