The path from radio jockey (RJ) to managing editor is a testament to adaptability, resilience, and an evolving love for storytelling. Here’s an inside look at the distinct phases and lessons that shaped this rewarding journey.
1. Early Days as a Radio Jockey (RJ)
The career in journalism began with the energy and immediacy of radio. As an RJ, the focus was on vibrant storytelling, connecting with listeners through live shows, music requests, and community updates. This role sharpened essential skills:
Conversational storytelling: Building rapport on-air and handling live, unscripted interactions.
Audience engagement: Understanding what drives listeners, answering calls, and tailoring content for their preferences.
Creativity under pressure: Managing time slots, live events, and technical glitches while keeping the content fresh.
2. Transitioning to Digital Journalism
As the media landscape underwent digital transformation, it became crucial to expand beyond radio. The move to digital journalism came with new challenges and opportunities:
Learning new tools: Embracing digital editing, CMS platforms, audience analytics, and multimedia production.
Multi-format content: Producing articles, podcasts, explainer videos, and social media posts to reach broader audiences.
Expanding storytelling: Exploring investigative and feature stories, collaboration across teams, and adapting tone for various online platforms.
3. Taking on Editorial Leadership
Climbing the editorial ladder brought greater responsibility—first as a team lead, eventually as managing editor:
Strategic planning: Shaping news coverage, setting the editorial agenda, and aligning content with evolving reader interests.
Mentorship: Guiding young journalists, fostering collaborative culture, and providing critical feedback.
Quality assurance: Maintaining factual integrity, encouraging innovative reporting, and upholding ethical standards.
Crisis management: Responding to breaking news, defusing misinformation, and maintaining public trust.
4. Lessons Learned Along the Way
Throughout the journey from RJ to managing editor, several key insights emerged:
Adaptability is vital: Media is ever-changing; embracing new formats and technologies sustains relevance.
Collaboration accelerates growth: Success rests on collective effort, open communication, and knowledge sharing.
Ethics and trust matter most: Credible journalism is built on accuracy, transparency, and accountability.
Lifelong learning: Staying curious and continuously seeking new skills fuels progress and innovation.
The transition from the radio booth to the editor’s desk highlights the diverse skills and perspectives gained across media platforms. Each stage, while distinct, contributed to a holistic understanding of audience needs, impactful storytelling, and the responsibilities now carried as a managing editor guiding the next generation of journalists.
