Introduced by well-known
English Journalist, Zakka Jacob, into the field of RJ, ‘Blade’ Shankar has
completed 15 years in the career on 15-Mar-2017. He summarized his 15-year-long
learning experience briefly with the first year Masters in Media Arts students
of Loyola College in Chennai on 16-Mar-2017.
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| Photo Courtesy: IndiaTimes.Com |
“I don’t rely on pen, board-chalk-talk. I do not have Powerpoint presentations. Words are my strength. My experience sharing will be of use to you,” he started his sharing.
Qualities of RJ:
Shankar
highlighted four qualities that would help an RJ in their vocation:
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Individuality – difference in thinking
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Spontaneity
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Observing
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Punctuality
He explained the qualities of RJ from his own experience: “I started this journey when I was 21 years old. I started with ‘oor sutthalaam vaanga’ (ஊர் சுத்தலாம் வாங்க) show in the noon time. Dina was doing Blade No.1 show at that time. When he quit, I had to take up that slot. I gave a slight twist to the comedy show. I dominate the callers first and later allow them to dominate. This base lead me to receive 9 IRF (Indian Radio Forum) awards during my career. Difference in thinking along with my individuality gave me an upbeat tempo in the career.”
“RJ will have to be spontaneous. To achieve spontaneity, observance is important. Once you start observing your neighbourhood, you’ll be able to contribute to the society with spontaneity. Brainstorming with friends and family is an important technique to enhance the flow of our thought process.”
“Although I have not been punctual during my school and college days, becoming an RJ taught me the importance of punctuality. There was a time when my car broke down and I informed my show producer that I will not be able to make it on time. Even then, I decided to take a risk to try and reach the studio by auto and made it on time. It gives me a sense of satisfaction today when I think of it. Punctuality pays.”
Keeping
the Audience:
"Human psychology is that we
like others to talk with us. We will be less interested in other two people
talking. It is a challenge for RJ to connect with the audience. When it comes
to the Radio Jockey, voice is not important for RJ job. The information I have
and my style of presentation matters."
"RJ must be able to swiftly change his mind. He would have faced a racing motorist scolding him on the road just before entering the studio or he might have had a feud at home or in the workplace. When he goes before mic, he has to be a different person altogether. On the contrary, he should not lose his individuality. Know your plus and minus as the Tamil song goes, ‘unnai arindhaal nee ulagatthil poraadalaam’ (உன்னை அறிந்தால் நீ உலகத்தில் போராடலாம்). Those who would like to enter media must set a specific goal and stay focused on it."
Dubbing Experience:
“I have been a dubbing
artist since 2004. It is a vast field. I had spoken voices in cartoons and TV
documentaries. I had an opportunity to give voice for the brother character in the
movie, ‘kadhai solla poroam,’ (கதை சொல்லப் போறோம்). I don’t believe in calling
a movie, ‘commercial movie’. Anything that is selling becomes a ‘commercial’”,
he made a passing comment. “To add bass and depth to the voice, I have to get
closer to the mic. Going away from the mic gives a sharper voice.”
Dayparting in Radio:
“Energetic and peppy
numbers are played during the day. Peaceful and solemn songs are played during
the nights. Similarly, RJs come in different types: Morning RJ: He has to be
loud and energetic in the morning. Night RJ: He has to be pleasant and quiet.”
Uniqueness of Radio:
“Radio is an entertainment medium. It plays a
major role in people’s lives. People usually watch TV as a group, but Radio is
usually listened to in lone situations. It creates a one-to-one experience. Listening
to a situational song on a radio is different from listening the same from an
MP3 player. It creates a sense of belonging to a community of similar minds.”
Departments in Radio:
Shankar
explained to the students about various departments in a radio station: Program,
Client Solution, Creative Department, Music Scheduler etc.
·
Music Scheduler: Schedules the songs and takes
control over show timings. He decides which song is trendy or outdated.
·
Client Solution: Receives ideas from clients
and do a package. A silk showroom may request for a show idea from Client
Solution for Women’s Day. FM stations do their own advertisements. There are
very few ad-agencies for FM stations. Client Solution also create ideas for
on-ground activities. They may suggest a live program from a shopping mall.
·
Promo Producer: Creates promotional audios
for radio programmes.
·
Program Producer: He makes it convenient for
the RJ to host the show. He has to make sure that the show runs smoothly
without any hindrances. If it is a special day, say for example, World Water
Day, Program Producer has to alert the RJ about such special days and suggest
ideas how to go about it.
·
Sound Engineer: Nuendo, Sony Vegas are the software
knowledge that will be needed for a Sound Engineer.
Shankar concluded by explaining the ‘butterfly effect’ in reference to chaos theory, the phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have large effects elsewhere, “I believe in ‘butterfly effect’: if a butterfly flutters in China, it would create an earthquake in Chicago. So, the qualities I mentioned above go a long way in building up a media professional, or any professional for that matter.”
