MB#55: 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙤𝙛 𝙇𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 30 𝙈𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙋𝙚𝙖𝙠-𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙔𝙪𝙫𝙖𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙞.

[MemoirBlogthon #55] With the need for live programming rising, AIR Vijayawada held auditions. My training under PEX Sri B. Ramanna Panthulu Garu allowed me to excel, performing tasks across three languages: Telugu, English, and Hindi. I was delighted to be selected and rated as an "A1 Grade Casual Artist'. This grading not only proved my versatility but made me eligible to contribute to multiple wings—from News to Agricultural programs—without scheduling conflicts. My new role as 'compere' (the original radio jock) involved two hours of rigorous pre-broadcast preparation to deliver a high-quality, peak-time 30-minute 'Yuvavani' show, a discipline that defined my early 1980s.

MB#55: The Rigor of a Live Radio Compere.

The Audition for Live Programming

As the demand for 'live programming' increased in the 'Yuvavani' section, AIR began conducting formal auditions to select casual artists capable of handling live broadcasts. I expressed my keen interest. The AIR Vijayawada PEX team (program executives) conducted auditions for about ten young broadcasters.

The test was rigorous, designed to assess voice quality, expression, modulation, and technical competency. I was required to perform various tasks across three languages—Telugu, English, and Hindi.

• Reading a script with different emotional types.

• Comparing (anchoring) a show.

• News reading and sports review presentation.

• Handling interview questions.

Having been thoroughly trained by Sri B. Ramanna Panthulu Garu, my initial 'guru' at AIR, I performed exceptionally well.

Achieving A-1 Grade Versatility

A week later, the delightful news arrived: I was selected and rated as an 'A1 Grade Casual Artist.' This meant I was a casual performer, not a full-time staffer, but the A1 grade was a significant accomplishment.

This high rating provided instant versatility, making me eligible to take up programs in other wings, such as the News section, Women's Programme, Workmen's Programme, and Agricultural Programmes. I was now able to offer my services across multiple sections of AIR without scheduling conflicts. My bold voice, professional conduct, and cordiality with permanent staff (announcers, producers, and duty officers) quickly earned me many friends whose expert, friendly advice helped me prepare for and win the rating.

The Rigor of a Live Compere

In the early 1980s, AIR Vijayawada began engaging my services as a 'compere' (the precursor to the modern RJ, or radio jock). My shift was demanding, requiring significant preparation for a relatively short broadcast window.

I had to report to the next PEX officer, Sri P Ramana Rao, at least two hours before the scheduled transmission time (starting at 5:30 p.m.). My 'Yuvavani' live program ran from 6:25 p.m. to 6:55 p.m.—a 'peak time' with the highest listening audience across the coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh, sandwiched between the regional Telugu relay from Hyderabad and the national bulletin from New Delhi.

My pre-broadcast ritual involved:

• Collecting spools, records, and tapes from the duty officer.

• Conducting rehearsals with the day's performing artists in the rehearsal room.

• Familiarizing myself with the main announcer and checking the microphone and studio clock.

• The content varied: recorded features, my live reviews of cultural programs, short music concerts, or reading listeners' letters in combination with a staff artist. The four hours of pre- and post-broadcast work underscored the complexity required to produce a seamless 30-minute live show.

MB#55 Quiz

MB55: Question The author's live 'Yuvavani' program was broadcast during which peak time slot, relative to the national news?

Change Image

• A. Right after the morning agricultural program
• B. Late at night after 10 p.m.
• C. Right before the national bulletin from New Delhi
• D. During the midday relay from Hyderabad

MB#55 Quote

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." - B.B. King