While children may have short attention spans and a preference for visual media, radio can still capture their interest, says Karabo Makwetla, communications specialist at Brains Behind Media. Makwetla adds that there are benefits to including children in radio shows and that there are ways for radio stations to find innovative ways to include children in their busy programmes.
Do you have a short attention span? I do.
Attention spans are like elastic bands: They stretch and snap back depending on what we're doing, how old we are and where our minds wander. According to a study, our attention spans have shrunk from 12 seconds to eight seconds, I think that's rubbish, but we're not far off.
From sitting in a three-hour board meeting on a Friday afternoon to listening to a monotonous lecture, we are bound to be bored or distracted. What I find more interesting is the ability to keep children attentive during a radio show. It's an underappreciated skill.
Children's opinions are typically valued on South African radio shows because they offer genuine insight. Power FM Breakfast host Thabiso Tema is responsible for a fast-paced three hour news and current affairs show, but in between all this coverage, his Power Kidz feature seems to be the one of most interesting aspects of the show.
His tone and choice of words change allowing children to comfortably share their perspectives. The feature cools down the political atmosphere and reminds us there's more to look forward to other than parliament debates and morning traffic.
Today, radio stations find it challenging to engage very young audiences because children generally gravitate towards digital and on-demand content. There are many visually engaging options on devices like tablets and TV's that compete for their attention. Additionally, one can argue that parents usually control what they listen to and often choose other forms of media.
On a national scale, 5FM is positioned as South Africa's public broadcaster aimed at a youth market. It has introduced 5 Unscripted, a podcast series where the station's talent sits down with some interesting people.
5FM’s Jodell Tantji has spoken to several children on different episodes, from overnight Internet sensation Desmond Koolen to the bubbly personality Kairo Forbes. She demonstrates her ability to not only hold interesting conversations with children but also understands that children also have different interests and personalities.
Contrary to popular belief, children can be attentive. Engaging content like interactive storytelling and music tailored to their interests captures their attention effectively. Unlike visual media, radio eliminates distractions, allowing them to focus entirely on what they hear. Interactive elements like live interviews further involve them in the content, making them feel actively engaged.
Hats off to any radio stations that involve children in their busy radio programmes. It is not easy but is a bonus. Children always have a refreshing perspective.
... And now congratulate yourself for concentrating enough to make it through this article.
For more information, visit www.iono.fm.
*Image courtesy of contributor