The history of radio development is interesting and non-linear. From the surge of wild popularity of the first designed devices and favorite programs, which were listened to with equal enthusiasm by residents of remote small towns and residents of capitals, to the shadow of the latest information and communication technologies, which are rapidly and confidently coming into circulation. In fact, the form is not so important – an old receiver somewhere in a village hut or a digital media file, people who dedicate themselves to the profession, help us get the necessary information. On the World Radio Day we talked about life with Olena Slobodenyuk, responsible for the development of digital platforms of the Zhytomyr Regional Directorate of the branch of JSC «National Public Television and Radio Company of Ukraine»
«In fact, I never thought I would work on the radio. Of course, listening to your favorite radio stations, from time to time I tried on this profession in my own imagination, but in order to seriously consider the career of a radio host, no. In high school, I studied Spanish and English and wanted to become an interpretor. In high school, I was interested in psychology, which I later chose as my specialty, although my broadcasting teachers strongly advised me to enter journalism. They said that I had the ability to do this. But I categorically stated in response that I may have the ability, but there is no desire at all. But not a fool came up with this phrase about never saying «never». God, it still works (laughs). Tested on myself: I said «never», and seven years later I plunged headlong into radio journalism on our «Zhytomyr wave», where I worked for eleven years»
«At the start, as befits a beginner, I had a number of stereotypes about working on the radio. The most important thing is that it is very easy to work there. It seemed, well, what’s there? You sit and talk to yourself about all sorts of things and never – not a job, but a dream! In fact, it turned out not quite so, and very soon I myself had to make sure that behind these easy and relaxed conversations on the air is a serious preparation and constant work of the journalist on himself. So, on the third day of my work on the radio, the boss went into the office and said out loud, «What are you pulling? Let’s broadcast it tomorrow! It’s like swimming: if she wants to live, she will swim out, «my jaw was on the floor. How «straight» ?! What the hell is «tomorrow»? I’m not ready for that yet! It was only later that I learned that the boss had such a favorite joke that he «scares» all newcomers. It’s really funny to mention that now. And I went live only a month later and I do not even remember how it was. But I suspect it’s embarrassing(Laughs)»
«There was always enough fun, starting with the button on the air, which from time to time for unknown reasons brazenly refused to turn on, although it was working, to a randomly launched song at a time when you are just telling very serious news. From the words, «Damn, what kind of bullshit?» That came out when you thought you turned off the air, but actually just noticed that you didn’t turn it off, to the short boss: «Thank you for not saying bad words after all». This is a sound engineer who meets you at the door, holding one hand on the remote control, and the other holds the door to the studio, because the screen saver is already playing, and at this moment you are still reaching for the microphone. Well, and of course, complex words that somehow need to be pronounced and not get lost. For example, I once chanted the word «deinstitutionalization» like a mantra in front of the air. I trained in a way that bounced off my teeth, but on the air I still said the wrong way»
«Audio podcasts are not a replacement for radio. In my opinion, the reason for their popularity – although it is only in our country that they began to become popular, and in the world they have become so for a long time – is that the listener can choose the content he wants to listen to at this particular moment. Classic radio works on a planned grid – each program is released at its own time and it is impossible to pause to continue listening. And with podcasts, it’s easy to do. With podcasts, you can search and choose what you want to hear, while on the radio you will listen to what you are offered. And although radios and podcasts seem similar at first glance, they are different and by no means interchangeable things»
«When you work in the news, gradually all the topics become almost familiar to you (laughs). There is an established scheme: you see the topic – you do not see the obstacles. At one time, I worked for several years as a psychologist in the center for resocialization of drug-addicted youth, so I made materials on this topic. I am also interested in the implementation of gender policy, problematic social issues, etc. In recent years, I have been particularly active on the topic of decentralization. Because when you see positive changes with your own eyes, you want to tell others about them and invite the community to share your cool experience. In general, I am interested in everything. This is the fate of every newsreader»
«Of course, only a good voice is not enough for an ideal radio worker. There are enough requirements, but I would say that the most important thing is the desire to learn and improve. To reach a certain level, you need to move hard – read, observe, watch colleagues and constantly gain new knowledge. Fortunately, there are no problems with this now, because there is free access to various trainings, webinars, practical advice. If only there was a desire»
«The biggest challenge in recent years, in my opinion, was the need to change the format. Radio began to explore the Internet, using new forms of broadcasting using modern communication technologies. For example, thanks to the use of webcams, the presenter and his guests can now not only hear but also see each other. And the development of software allows you to invite guests from anywhere in the world, which listeners can again hear and see. Radio adapts to new conditions, becomes different. And this is a big plus»
«From my experience of working with interns from different universities of Ukraine, I can say that the educational process is catastrophically lacking a practical component. For example, only a small number of students who came to us had any idea about working with sound editors. The same applies to the peculiarities of writing materials for radio. However, I must say that I found the trainees clever – they all learned quickly and easily applied new knowledge in their work»
«I don’t have a single person who would be an idol for me – when I studied, I listened to everyone little by little. At first I copied something, then I came to my own style. But my teachers were cool! The Zhytomyr Wave News Service consisted of experienced professionals who taught the basics and revealed the secrets and subtleties of the work. Without further ado, I will say that I am grateful to the fate and still consider them my second family»
«Almost a year ago, I switched from radio to a new direction – digital. Currently, I am responsible for the development of digital platforms in the Zhytomyr branch of Public. The specificity of this work is that you have to work 24/7. Under such conditions, you do not rest much. However, when I have a free minute, I dedicate it to watching my favorite bloggers on Youtube and listening to radio and podcasts. I still write for my own pleasure, I voice books and draw. The «place of strength» for me is my native village of Gordiyivka in the Romaniv region. There, among the picturesque nature, I manage to really relax and reload. And in Zhytomyr my favorite place is the Hydropark. But not noisy and cheerful, but silent and cozy, as it happens in the afternoon summer in the middle of the week. The sky, water and peace are just what you need to relax and rejuvenate»
«I have a lot of dreams, goals and just desires. But these are probably still more personal things. I will implement – then I will tell»
