#OAP101 4 Ways to Stay Fresh and Credible as a Media Host

Hello fresh, aspiring or established media personality,
It is a beautiful new week and I am writing this, sipping my tea, and thinking about how to keep being fresh and credible.


The truth is, there are 2 things you want to avoid on this journey- being thought of as stale, and being thought of as fake, as in, a source of fake news.

Some of the ways to stay fresh and credible are:

- Verifying your Sources
This is one of the most established tenets of journalism and I still get surprised when even interns or students on Industrial Attachment feel comfortable presenting me with stories, or worse, going on air with stories based on, 'People say...'

Investigative Journalism even has higher standards but whether you went to media school or not, as with life, so with news- check, recheck, double check.


- Consuming Different Kinds of Content
If you are into Music, you can still get some content from Sports. If you love News, Fashion may surprise you.
By watching and listening to other kinds of content, you stay updated and easily adaptable.



- Checking out Trends
Social Media platforms are making things a lot easier for us these days as they have things like 'Explore' (Instagram), 'Trending' (Twitter) and more.
A simple daily glance at online trends can help ensure you keep up with what everyone is talking about.


- Gisting with People
Sometimes, just a good kickback with people provides a world of fresh news, stories and talking points for you.
By listening to them and enjoying what they say, you get an insight into what people are excited, worried or lackadaisical about.
This can help you immensely.


What do you think of these tips? How do you stay fresh and credible as a media host from your end?
s.h.a.r.e with me.

P

#OAP101 3 Things to Note when Co-hosting a Radio and Television Show or Event

Hi all.
Today I am answering one of the questions sent to us via dm on Instagram.
While on radio, I host my show alone, I have worked with co-hosts for television, youtube shows and also as an M.C at events.
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What benefits are there when it comes to having a co-host?
The 1st is you have someone to cover for you if you're having an off day or minute, or cannot make it on the show in the case of media.
Another benefit is the instant interaction it gives because you have someone to bounce things off with and everything is conversational.

Sometimes there is a disadvantage to having one though. One big disadvantage is in cases where one person dominates the others or thinks of themselves as 'main' host. Another disadvantage is sharing the spotlight if you absolutely love it!

So how do you handle it and ensure you and your co-host deliver quality content to audiences and guests?
1. Understand that your co-host also has valid points, thoughts and feelings. Both of you need to find a way to work together as opposed to making it seem like a turn by turn thing. Bring ideas to the table, concede to some of theirs and suggest what you think will work.

2. Plan and Practice before you start
Before the show or event starts, it helps to speak to your co-host and for both of you to speak about things like who handles what, how you start and end the show etc.
Recently I had the pleasure of co-hosting at an event and my co-host and I decided we would start the show together, alternate going on stage and then close together and it worked brilliantly.
I have also been blessed to co-host with Ali Baba who had so many ideas and gave me space to shine.

I thoroughly enjoyed cohosting with Peter Kajovo

3. Emphasise each other's strengths and uniqueness.
Remember that if you both decide to speak and act the same, there is no point having two different people hosting. What you should do is play to each other's strengths and let each other shine.
I hope these help.
If you have questions for me, please leave them below as a comment, or send us a DM via our Instagram page, or my Twitter page.