FOR some time, concerns of poor broadcasting have been raised, the latest one being when a presenter who was interviewing a Western African switched to that accent coming up with something that can only be described as comical.
This was during a live presentation when the presenter, whose name we withhold was interviewing a guest from West Africa.
As usual, the guest had a  obviously  a heavy West African accent. To the surprise of the listeners, the interviewer who had been speaking normally, suddenly started speaking like his guest.
We need to understand that the reason our brothers and sisters from West Africa speak with such a heavy accent is because of the influence from their vernacular dialects. For us, few Zambians have that linguistic challenge.
For the sake of broadcasting at international standards, Zambia adopted a British but moderate accent, in writing, pronunciation and speaking largely to do with our vernacular accents,most of them which are not heavy. There is also the colonial legacy since we were taught by Britons.
In that regard, auditions for would-be broadcasters considered and still take those with accents that is closer to British English complete with accent. If one fails the test, they can be dropped on that account.
The issue of whether or not a neutral accent works best in English-language media is an ongoing debate.
Although some usually opt for a neutral voice-over narration for campaigns and advertisements in hope of reaching a broader audience, radio is much more strategic.
Maybe Lifestyle journalists, in particular, report that they are allowed to keep their natural accents considering the topics being discussed.
This is so, because in entertainment and lifestyle, there’s more freedom to be spontaneous and use your accent in a funny and endearing way than in serious interviews.
Sports reporting is another example where regional accents run rampant. Sports announcers typically keep their natural accents; this makes for some lively commentary and what is called a voice trademark.
Take for example, our fallen soccer commentator Dennis Liwewe who despite being born in Malawi, retained his own accent, which is to this day is being emulated even by other commentators.
In his style, Liwewe, called Kalusha Bwalya as ‘Ka..lusha instead of straight and quick Bemba way.. ‘Kalusha’. He was right on Bwalya. He also called Derby Makinka, as ‘Ma..ki..nka, yet with a clear audible accent.
On many occasions when he was interviewed, Liwewe mentioned that he, initially listened to British broadcasters a lot, but came up with his own style of broadcasting which was suitable for local listeners.
It is, therefore, important that Zambian broadcasters remain as professional as they can by simply being themselves instead of parroting other people’s accents.
RCV
Kabwata Baptist’s Conrad Mbewe never ceases to impress whenever he preaches on Radio Christian Voice.
His sermons are as real, unlike the common-feel-good pampering messages. Much of what the  clergy who feature on radio stations say has a similar get-favoured sermons. This is not so for  Pastor Mbewe’s message since he are brings listeners into realisation of their ways calling for  readjusting of their lives.
PHOENIX
It is worth to note the consistency in Shaki Mwafulilwa Chisanga’s  newscasting on Radio Phoenix. She is as natural even when simply chatting off air.
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Sam Sakala, proving the ‘Man of all seasons’ that he is, last Sunday treated listeners to exclusive Jimmy Cliff beats running over an hour.
What a jam session it was considering that there was less talk, apart from introducing the songs. Uncle Sam allowed Cliff’s voice to be heard throughout the show.
ICENGELO
Msanide Banda was at it again last Saturday night taking listeners on a fast ride with her music selection that run well with her rap. She is aggressive, hilarious ,yet highly entertaining.
One Nida is never short of exploits during her presentations, since  she comes out and let’s go of her thoughts as music plays.
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Ian Mpundu Mwansa, ‘The Tune Fixer’ was doing well on Monday night in his cool and composed voice dropping appropriate songs of the time, except when he got it wrong by playing ‘Good  morning beautiful’ song at 20:55 hours.
Some songs, going by their titles and lyrics are better played at certain times. Playing them without this consideration  raises eyebrows among listeners, since it is like playing a happy song at a funeral or a sad song at a wedding.
Take for example this particular Good morning beautiful song originaly done by Steve Holy, an American country music singer from his 2000 Blue Moon album; “Good Morning Beautiful”
Good morning, beautiful, how was your night?
Mine was wonderful with you by my side
And when I open my eyes to see your sweet face
It’s a good morning, beautiful day

I couldn’t see the light, I didn’t know day from night
I had no reason to care
Well, since you’ve came along, I can face the dawn
‘Cause I know, you’ll be there

Good morning, beautiful, how was your night?
Mine was wonderful with you by my side
And when I open my eyes to see your sweet face
It’s a good morning, beautiful day

I never worry if it’s raining outside
‘Cause in here with you, girl, the sun always shines

Good morning, beautiful, how was your night?
Mine was wonderful with you by my side
And when I open my eyes to see your sweet face
It’s a good morning, beautiful day

Hmm, good morning, beautiful day
Hmm, it’s a beautiful day
(Good morning beautiful, good morning beautiful)
Good morning, what a beautiful day
(Good morning beautiful, good morning beautiful)

Hearing these lyrics at night would definitely awaken ‘sensitive’ listeners.
Stay tuned, don’t touch that dial! – jackmwewa@gmail.com   0955115777