Frequency Magazine_Talk Radio Issue Talk Radio Issue | Page 11

Q & A
1. Tell me about your radio background?
I have been working in radio as a producer for the
past 5 years now. I started off as a freelance junior
producer of a Sunday evening show called ‘Talk at
Nine’ hosted by Gushwell Brooks. I was still working
in PR at the time. A few months later I was moved to
weekend breakfast where I worked with Africa Mel-
ane and Sam Cowan. Management was quite im-
pressed with my work and asked that I start coming in
during the week. I was then moved to Early Breakfast
hosted by Relebogile Mabotja where I also contrib-
uted on air. This was a lot of fun, Relebogile has such
a great spirit and energy. From there I was moved
to the breakfast show where I had the pleasure of
working with Xolani Gwala. Soon after he had to go on
sick leave to treat his cancer I then joined the Karima
Brown Show, a strong politics and current affairs show
which airs Monday to Thursday from 8pm to 10pm.
Working with this Veteran Journalist has been abso-
lutely incredible. Her passion for politics and the fight
against corruption is incredible to witness.
2. When and how did you get to be involved with 702?
I was still working as Public Relations account man-
ager at a PR firm in Sandton when the opportunity to
work at 702 presented itself. I was also still studying
Media Relations at Boston City Campus.
After having exhausted all my attempts trying to get
into radio as an on air talent, from dropping off demos
to sending countless emails, I decided to change my
game plan and instead try to get in as a producer.
I decided to send 702 Programmes Manager at the
time Mzoxolo Jojwana a strongly worded email with
my CV attached basically telling him why they need
me as a producer. I must have sold myself very well
because shortly after sending that email I got a call
for an interview, and as they say the rest is history.
3. Tell me about the show you produce and what is it
all about?
The show is a no holds barred, hard hitting current
affairs show with a strong focus on politics. Its hosted
by veteran journalists & political commentator Karima
Brown. We use the show to restore justice, to expose
and hold politicians and those in senior government
positions and the private sector accountable for
their looting of state coffers and private funds through
corruption. We expose corruption and work very hard
to present our audience with facts and allow them to
make up their own minds. We also use the platform to
educate and inform our listeners by tackling critical
issues in our society.
4. What do you hope to achieve with the show?
We hope to continue giving our audience compelling
content by ensuring that we bring them all the big role
players in our society to allow them to be questioned
and interrogated by ‘ordinary’ South Africans. We
want to continue fighting for the rights of the underrep-
resented and lastly, we would like to be known as
the best go to politics show in the country espe-
cially in the build up to the May 8th National and
provincial elections.
5. Who are some of the people in radio broadcast-
ing that inspire you?
I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to work with
some of those people, the likes of Karima Brown,
Xolani Gwala and Steven Grootes as well as DJ
Fresh from 5fm. These people respect their craft
and work extremely hard behind the scenes to put
on a great show. They have an impeccable work
ethic and are purely driven by passion and drive
to continue giving their best. I have learnt a great
deal from them.
6. Where do you want to take your radio career?
I would like to use my platform to give back by
grooming young boys and girls that want to get
into the industry. I want to make them aware that
its not just about being on radio and being famous,
there’s a lot more hard work behind the scenes
that takes place. I also want to continue harness-
ing my skills so that I can go abroad and further
enhance my skills that side. I would also like to
own my own radio station one day.
7. Which other talk radio stations do you listen to?
I actually listen to quite a lot of radio as I’m usually
in my car. I listen to Power FM, Kaya FM, and SA
FM to keep a close eye on the competition and for
beautiful feel good jams and to unwind I listen to
Metro FM, 5FM and 947.
8. In your opinion, what makes a good radio show?
It’s a combination of a number of things. Having a
team that loves what they do, a team that works
extremely hard every day to put on a brilliant
show. Its about respect of the craft and your
listeners, a great understanding of your show’s
beat, thorough research and factual checking of
everything you feed to your audience and lastly,
it’s also about constantly finding innovative and
compelling ways to entertain, educate and inform
your listeners.
Ta l k R a d i o I s s u e
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