Perceptions of the voices behind Touch FM Youth Radio station

COVID-19 has resulted in dramatic changes in Namibia. Social media and radio stations play a critical role in sharing accurate COVID 19-responsive information, links to reliable advisory services, resources to understand the health and socio-economic impacts of the pandemic, everyone, everywhere. As we proceed with the new normal of life in the time of COVID-19, radio stations in Namibia are standing in solidarity with the rest of the world’s frontline workers, incorporating essential pandemic-related information into their daily shows; sharing with listeners across regions the risks and challenges they face, their personal concerns and how they are coping. Despite the obstacles, stations and radio presenters are managing to stay close to their audiences and this series of interview radio personalities share their stance on the measures their workplace put in place to help combat the novel coronavirus.

 

‘Nobody wants to miss the boat on any relevant information which is why it's vital to be updated.’

With listeners’ ages ranging from 6-36, Touch FM caters for the young generation. Hishekwa says, to keep the culture prevalent, she ensures that she keeps the spirit of informing and educating her listeners about the coronavirus going. This incorporates worldwide updates, statistics, health tips and advice.

COVID-19 has brought forth changes in many sectors and the media sector is not excluded.  Most of the presenters agreed that there have been changes in their working schedules. Lewis seconds it by declaring that in order to ensure the health and safety of employees, new work schedules that minimize the interaction with their counterparts have been adopted. The change in schedules during lockdown has brought a sombre mood to the studios as there isn't a lot of interaction as per usual. But with restrictions lifted, there is more interaction, albeit strong enforcement of physical distancing measures.

‘the media has given him access to facts; thus, he makes sure to share them and create awareness about the pandemic.’

Touch FM, a station under the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) is taking a firm stand against the pandemic and it is doing so by creating a safe environment for its employees. Measures that have been taken thus far include providing alcohol based hand sanitizers, reducing the number of employees on site and availing a mandatory temperature check station at the entrance of the premises.

The measures used to combat the pandemic at work should pave the way and encourage employees to carry the same attitude when they exit the work premises. Lewis says that the media has given him access to facts; thus he makes sure to share them and create awareness about the pandemic. He follows all the measures as advised. Hishekwa conveys that she is more vigilant when it comes to what she touches and she perpetually washes her hands or uses an alcohol based hand sanitizer to curb the pandemic.

During the lockdown, it was said that the media industry was at an apparent slow pace. The presenters gave their insights on how the pandemic has affected it. They [radio presenters] agreed that the industry has undeniably been affected as shows have been cancelled or postponed. This does not solely affect the industry; it also has impacts on the economy of the media sector.

When the lockdown was extended, changes affected everyone. "Work is still on a rotational basis, at this point I believe I've become more aware of the severity of the pandemic and the same applies to my fellow youth. People at this point are engaging more and want to be more informed about what's happening not only in Namibia but worldwide too. " said Hishekwa.

‘… an Informed nation is less likely to panic…’

To steer clear of hoax news, the radio personalities rely on trusted sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) website, the NBC live update sessions and a few of the local newspapers for factual information. The presenters agree that there has been evolution in the programming. According to Hishekwa there is a greater focus on the pandemic now more than ever. Nobody wants to miss the boat on relevant information which is why it is vital to be updated. Kavetuna affirms that an Informed nation is less likely to panic and right now both government and media are making sure the nation is informed.

According to the radio personalities, in order to help the government curb the global pandemic it can ensure that protective apparel and essentials are provided to employees of all the sectors and the government should transparently answer questions of the public in regards to the pandemic to form a healthy communication flow that will foster trust and solidarity in the long run.

‘Namibia can better prepare by investing in our public healthcare systems because that's were a lot of our people get  services’ said Marycent Kashuwa(22).

The pandemic should be seen as the time of realization for the youth to be diverse and less dependent on one skill. Rodelio states that planning for a progressive future that includes everyone in an equal way is of relevance, and Namibia should learn from this and produce an abundant supply of local essential products and in addition invest in traineeship for the country's people. It is of importance that the nation sees this as a push in the direction of prioritizing health issues in Namibia and investing in public health care systems as they are vital services. The outbreak should not only be seen for its negative connotation, it should be seen as an opportunity for countries to rise up and implement preparedness strategies for similar situations in the future.