South Africa currently feels divided. Karabo Makwetla, Communications Specialist at Brains Behind Media, addresses the lack of unifying voices and lack of strategic radio content that has the ability to bring together the country's different demographics. In addition, Makwetla provides pointers to address this problem.
South Africa feels divided. It feels like differing opinions often disrupt our daily lives — internal and external. While most people strive to go about their routines peacefully, it's unfortunate that the narratives we encounter in the media, driven by a select few influential voices, tend to deepen the divide within the nation. This is not a favourable situation for the country.
As we anxiously anticipate a possible Stage 6 load shedding announcement and speculate about the upcoming 2025 Budget speech, South Africans are turning to a diverse range of information sources. Let's be clear: I appreciate a good fact as much as the next person, but when that information is wielded like a machete to cut a nation in two, it's stepping into the realm of the truly misguided.
At this moment, it feels as though the country is missing a cohesive, unifying voice — a powerful voice that can bring together different demographics through the power of information and entertainment. That is a huge task, but it is possible.
Kaya 959's Andy Maqondwana feels like a show and a three-hour well-deserved vacation from the weekly hustle. The 12:00 to 15:00 show is a refreshing antidote to the divisive public opinions we consume. Whether you're picking up your children from school or listening to the collogues gossip during a lunch break, Maqondwana just feels refreshing. In a way, she feels like a radio chameleon that effortlessly adapts to your South African diverse needs with her quick wit and positivity. No matter what station she's placed at, her shows feel unifying.
In addition to a unifying voice, South Africa's radio urgently requires a refresh of its content and segments that resonate with its diverse audiences. It looks like we're playing a game of content puzzles, trying to fit pieces together in hopes they'll align with the diverse shape of South Africa's audience.
Interestingly, DJ Fresh left his widely successful YFM show for a different territory in 2006. That year, he joined 5FM and there were many naysayers across the board. As much as it was a challenge in terms of people's perspectives, the seasoned broadcaster stepped up and ushered in a broader demographic through his content, political skits, segments and music mixes. His segments like the 'Comedy Minute' for instance, comprised of local and global stand-up comedy clips that hilariously entertained South Africa's broad demographic. The UltiMix at 6 is undeniably an iconic music feature of elite DJs that strategically fused different genres into one mix. One can argue that not only did DJ Fresh's 5FM show raise the bar in regard to radio production, but in many ways diversified the station's brand personality.
How Then Do We Whipe Clean That Slate?
A Little Bit of Everything!
Include content that celebrates and addresses different cultures and communities, such as music genres, storytelling, interviews and features that highlight diverse voices.
Read the room like a pro.
Recognise that the challenges facing South Africa impact a large portion of the population, and it's your responsibility as a radio team to read the room and identify strategic content approaches to address these issues effectively.
For more information, visit www.iono.fm.
*Image courtesy of contributor