USIM Radio Searches for New Talent

USIM

BANDAR BARU NILAI, Aug. 19, 2010—Nearly 100 Islamic Science University of Malaysia (USIM) students took part in USIM Radio’s Search for Announcers program that was recently held.  The objective of this program is to search for new talent besides being a platform for students to present their talents as radio announcers.

According to En. Muhamad Zaki Mustafa, lecturer at the Faculty of Leadership & Management (FKP) cum Coordinator for USIM Radio, the search for radio announcers is in its third year and it has become an annual event.

“Previously we had a program that involved going from faculty to faculty to search for new talent, in addition to promoting USIM Radio to the university community,” he said.

This was done because many had the impression that USIM Radio is only limited to FKP when in fact the position of radio announcer is open to the entire USIM community, he added.

Some of the important criteria that we look for in aspiring radio announcers include interest, talent, personal style, and voice, explained En. Zaki.

USIM Radio is the only radio station operating in the university and it is run by FKP’s Communication Program.  It operates on weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm when classes are in session.

Before operating on a regular basis, USIM Radio had started on a trial basis in January 2009.  Currently, this campus radio service uses a state-of-the-art digital radio station with an online streaming service through http://radio.usim.edu.my.  It presents a variety of programs and interactive interviews to listeners.  Furthermore, USIM Radio compiles news briefs regarding USIM and airs the latest announcements to the university community.

One of the participants of the Search for Announcers program, Munirah Mazlan, 20, a Faculty of Science & Technology (FST) Second Year student, said that she was called for a talent audition for the position of announcer.  She had initially decided to participate following her friends’ encouragement.

“I felt nervous and was lacking courage because it was the first time that I was asked to audition for the position of radio announcer.  However, the program helped to instill confidence in oneself,” she said.

Nurul Ain Idris, a Second Year FKP student, who is an USIM Radio announcer, has a few tips for prospective radio announcers.

“Based on my own experience as an announcer on USIM Radio, a radio announcer must have self-confidence, good knowledge of current affairs, and should often practice speaking in front of a mirror so that she can attract the listener’s interest,” advised Nurul Ain.