Comedians Salvador, African Joker headline radio importance, airplay policy
Two top comedians who were visiting Juba over the weekend have added their voices to the importance of celebrating radio as the world commemorates International World Radio Day.
Uganda’s Patrick Idringi and Zambia’s Eric Mwaanga, popularly known as ”The African Joker,” said there is importance in investing in the use of radio as a tool of information that cuts across languages.
Mr Idringi, who is also known as Patrick Salvador, works at one radio station in Uganda, where he is a programme host besides his comedy that has gifted him with fame and status.
“Radio is where at least 98 per cent of the information you’re going to have is 100 per cent researched. It is true because radio has guidelines that people are supposed to follow, “he told The City Review on Sunday.
He explained that most people relied on radio stations to get accurate information when COVID-19 struck the world. This worked to help counter the misinformation stemming from the internet, where some people circulated rumours about the disease.
“We released that the information that was coming [from radio] was well researched, factual, and being part of that is an amusing feeling, and getting positive feedback is the best thing,” he said.
He advised radio stations to have the right people for the job in order to pass the right information on given that people are listening to the radio.
“Having the wrong people on the job [is dangerous] because sometimes it is not just about talking, you have to be doing the right thing,” he urged.
“Radio has ethics, and if you do not follow those principles of radio, [then you are in trouble]. [For example], I don’t share information unless I am 100 per cent sure it is correct. [Wrong] information can lead so many people to hurt themselves, ” he added.
According to Salvador, making amends by offering an apology on air is often the most difficult thing to do so it is prudent to be proactive to avert mistakes.
Eric Mwaanga, aka the African Joker, who also revealed that he is also a radio news presenter, echoed the need to be careful with the information.
“If there is one thing that can destroy content, it is wrong news and wrong reporting. I play 70 per cent of the music where I come from. I don’t play anything else, “he revealed.
Mwaanga said the poor airplay policy was spoiling most entertainment industries on the continent.
“This is just a fact; it is not only in your country (South Sudan), but it is almost everywhere. But there are some countries that are very strict to the extent that even on TV they cast their own news in their own ethnic languages; it is time we embrace this too, “he said.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated February 13th as World Radio Day in 2012. The theme for World Radio Day this year is “Radio and trust.”
