CONTRARY to popular belief, the radio is not dead. Just ask former minister Khairy Jamaluddin, the medium’s latest advocate who is hanging up his hat as a politician for a job as a radio DJ (at least for the time being).
Despite the advent of podcasting and streaming, radio still plays a significant role in society.
In Malaysia, the history of radio began in 1921 when A.L. Birch, an electrical engineer from the Johor government, brought the first radio set into the country, and subsequently commenced broadcasting through 300-metre waves.
Unesco, in its recognition of radio, calls it the most democratic form of communication for its cost-effectiveness and accessibility, even in the most rural of places.
For World Radio Day, we speak with three of the top DJs in the industry to get a glimpse into their experiences.
Anne Jacyntha from Hitz Morning Crew on Hitz FM, Dasha Logan, a talented singer from Mix Days on Mix FM, and Terry Ong, a familiar voice behind the microphone and new Lite Breakfast show announcer on Lite FM share their journeys, challenges and triumphs in the field and their hopes for the future of radio broadcasting.
The Vibes (TV): Can you tell us about your experience as a radio DJ and how you first broke into the industry?
Anne Jacyntha (AJ): In 2017, a local English radio station had a talent search going on and I signed up! I made it to the finals and soon after, I began training to host the weekend shows. Fast forward to 2020, I got the opportunity to host my night show on weeknights. Three years later, I became the first woman ever to grace the Hitz Morning Crew.
Dasha Logan (DL): I have always wanted to try being on radio! I sent in an audition when I saw that Mix was looking for a new announcer, but I did not know what time slot they were looking for, so I genuinely just tried my luck. It worked out so well because my time slot is perfect to go sing after [laughs].
Terry Ong (TO): In my last semester of college in 2001, I auditioned for the TV show 'The Rim Chart Show'. That audition tape made its way to Red FM who called me in and gave me my first radio announcer job!
Yup, I auditioned for a TV show and got a radio job – what's that joke about a face for radio?
TV: Could you walk us through a typical day in the life of a radio announcer? What is your favourite aspect of working in radio?
AJ: I like to take my time in the mornings. My alarm goes off at 4am and I'm at the studio by 5.40am. The show goes on until 10am and then we do prep for the next day, and shoot some video content.
Sometimes we have brainstorming sessions for new campaigns too. On an average day, we are done by noon. With radio, every second counts. It leaves you with a lot of space to have fun and be creative. I think it's very exciting.
TO: One of my favourite things about radio is the immediate gratification of doing a good show. Listeners would tell you pretty much immediately if they liked something you did on air. They'll also tell you what they didn't like.
It's how I learned a long time ago to never even jokingly make fun of Mariah Carey's singing... her lambs have fangs!
TV: How do you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally before going on air? Do you still get the jitters?
AJ: Personally, staying calm and not rushing my mornings helps me keep a clear head before I go on air. Plus, a good night's sleep is so crucial, especially when you have 4 am mornings.
Radio has always been a big part of my life, so my job is one big 'pinch me' moment. I do still get the jitters. But 9 out of 10 times the excitement and adrenaline of it all overpowers it.
TO: I do my best to prepare what I am going to say but having a thick skin helps. This is a job that is very personal. Radio announcers put themselves out there every time we turn on that mic.
There is a lot of judgment and criticism but also an abundance of love and community. I still get the jitters... that is why I still do it, that is why I still love it. It feels like I am jumping off a cliff every time I turn on that mic.
TV: How do you balance the need to be entertaining with the need to deliver important news and information to your audience?
AJ: The appeal of radio is human interaction.
I remind myself that I'm talking to someone who's driving to work alone in their car or someone on the way to class. I am their friend for the morning.
So, I keep in mind to be concise with information, and make it lighthearted, relatable, and uplifting as much as I can.
DL: There is always a proper way to deliver the news, so it also depends on the topic. It would be irresponsible to try to make something serious into something entertaining. However, sharing information can be an educational moment, which is why opening the audience up to replies or feedback is a great way to learn and be entertaining.
TV: Can you share with us any behind-the-scenes stories or experiences from working in the radio studio?
TO: There are so many, but this is one that happened in the first year of my on-air career. I was late for work and rushed into the studio. I turned on the mic and, in my haste, I slipped off the chair.
My head hit the mic, then my chin hit the table and finally my butt hit the floor. What the listeners heard was three thuds followed by me saying, "ahh, I'll be right back after this song". It is still one of my favourite moments on radio.
AJ: Fun fact, the announcers do not choose the music. The song selection is based on worldwide & local charts, streams, "virality", requests, and so on.
TV: How do you see the future of radio evolving in the next 5-10 years?
DL: Radio will always be a necessity.
Watch any movie, no matter if the world goes into great or not-so-great times, the radio still lives on.
AJ: Adaptability and human interaction are radio's biggest strengths. Now radio is a 360-degree experience with on-ground activations, video content, and other audio touchpoints like streaming and podcasts.
The pandemic has boosted its popularity as a solution to screen fatigue, short attention spans, and the need for human interaction. I believe radio will continue to adapt to all of this and thrive in the next decade.
TO: I think radio will always be relevant. Whether people listen in their cars or on their phones, the radio will always be that portable friend you love having around. Check back with me in 10 years to see if I am right, hah.
TV: Last one, what are some tips for curating the best playlists?
AJ: Be specific with it. I have a sad (sounds happy) playlist and a sad (sounds sad) playlist. I like it when both the lyrics and sound match my emotions. The best part about curating a playlist is that it is for you. You decide how good of an experience you want to have.
TO: In my opinion, it's simple. Do people sing along to it? Do people dance to it? A great playlist will do one, or even better, both of these things. – The Vibes, February 13, 2023
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