[By: Abongile Zizi]
At a time in our country where the fate of journalism is being discussed on multiple platforms ranging from parliament to journalism classes nationwide, it is heartening to know that the future of radio broadcasting is in good hands and moving from strength to strength.
The Wits Radio Academy presents a well-rounded approach to the world of radio offering courses in marketing, programming, management and presentation. Launched in 2009, the centre is primarily funded by the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) and Kagiso Media and is part of Wits Journalism. The Advanced Radio Certificate is a holistic approach to the business of radio in its entirety with courses like Radio studies (which is a compulsory aspect of the certificate), radio presentation, local radio journalism and radio sales amongst others. This year, the academy opened up applications for their new offerings, Honours in Journalism and Media Studies and masters in Journalism and Media Studies.
Director of the Wits Radio Academy, Professor Franz Kruger said the seven modular courses run at the academy are mainly aimed at community radio. Around a hundred broadcasters from all tiers of radio have done courses at the Wits Radio Academy since its inception.
The need for proper training and skills is very evident within community radio and this has not gone unnoticed, the academy is developing a radio station health check and Station Advice, Mentoring and Support service. This is intended to offer support to community radio stations. “I do worry about the news on the community radio side because they are strongly recycled. There are all sorts of dynamics at play within community radio, they are struggling financially and a lot of stations have skills difficulties because a lot of people come and go.”
The academy has been drawing radio practitioners at various levels from different parts of the world through the Joburg Radio Days conference. This year the conference focused on the future of radio looking at themes such as; the Zimbabwe broadcasting reform, the current state and future challenges of an old medium, how best radio stations can make use of the opportunities of online and social media and examples of great new programming concepts. The conference aims at getting a conversation going from all spheres of radio, commercial, PBS and Community radio. “Probably the most significant platform for radio people to talk, across the continent”
In a country where community radio continues to grow, the opportunities seem endless.