A younger 主播大秀 announcer?
- 30 Oct 06, 01:23 PM
Visit London鈥檚 Aldwych on an evening and you鈥檒l see loads of folk milling about in dinner jackets. Who are these people? Theatreland party guests or 主播大秀 World Service continuity announcers waiting to start their shifts?
Well, the former, of course but the image of immaculately dressed ladies and gentlemen addressing the world from London is an enduring one. Indeed, it is said that 主播大秀 studios were designed so that starched cuffs couldn鈥檛 inadvertently knock important controls.
This weekend we look to the future, however, as we search for a young continuity announcer for our forthcoming 鈥淕eneration Next鈥 week. It鈥檚 all about seeing the world through the eyes of the planet鈥檚 under-18s.
We invited UK schools who had recently run licensed radio stations to nominate students and this Saturday a bunch of them will come to Bush House for coaching from some of our professional broadcasters. They鈥檒l also record audition material for their bid to be a finalist. More than forty million listeners could hear their work so it鈥檚 a pretty big deal for them.
But we have a dilemma - some of the entrants we鈥檝e heard demonstrate maturity, authority and a vocal resonance well beyond their years. They will sit very well on air and bring youthful insight to our journalism. But if they don鈥檛 actually sound young and recognisably different to our listeners, what鈥檚 the point of all this you might argue.
Well, we鈥檙e inviting World Service listeners to influence the judges鈥 decision by commenting on their favourites by text and email. I鈥檒l let you know when it鈥檚 all up on the website in case you want to join in鈥 and of course I鈥檒l let you know if any of the hopefuls turn up in black tie.
Steve Martin is on air editor, 主播大秀 World Service
