A Rhodes graduate is at the helm of a project that provides training for aspiring radio and television broadcasters in the Eastern Cape.
A Rhodes graduate is at the helm of a project that provides training for aspiring radio and television broadcasters in the Eastern Cape.
The School of Broadcasting led by Algoa FM radio personality and Rhodes BA graduate Tové Kane launched Wednesday 5 November with18 learners from Brandwag High School who received a half-day’s training, during which they shadowed an Algoa FM presenter and toured the premises.
This course is unique with experienced mentorship and compact and short-term learning for those who do not have the time for longer studies.
“When we realised that Tové had extensive experience as a trainer in addition to her broadcasting skills, we saw it as an opportunity to open a professional broadcasting school in the Eastern Cape,” Algoa FM managing director Dave Tiltmann said.
Head of news at Radio Grahamstown, Xolani Kondile, said he hopes it will encourage aspiring radio broadcasters to take part in the course.
“Without a doubt this is a great initiative, the more opportunities out there the better for everyone. The good thing for Grahamstown people is that it’s not far from here. It’s a great opportunity so people should make the most of it. I support it fully, He adds jokingly,
“If I could go there and study I would.” However, the course is not only available for broadcasters as it focuses on honing skills applicable to many areas of expertise, Tiltmann said.
“It will open windows of opportunity for many people including students/scholars with a dream of being on radio, business people who need to improve their presentation skills and vocal delivery, toastmasters, people in theatre, voice artists, and managers or people aspiring for management positions.”
Kondile reiterates, “Natural talent is important but people need to be trained. There is also the business side of broadcasting and people don’t understand that you are going to be selling a product too, you are selling your news or radio station. The right skills are required for you to do that.”
Radio Lecturer at Rhodes University Jeanne du Toit, who has worked with Algoa FM in the past, had positive experiences with working with the station, “As a commercial station what they do very successfully is build relationship of loyalty with their own community by in very real ways contributing to their community.
So for instance having all kinds of projects that they run which strengthens their relationship with their audience," she said.
"It’s something I very much support because I would say commercial stations such as these in South Africa define themselves as being profit organisations but actually they are more than that they do play a role in contributing to their social contexts in very valuable ways.”
The five-week course will consist of 10 interactive two-hour-long classes with a maximum of 10 students to ensure that everybody receives personal attention.
Although there are plans for three levels: introduction, intermediate and professional – only the introductory level will be offered initially.
When asked if short programmes like this are beneficial to prospective learners, Du Toit said, "Absolutely. The important thing is that this will lead to other things."
The course will be held at The Algoa FM studios in Port Elizabeth and to celebrate their launch Other radio broadcasting courses available in the Eastern Cape include Damelin’s one-year certificate in TV and radio presenting with campuses in both Port Elizabeth and East London.
