Young Indonesians Learn Broadcasting Basics in Radio 101 Course

toffer    Stories from the Region     indonesia, radio training

(May 13, 2011 – by Ralph Kurtenbach)

A nervous energy has 15 students of the Radio 101 course in Indonesia biting their fingernails before their final assessment—a 30-minute song request program performed before fellow students.

“People attending this course are young, most are new to radio,” wrote Janice Reid, a radio trainer in HCJB Global’s Asia Pacific Region. “A few do not even have stations of their own as yet.” A new initiative, Radio 101 was designed to serve as core training materials that senior announcers or station managers can eventually use in teaching new staff as announcers.

The course is part of a larger training program to equip Indonesian partners of HCJB Global Voice. After a year of radio experience, Radio 101 graduates may be invited to take part in the more advanced Radio 201.

Reid, along with Derek Kickbush and James Totton, led the course in western Indonesia May 3-11, expanding on the February 2011 pilot course in West Timor. After a thorough review of the February course, Radio 101 was revamped to train broadcasters with less than six months of experience.

Topics include theoretical subjects such as ethics, station policies and operating procedures, communication principles and upholding a station’s mission and vision. Blended with the theory were practical sessions such as use of studio equipment (something new for most participants), studio software and handling of telephone calls on the air.

Even after the students’ final project, their Radio 101 is not completed, according to Reid. “On their return to their workplace, students must demonstrate uptake of skills during the next three months before they receive their certificate,” she concluded. “In this way Radio 101 promotes the transfer of learning and connects the course with students’ local radio context.”

Christianity is a minority religion in Indonesia which is largely Muslim. In some areas risks can accompany the overt proclamation of the gospel. Reid observed, however, that, “the students remain determined to continue their training, and follow through with the goal of hosting radio programs for the sake of the gospel.”