Radio is known as the ‘Theatre of the mind’ and this statement is true in many ways and forms. Radio helps us connect with and to eachother and the world. It serves as a platform to disseminate information to most listeners, powerfully and with impact, reaching even the most remote of places, signal permitting of course. It is also therapy to some and serves as a popular entertainment platform to many.

“Now why come up with the idea of dedicating a whole week of appreciation to radio news bulletin readers of all things?” – most of my closest friends have asked as I introduced the concept during one of my appreciation weeks.

I like to always set aside a week, at random, to appreciate many things that set my heart on fire. Some, if not most of the things I dedicate a week for are things that I am passionate about, follow with keen interest and those that most people would easily take for granted. I have dedicated an entire month before of appreciation to women in my life and world, a week to quotes that have had the most impact in my life and now, radio newsreaders. I have lots of these (planned for) during the course of the year for you to look forward to.

Now back to why radio news bulletin readers in particular.

I hold this occupation close to my heart because I once worked for a campus radio station in the news department. That was back in 2012 and in that year, I learnt so much about myself through the skills that I acquired and in turn, I developed a great deal of respect and passion for the profession. It’s in the choice of words, style of writing and tone that this occupation thrives upon. The limited time a news bulletin is given on air also means there is very little time to waffle, every second is important and must be used effectively to capture the listener and convey the information clearly, and individuals like these and many more others, do so effortlessly.

I must be upfront to say, I do not listen to all radio stations and so my list could be seen to fall short because it does not include all radio stations, but just the few that I follow closely. And from this few, I hope the appreciation bug spreads across because I know there is a lot where this is coming from and there are many to which this goes out to. I dedicate this piece to the many fearless and committed men and women who are working tirelessly at campus, community, regional, internet, national and international radio stations in the news department who source out news stories, gather, write, compile and read news bulletins to their listeners.

Having to read a news bulletin can be seen as an easy job to do but in the wise words of renowned radio broadcaster, author and political analyst Eusebius Mckaiser, “Aim to be so good at your job (career) that everyone thinks they can do it because you make it look easy and effortless.”

This quote was the foundation, premise and inspiration behind this post. The appreciation list is in no particular order.

1. On Monday, the first day of appreciation went to Thembekile Mrototo. He is the voice behind Eye Witness News (EWN), a Primedia incorporation and can be heard across Talk Radio 702 and regularly on Anele’s Breakfast Club show on 94.7. It’s quite rare to find a gentleman that reads a radio news bulletin with such vigor eloquently. Mrototo honestly has and offers a unique personality and tone that easily sets him apart from many.

2. On Tuesday, the second day of appreciation went to Tara Penny. She is also from the EWN stable and is on Talk radio 702, regularly heard on the afternoon drive show. Penny is currently the reigning recepient of the Liberty Radio Award for best news bulletin reader for commercial radio stations – an accolade she has won two years in a row. She always delivers stunning, clear and well-paced bulletins. Her accolades are proof, from industry experts, of how good she is at her job.

3. On Wednesday, the third of appreciation went to award-winning Lebogang Moeketsi who is now an editor for EWN in Johannesburg. I got used to this woman’s beautiful and soft news bulletin reading style back in the days of the breakfast express show on Highveld stereo, by then she was Lebogang Nthate. The soft spoken and gentle manner in which she glides through her bulletins makes her stand out. Moeketsi, who has since progressed up her career from bulletin reader to now editor is testament of her growth, still manages to stand-in as newsreader across Primedia radio stations.

4. On Thursday, the fourth day of appreciation went to Ntokozo Mazibuko. Mazibuko is a product of talk radio and is now on Gauteng’s newest talk radio station Power FM. I got introduced to Mazibuko while she was reading the news on Power drive. She delivers a flawless bulletin with a tone and pace that is uniquely hers. She makes news reading look and sound beautiful. Refreshingly perfect.

5. On Friday, the fifth day of appreciation went to EWN’s Aurelie Kalenga. She is on talk radio 702 and can be heard during the breakfast show and the first time I heard her on-air, I just had to follow her. She has a contagious way of gracing through a bulletin that just keeps you wanting and bracing for more.

6. On Saturday, the sixth day of appreciation went to Nhlanhla Sehume. I first heard of this gentleman read a news bulletin on Kaya FM and was impressed from there onwards. He is now on Power FM, regularly heard on the breakfast show. Sehume delivers what I call the smoothest radio news bulletins, one can also call it almost soulful.

7. On Sunday, the last day of appreciation went to Themba wakwa Khumalo. I decided to purposefully leave my best candidate for last. This woman was reading news on radio as I was growing up and in my home language. She is on the biggest commercial radio station in the country, Ukhozi FM and still reads news to this day – talk about passion and longevity. I credit Khumalo for making the career and skill fashionable and trendy long before it got the admiration and honour it currently enjoys today.

Well, there you have it. A whole week dedicated to appreciating the best of our country’s talent in radio news reading. In as much as the radio presenter is an important component of the show, equally is the person that reads the news and their contributions can never be underestimated, for they play a critical role in providing the listeners with updates on what’s happening in the world. And many do so diligently and effortlessly.

I take my hat off to them.