YET again we heard one news item read differently from the same radio station, by different casters.
The story was that of five people who died on the spot, while 16 others sustained injuries after the Toyota Hino truck they were travelling in was hit by a passenger train at Shikoswe rail crossing in Kafue.
The accident happened last Monday around 19:00 hours when the driver of the truck is said to have failed to give way to the train at the rail crossing.
The driver of that truck was reported to have fled the accident scene and that a man hunt for him had been launched, he (the driver), however, later handed himself to the police.
Reading the same news item last Wednesday night on a Bemba programme, Ilyashi lyapano isonde,(World News), Chileshe Kanyanja said that the driver was still on the run.
As the case is for any developing story, there is need for either news writers or newscasters to follow unfolding events of such stories, so as to give detailed updates to the listeners.
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On the same programme Ilyashi lyapano isonde was an interesting news item which read that lack of toilet paper at a Zimbabwean prison was forcing prisoners to use Bible page leaves.
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ZNBC radio news carried a story about a plane crash in Mazabuka but did not know how many passengers were on board.
We guess that information could have been available with air traffic control, there is no need to leave a story hanging.
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Lembela Mupeta hosting Farm Magazine last Sunday on which Martha Chanda Munalula featured a Mpika farmer called Silomba who has developed from a 5 hectare to 18 hectare production.
Going by Mr Silomba’s explanation, farmers’ interactions as shared on radio have yielded positive results.
PHONE IN
We have noticed an increased hours of live phone-in presentations on most radio stations, this, undoubtedly, is one of the easiest form of radio broadcasting.
In that segment, presenters allow listeners to phone in to the radio station and either makes comments on a selected topic or simply passes greetings and asks for songs of their choice.
By so doing, listeners, much as they like to be heard on air, are actually the ones that keep the radio station keep on going, therefore, they, must be appreciated.
The sad part of this story is to hear some presenters make fun of callers who fail to express themselves well in English.
For umpteenth time, this column has condemned radio presenters who are in the habit of mocking some callers struggle to express themselves well in English.
Note that it is actually inexcusable for the presenters to make mistakes on air because they are considered to be professionals, a listener out there may be excused.
Be informed also that a radio station that allows listeners call to their station at anytime, throughout broadcast exhibits lack of ingenuity, and instead covering up time.
CALLERS
And to those who call-in to the radio station, must know that much as presenters and hosts ought to prepare and script their presentation, callers too, must prepare.
One broadcasting scholar once said;” I find it useful to write down what I want to say before going live. Unless one has a disciplined mind, the lack of notes can often lead to diversionary thoughts.
A little deep breathing before going on air helps the adrenaline to flow, fills the lungs for distinct diction and clears the throat!
If the telephone is in the same room then keep the volume on your radio right down, otherwise it will create background noise.
Courtesy costs nothing and a friendly greeting to the presenter at the outset and equally friendly thanks at the end, might well be the difference between minimum and maximum air time the next time around.
Always make sure your facts are sourced before going live. An upheld contradiction from a subsequent caller tends to weaken any further point you wish to make on a future occasion.
It can be advantageous to tell the presenter that you have — say — two points to make. The presenter therefore is more likely to allow you to make them.
If the presenter thinks you are just waffling, it invites impatience and sudden abbreviation of your offering.
Moreover, should you be interrupted on one point and your thought process side tracked, there is the other declared point still to be mentioned. Don’t try and make too many points, though, or it weakens the impact you can have.
As one who tended towards incoherent indignation when first using local radio, the measured, modulated delivery has proved the best way of being given a proper hearing and establishing some sort of empathy with the programme presenter.
Avoid sounding, though, as if you are reading directly from your notes.”
Easter on radio
While the observance of Easter centres around Christians celebrating the resurrection of the Lord, Jesus Christ, some sermons preached on radio were contradictory.
Some radio evangelists preached Fire and Brimstone sermons that condemned sinners to no chance for eternal life.
Christians believe that Jesus came back to life, or was raised from the dead, three days after his death on the cross.
Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Radio, being a medium of information, education and communication is thus expected to expedite propagation of events of any particular moment.
Just as it would be off mark to air programmes and music of entertainment nature during periods of morning, so it would be odd to preach condemnation in a period of forgiveness.
SUN FM
At least those who tuned in to Sun FM radio in Ndola heard Evangelist Nalituba Mudenda who was being hosted by Zacheus Kasalu, known as Rowliv on air, explain the origins and meaning of Easter in details.
On the Sunday morning presentation of Gospel Truth, the dual tries to unveil the truth behind most texts otherwise misinterpreted by many.
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Sun FM is now broadcasting beyond Copperbelt, we have heard advertisements that listeners can now pick Sun transmission from as far as Mumbwa in Central Province.
Stay tuned, don’t touch that dial! – jackmwewa@gmail.com   0955115777