They are typically the critical first source of information for the public in an emergency. And 40 MediaCorp radio deejays - in a real-time simulated crisis scenario - learned how to handle fast and furious calls from the public.
They learned to play multiple roles as newscasters, counsellors and interviewers, in a full-day workshop by two seasoned BBC journalists. The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts, with the Community Engagement Programme Secretariat and MediaCorp Radio.
Note : No reproduction or downloading of this article is allowed in any medium. Permission has to be obtained from TODAY.
MEDIA RELEASE
Radio DJs undergo crisis training
40 MediaCorp Disc Jockeys (DJs) learnt how to handle fast and furious calls from the public should a crisis happen in the middle of their shift. They were exposed to a real-time simulated crisis scenario. Through this workshop, these DJs fully appreciated their roles as the radio is very often a critical channel of information and outreach to the public. DJs take on multiple roles, from newscasters to counsellors to interviewers.
2 This specially designed workshop was conducted by two seasoned BBC journalists. It provided the local DJs a better understanding of their critical roles as a partner in managing tensions during a crisis in Singapore. It also equipped them with practical skills to handle the highly-stressed studio environment should a crisis occur during their shifts.
3 The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) together with the Community Engagement Programme Secretariat (from the Ministry of Home Affairs) and MediaCorp Radio.
4 In 2007, the DJs were invited to a half-day workshop. This 2010 run is the first practical full-day workshop. Ms Zakiah Halim, Vice President of Malay, Indian and Expat Programming, Radio Division, MediaCorp, said, “The familiar voices of our DJs can help bring calm in times of crises. They will take on the role of disseminating timely and accurate updates. So it is important for them to enhance their skills and this training will be a good opportunity for them to learn from the experiences of the specialists who have gone through real life crises.”
5 Ms K Bhavani, Head of the Media and Arts Cluster in MICA, under the CEP, said, “We realise that radio DJs are critical partners in a crisis. Very often they are the first source of information for the public. It is therefore important that our local DJs realise their roles. This specially-designed training session ensures that our DJs pick up crucial skills so that they will be familiar and be ready to react effectively during a crisis.”
Issued by Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) and CEP Secretariat, Ministry of Home Affairs 13 Jan 2010
Pls click here for the soundbite by Ms Zakiah Halim, Vice President of Malay, Indian and Expat Programming with the Radio Division of MediaCorp on the DJs workshop.
