TwoCents | MY EXPERIENCE AT THE RADIO STATION: A STORY OF GROWTH

They say if you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life. Honestly, that has been true for me. Working at one of my dream jobs transformed me in ways I never imagined. I was in primary school when I mentioned that I wanted to be an actor and as I grew into a teenager, I realized I also have love for radio and wanted to be a broadcaster too. Well, this write-up is about the latter. During my NYSC days, I had the incredible opportunity to work at a radio station. One of the first things that struck me was the importance of scripts. Every On-Air Personality (OAP) had a script, a well written one that guided them through their shows. Listening to them, it’s easier to think they didn’t need a script because they were that good but I was quick to understand that these scripts weren’t just for guidance; they were essential for keeping the show on track, sticking to the time frame, and ensuring all the facts were spot on. I have always loved radio. As a teenager, I would switch on my father’s big radio and immerse myself in the voices of my favourite OAPs—Yaw, Lolo 1 of Wazobia FM, Tosin Bucknor, and a few others whose names escape me now. My go-to stations then were Wazobia FM, Lagos Talks, Top Radio, and Beat FM. One voice that I can still clearly hear is that of a frequent caller to Lagos Talks' midday show; he was soldier who had been sprayed with tear gas, which caused him to lose his vision. Hearing him talk was always a pleasure for me. In my opinion, he had become a family member of the radio station. I also desired to be a member of a radio family. So, when I started working in the newsroom at a radio station, it was a dream come true. Even though I lived far away, I was never late to work. For me, getting in early meant more time to learn from my surroundings. Every morning, I would file the news bulletins, and if there were extra copies, I would keep them. Some OAPs would leave behind their scripts from the previous day’s shows, and I would keep those too. Once I was done filing, I would sit at my desk and read them out loud, feeling like a broadcaster. I remember reading a news script to one of my bosses, and she said, “You’re doing good, but it sounds like you’re singing.” She suggested I talk to one of the station’s best newsreaders for tips. Though I hesitated, not wanting to seem too forward, I made it a point to listen every time the news was read. Each broadcast became a lesson for me, and it felt like I was in a broadcast training school. The OAPs were top-notch and I learnt something new everyday. My dedication didn’t go unnoticed. My bosses were incredibly supportive, and when a newsreader was unavoidably unavailable, they gave me the chance to step in. That was one of the best days of my life! You can probably guess why my bosses trusted me with that opportunity. Maybe someday, I will share a more detailed account of that experience. I have always been intentional about the things I love, and my time at the radio station was no different. Now, as a freelance voiceover artist, writer, actor, director, and host, I still rely on scripts every time I record. So, why did I write all of this? While rearranging my locker, I found a script I had written for a personal demo recording. It took me on a nostalgic journey down memory lane. Your turn! Have you ever had the chance to work at a place you have always dreamt of? How did you embrace the opportunity?

Other insights from Emetekefe Akpovwovwo