Monday, 30 September 2013

Radio Jockeys – sound versus visuals

What is it about radio jockeys?  How and why do they influence your mind and sensibilities?  In today’s world it is nothing compared to the latest devices of contact like – video shows, you tube, and God knows so much more.  Visuals play a big, major role of getting in touch with you in the present scenario.  Then why is it the radio jockeys wield some sort of magic and magic it is.  It is the voice followed by the music or whatever is on the show; and yet it can glue you to your set!

I try not to miss a particular radio programme called “Country Carnival” on the FM radio provided by the Dish TV service providers. The anchor person is known as:”Vintage Andy” and he dishes out some of the best country music you can listen to for one hour.  You know what I like best – it is his voice.  It is the best after Elvis Priestley – to me!  The programme is aired every Monday evening between six and seven p.m.  This vintage Andy replies in a very homely and romantic language in the most ordinary manner to every mail or sms he receives.

I do not know about radio jockeys because I do not listen to each and every one of them; but I do know that being a radio jockey is no child’s play.  The job definitely competes with extraordinary visuals that catch your eye and attention at the drop of a hat.   He or she is appealing to the audiences only through the voice and the tone and the language with the unseen ‘oomph’ factor.  Whereas, the visual entertainment programmes have the latest technological devices that enhance every second of the show, even making the anchor or the performer more beautiful than actual.  No offence meant, but the visual performers do rely heavily on the add-ons. 


As an old timer I am used to honing my listening skills.  In childhood it was imperative that I listened to the All India Radio news, listen to rabindra sangeet being aired, take perfect dictations, and listen to my own reading so as to be able to correct my diction – whether English, Bengali or Hindi.  Light travels faster than sound – I learned that in science.  However, sound registers in the mind quicker than visuals – I am no scientist but if you watch a child you may understand. The baby catches on to sound quicker than seeing something.  And when the sound is groovy, attractive with the right noise and understandable language it can mesmerize you – like some of the radio shows all over the world.  

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