By Avite Mbabazi
The Eswatini Communications Commission (ESCCOM) recently launched a training for broadcasting personnel from the country’s three radio stations namely, Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS), University of Eswatini (UNESWA) FM, and the Voice of the Church (VOC) in an effort to increase the quality of broadcasting in the country.
The launch of the workshop took place at Sibane Sami Hotel on 18 January 2023 and comes after the commission’s finding that there is a lack of quality in the industry and also a significant gap between the local content that is being aired by broadcasting houses and the stipulated quota that they should be airing.
“The Commission believes that capacity building and training is a key part in the delivery of high-quality productions that increase listenership and ultimately the revenue for our stations” noted Mvilawemphi Dlamini, the Chief Executive (CE) of ESCCOM during the launch.
The facilitators for the training were from the Southern African Communication Industries Association (SACIA), which is a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) – a recognized professional body whose work is specifically designed to promote the adoption of professional standards and ethical business practices.
Amongst the facilitators for the training were Mr. Arnold Geerts, a two-time winner of the prestigious SABC Sports Journalist of the Year Merit Award, and Mr. Tinus Smit who is a specialist in audio post-production and has a long history working in broadcast, production, and live events.
Dlamini expressed his hope that the training would present an opportunity to all the professionals who will participate in the workshop to reflect on where they might be getting things wrong as well as share notes on how they can improve.
The training was aimed at exposing participants to content that includes sessions on radio content production, radio presenting, and interview skills; critical skills that are needed to refine the country’s radio stations.
“The Commission wishes you all a fruitful session and I personally look forward to listening to exciting, vibrant, and better-structured programmes, commentary, and interviews on our local radio” concluded the CE.