How radio works remotely during SA’s lockdown

Media is an essential service in South Africa; while the country is on lockdown, important information is delivered through radio channels. But having radio hosts work remotely can’t be the easiest process to manage.

Programme manager Hennie Myburgh and marketing manager Leith Smith at Jacaranda FM give some insight into how a commercial radio station has approached the Covid-19 lockdown.

Do your presenters still come to work? If not, how do we hear them on air?

Some presenters will broadcast live from the studio, whilst others are broadcasting remotely. Our commitment to our listeners remains that all their favourite presenters will still be on air and that we’ll use all the best technology at our disposal to ensure that our audience and clients receive an uninterrupted product.

How do you decide who can work remotely and who not?

Radio is 24/7 and there would ordinarily already be a lot of remote work, so most of the station is able to work remotely. Remote meetings and project software enable us to keep the business running smoothly.

How do news reports work during this time, with a limited amount of reporters in the field?

The news team will continue to operate as usual and deliver a class-leading news service in this critical time. Resources are carefully managed to ensure safety and balance within the team.

Leith Smith. Picture: Supplied

How does this impact advertising? From the content that gets advertised to the process of getting the ad on air?

Operations are not affected during this time and we are still able to easily record, produce and place adverts on air. We are also in constant discussions with our clients to offer them solutions tailored to their specific needs.

Does the role of non-traditional radio platforms (web, social media, etc.) change during this time?

Due to the size of our non-traditional platforms, all of them already enjoy a large amount of focus within Jacaranda FM. We continue to provide entertaining content and pertinent, trusted information to a loyal audience across all channels available to us.

How does a lockdown impact other station activities?

Although the lockdown prevents Jacaranda FM from doing any on-the-ground activities like Myschool Rocks, Workzone Takeover as well as Straatbraai, this affords us the time to look at our digital platforms and engage with our audiences in innovative and highly impactful ways.

Hennie Myburgh. Picture: Supplied

How do you approach meetings?

Meetings are all done remotely on platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Hangouts, etc. We also use messaging platforms extensively to ensure that communication is clear and consistent.

What measures do you put in place to keep those at the office, and people who have to visit during this time, safe?

Our employees’ well-being is paramount, and we have ensured that everyone is equipped to work remotely. Within the building there are many health and safety measures to ensure the safety of all concerned. We also offer an employee wellness program that employees and their families can access at any time.

What is your station’s commitment to its listeners at this time?

Our commitment is that Jacaranda FM will continue to provide market-leading content on all of its platforms. It will continue to entertain and inform and will be with you throughout this critical period.

We are all going through what our listeners across South Africa, and further afield, are going through, and we understand the importance of having your finger constantly on the pulse, remaining calm and abiding by the rules. Therefore we will ensure that we are available to assist and share experiences in a relevant, entertaining and informative manner.

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