Chennai:RJ Sulabha of Radio One talks to tvnews4u.com about her journey as an RJ and shares her experiences in Radio One:
1…Tell us about your journey towards becoming an RJ?
From a Management trainee leading a team at an insurance company to auditioning at Radio city and being chosen among hundreds for the job of an RJ. It has been a pretty exciting journey I must say…to escape a boring job. I walked into an audition and it just proved right in the long run.
2…Tell us more about the shows that you host?
The show — Good Morning Chennai is the b’fast show I do in Radio One. It’s a feel good intellectual show in which we discuss many subjects right from health tips to showcase different ideas and personalities of Chennai. This is apart from discussing contemporary issues that affect an educated Chennaite’s life every day
3….Does a Radio Jockey really aim a Career as an RJ or is it just a Hobby?
Well…if you have about 8-10 active hours for a hobby almost 7 days a week with no holidays whatsoever then why not 😉 lols
4…Being an RJ — how has it changed you as a person?
Well… it certainly influences the way we think, the way we observe life more keenly. I always think how I can speak more briefly, say it more convincingly and also I started appreciating my voice much better and abuse it less.
5…Can you share some of your memorable moments On-Air on Radio?
Actually the nice moments are many, but the few embarrassing moments are what I remember more vividly.
6…What is that one thing that you love most about being an RJ?
The high of being live on air foremost and also the way people react when we meet them for the first time and I say I am an RJ.
7…Any tips for aspiring Radio Jockeys.
They should be prepared to do a lot of work and not be under the impression that their work ends with just the show. Actually it’s the other way round!
8…How do you react if a caller is irate or uses abusive language on a live air? Any such experiences?
I am asked this question quite often. Strangely, I am yet to face such an abusive caller. Touch wood. Our listeners have been really nice to me so far J
9…How do you stand out from other competitors? Do you feel you have carved a niche for yourself as an RJ?
I was offered the job because I sounded like no one else with a neutral accent. I have held on to my natural style of talking. I talk on air the same way I would speak to you in person. Now, in fact, this has become a style. Niche—as far as I know, we try to bring in a lot of nice-to-know information as content that I am good at delivering in a sensible fashion
10….On your current show, Good Morning Chennai, you have mentioned on several occasions that you get inspired by various happenings around you. Do you actually relate these incidents to churn out an infotainment show?
Yes, Radio is churning out engaging content for five hours every day- every month in a year. The inspiration HAS to be current and changing. I read up on all things I can lay my hands on. Like I said I watch people closely and also learn from them.
11…Other than Being an RJ do you enjoy singing? Would you like to build a career as a Singer?
Music has always been on my mind. After doing a few numbers for playback, it took a backseat. But definitely when the time’s ripe, I would like to do something meaningful in the music scene
12…What are the most effective campaigns that Radio One has done so far?
Well, I have been part of the ‘Orunimisham quiz- Laksha Roobakaasu’ contest. Very compelling content and a huge giveaway. It was the most challenging contest so far. The Radio one college champions campaign has gone through four seasons. It was a huge hit with the college kids Recently done Chennai Pokkisham in which we spoke about many lesser known monuments which was well received. People remember it even after many months.
13…Do you think radio and internet go hand in hand?
Digital and social media are the future. No shying away from that. Radio has started appreciating that. In future it would be lovely if FM stations had legal online streaming. Today Radio One has started using the social media as its extended arm and we continue the dialogue there as well.
14….Will you be nervous when you get the RAM rating and does it impact you?
IRS affected me in the past. It has changed many people’s destiny and I think it’s a reality to deal with. RAM is not in Chennai. But today RAM study is debated upon. Let me leave it at that.
15…Would you like to say anything to the young aspiring RJs?
While I agree that getting an opportunity in Radio itself is a big deal, many of them throw it away by being unprofessional on the pretext of being creative. Being creative and responsible is what may work in the long run.
