When I was seven years old I knew that I would be in the media world, I told my parents that I want to be a radio & TV presenter.
I would stand in front of the mirror and act like a TV host and record myself reading topics on my radio over all my dad’s cassettes/tapes, he wasn’t too happy with me but today he doesn’t regret it one bit. Later in life, after Matric I studied media, communications and graduated with an honours degree in Broadcast Journalism while hustling through media internships, today I am a national TV producer and host on Bay TV (DSTV 260) and a Commercial radio presenter at Algoa FM (Station of the year 2018) amongst the many other media jobs I do in my career.
A post shared by Roch-Le Bloem SA MEDIA (@rochlebloemsamedia) on Aug 11, 2018 at 2:57am PDT
Tip 1: Always be yourself
The first mistake that rookies make is emulating a media host. Find out what makes you stand out from other media host and work hard at mastering your craft.
Tip 2: Research …. Always research
Nobody knows everything, so always research what is trending from fashion to politics. Always be ready for an unexpected question from a listener or viewer or guest that you have on your show that might discuss a particular topic. Always be PREPARED for the unexpected and always prepare before your shows.
Tip 3: Find your balance
Find your balance between work life, family, social life, spiritual life and relationships, it can be tricky to make time for everything but don’t allow your work (events, gigs, appearances etc.) to overpower your life. Find a hobby that you can do to take your mind off of all the chaos, I opt for meditation and the gym to keep me sane.
TIP 4: Know your worth
Never ever allow anyone, company or organization to make you feel any less than what you are worth when it comes to payment. Your rate is your rate and if they can’t respect that they need to find someone else to assist them. People need to know that we work hard to grow in this industry, we deserve as much respect as they would a lawyer or doctor. We deserve payment for our craft.
Tip 5: Be HUMBLE
It took me 5 years of unpaid community radio to get in to a commercial radio which humbled me, rookies believe you can get in to the media industry easily. One needs to work hard to grow and be recognised in this cut throat industry. I believe in the statement “You are only as good as your last show”, remember to remain humble and believe that you can always do better than the previous day. Leave your ego for your mirror at home and walk in kindness, integrity, humbleness and always take every opportunity as an experience to master your craft and learn something new.
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