NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, 2025 14 RADIO JAMAICA 75TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE | THE SUNDAY GLEANER | AUGUST 31, 2025 THE SEAMLESS programming ow might seem like a well-oiled machine to the thousands of listeners who tune in to Radio Jamaica daily. Yet, the reality of radio production involves a complex interplay of various elements, each requiring meticulous attention and coordination. NEWS, SPORTS, AND WEATHER At the heart of Radio Jamaica’s news and information output is the editor – a role ensuring content accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. News is sourced from various channels: international wire services, internet feeds, signi cant networks, and local correspondents scattered across Jamaica. The editor is responsible for selecting which stories make it to air and which are held for further development. Local beat reporters cover critical areas such as courts, police, health, and education, feeding information to the newsroom. Stories undergo rigorous editing for grammar and accuracy and may be revised several times before being broadcast. The process includes the integration of pre-recorded segments, which must be meticulously compiled and pre-edited by the audio team to ensure proper sequencing during the newscast. Breaking news presents a unique challenge. When urgent or signi cant events occur, Radio Jamaica must quickly verify the accuracy of the information while swiftly relaying it to the public. This often requires interrupting regular programming, which demands both speed and precision. SPONSORED PROGRAMMES AND CALL-IN SHOWS Sponsored programmes, whether live or pre-recorded, require careful content vetting to ensure compliance with broadcasting standards. Programmes like St. Stephens Calling, which has been on air for over 70 years, exemplify the need for stringent content checks. Call-in shows such as Hotline or Dionne JacksonMiller’s Beyond the Headlines involve additional layers of preparation. Production assistants are crucial in managing guest appearances, ensuring all participants are ready and available for their segments. Live Outside Broadcasts Live outside broadcasts present their own set of challenges. Reliable connectivity is crucial; hence, outside broadcast teams often carry extra equipment, such as microwave links if cellular service is inadequate. These broadcasts typically require a larger crew, including a driver, engineer, production assistant, and on-air hosts. ADVERTISING AND LEGAL COMPLIANCE Advertising encompasses several categories: commercial ads, promos, and public service announcements (PSAs). Each advertisement must be submitted with a script to ensure legal compliance and prevent any breaches of Jamaican law. The Sales Department and Traffic team oversee ads’ scheduling and airing, ensuring that all contractual obligations are met, including time-speci c slots for prime-time advertising. RADIO DRAMAS Radio dramas, once performed live, are now predominantly pre-recorded. Early radio dramas involved live sound effects created by special effects artists. Today, these are replaced by digital sound libraries, and most dramas are recorded externally, re ecting advancements in production technology. MUSIC AND COPYRIGHT Music programming at Radio Jamaica requires strict adherence to copyright laws. The station maintains an extensive music log, ensuring artists receive appropriate royalty payments. This Log is one of the most comprehensive in Jamaica, underscoring Radio Jamaica’s commitment to fair compensation for musicians. CONCLUSION Behind every broadcast, whether it’s a breaking news update, a live interview, or a favourite song, lies a sophisticated and detailed production process. Radio Jamaica’s commitment to quality and accuracy re ects the intricate efforts of its dedicated staff, ensuring that each broadcast meets the high standards expected by its listeners. BEHIND THE MIC The intricacies of radio production Milton Walker on set at Television Jamaica. Don Topping
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=