The running order used in a radio show is like the
Bible to a Catholic person. We stick closely to the contents, allow for some
changes to suit the show and expect everyone to treat it as special. What
exactly is it, you ask? Well, it’s a piece of paper with a table on it. It is
numbered and there is content (be it live or pre-recorded) written in this
table. The running order also informs all those involved in the radio show as
to:
- Who is going to say what and when during the hour long show
- When each item will be played
- How long each item is, be it music, discussions, recorded packages etc.
- And it ensures that everyone is on the same page.
Does the running order take a lot of prep beforehand!
Oh you bet! Did Nadia have timing for each package/piece this past week? Nope.
And did the show work out? You can bet your grandfather’s socks it did!
This past week dear reader was amazing! For the
first time in... forever, the show finally had some form of structure. It had a
legit running order, everyone had different parts to play in the show and yet
came together so well in the end! We had guests in studio, both presenters were
present (YAY!!) and the theme, “Hitch Hiking” proved to be a fantastic one.
So yes, there were many positives that came out of a
show that nearly fell apart in the 5 minutes before we were to go on air, but I
think there was a lot to learn from it and from, as I have titled my blog post
today: the running order.
The collaboration between myself, BK, Steve and Mike
as fourth years and with the six Upstart members is finally starting to bear
fruit. I feel that, in the same way that a running order provides guidance and
security, we have established a safe structure for the Upstart members,
beginning in Term One. This term, we have said that yes, we are the support
structure , but Anesipho, Ziphozihle, Roche, Thobani, Anelisa and Sinovuyo need
to fill in this running order with ideas and plans, so that they can use the
show to their benefit. I think that is what they still need to know fully, is
that they need to USE us and this show as a platform to discuss, highlight and
take control of issues in their communities. They are slowly starting to fill
these spaces for themselves, but we still have lots of work to do.
With these structures in place and gaining momentum
steadily, Anesipho, Ziphozihle, Roche, Thobani, Anelisa and Sinovuyo are
gaining confidence not only on air but in the field. We have now placed the
responsibility on them to take recorders home and interview people in their
communities about the topics we decide on together.
Sinovuyo and Anelisa took
control this past week by producing two strong interviews with pupils in their
school about their experiences with hitch hiking. One girl even spoke about how
she sometimes worries that she may be killed when hitchhiking, but what can you
do when you need transport? They took this topic seriously and applied it to
their communities who responded through a few Facebook messages, an sms and
general comments made to the Upstarters themselves.
For now, I am happy that we have these structures in
place and we have a rough plan for the term as I would like to focus on good
content for each show. Otherwise, our ‘teamwork running order’ can only get
stronger, one second at a time!
Nadia
