A lot goes into being in broadcasting and you need to work hard to seize the opportunities that arise. This includes everything from maintaining your professional look to networking with the right people.
However, that's not all it takes — it can be a tough industry to break into. Many people who have been in the industry for a while
still haven't gotten a big break
We sat down with Zanele Potelwa to find out how she broke onto the scene and her advice to others. 1. What do aspiring broadcasters need to know before entering this industry? Just how much you have to invest in yourself in terms of wardrobe, makeup and even just the willingness to take risks. That's a very big lesson you learn and trust me, it takes working smart and hard to be able to fully invest in yourself.
When coming into this industry, no one really warns you about the self-doubt that will sometimes creep in (
I think it may have to do with how much you hear 'no'). However, with that said, some of the greatest reassurance actually comes from people in the industry.
So many of our biggest names are the most encouraging people you will ever meet. To anyone thinking of joining the industry, look forward to that — the support of some of the most talented individuals in the entertainment space.
2. How has radio transformed during your time on air? It's changed in so many ways, particularly when it comes to what one is expected to sound like on the airwaves. And now, even in the fact that we are putting together radio shows from the comfort of our own homes!
I think that traditional radio had a more structured way of making radio, which has now been a little bit more relaxed. The basic structure of radio is definitely still there, but I think that people have definitely found their own ways of creating it.
I've always been told that it's about reinventing the wheel, and I feel that social media now being a way to amplify the on-air product has also added to what we do on the airwaves.
In terms of technology, it's so crazy to me that I can stay in bed till 05:55 if I want to and still be on the radio by 6am. Our new normal is broadcasting from our homes with a laptop and a microphone. It took some getting used to, but that's what I'd call social distancing done right.
3. What is the most exciting part about having a career in broadcast?For me, it's got to be the two biggest things that have happened to me over the last two years: winning a
Liberty Radio Award and officially joining the SABC 1 family.
It was something that I was so close to three years ago when I was the runner up of the Mzansi Insider SABC 1 presenter search, so joining the family was definitely a full-circle moment.
4. What does it take to become someone making waves on both radio and TV?It takes patience. If you speak to people in the entertainment industry, many of them will tell you to trust the process. I think that, for me, a big part of that process has been trying to get as much experience and practice as possible — because that's how we get better, right?
Practice can be absolutely anything. I think I definitely needed the few years I spent doing inserts on YouTube to be ready for the SABC 1 opportunity when it came along.
5. What advice would you give to people looking to get into the industry?Believe in yourself and your craft, because no one else can do that very important task of believing in you, but you! Believe that anything can happen — keep crafting and broadcasting.
Whether it's on a campus radio station or on YouTube or a podcast or on an online TV network — keep doing it. Denzel Washington once said that "If you hang around the barbershop long enough, you'll eventually get a haircut!"
The more prepared you are, the better you'll be able to meet the opportunity when it arises. Always remember that the beauty of doing it is found in being yourself and putting in the work.
All the amazing, established names that I've had the privilege to watch do their thing up close over the years are some of the hardest working individuals I know.
Stay curious. Broadcasting is a lifestyle more than just a profession, which means that you need to keep your nose to the grindstone in order to stand out from the rest.
What other essential elements go into making someone the best broadcasting professional? Let us know in the comments section below. Keen for more content like this? Sign up for our newsletter