It’s World Radio Day & radio superstar Nia Brown celebrates with us
Radio has, over the years, played so many different roles for so many people. From entertainment, education, and love matching, yes, and it has even catapulted many music careers.
This medium has been a constant in many of our lives and is definitely worth celebrating.
For broadcaster Nia Brown, radio has not only given her a lucrative and enjoyable career but has also knocked her out of her shell, revealing that she is indeed actually a shy person.
The star is YFM’s breakfast show host, started her radio journey on a campus radio station, Voice of Wits (VOW), and now has 13 years of radio experience under her belt. Radio has essentially changed her life.
“I have grown with the radio quite a lot in a personal capacity. There are certain conversations we will have with a listener that bring so much reflection into your own personal life, changing one’s perspective and outlook on things.
“Radio has given me an opportunity to know and interact with various people; it brings everyone together and is a lot of fun,” she adds.
Commemorating this day, therefore, is a celebration of a platform that has impacted people positively and also how far it has come, adding that she has also noted the appreciation that many South Africans have for radio.
“When I left Kimberly, where I am from, to come to Johannesburg to study, I always knew that I wanted to do something within the entertainment industry, and I was always fascinated by radio. For starters, as a presenter, you get the opportunity to drive a conversation and share different thoughts, but it is also a great opportunity to be creative in a unique way.
“As a radio presenter, you are successful once you are able to make your listeners feel something. Whether that is sadness, happiness, or hope—regardless of the emotion—when you have the ability to make the listener feel something about a particular conversation, you know that you’ve been able to capture their attention and you’ve gotten them interested. That, for me, is a key ingredient in becoming a successful broadcaster,” she adds.
She cites three moments that will forever be etched in her memory: as a radio jock.
“The breakfast show that I used to host on VOW definitely stands out because there was a moment where my personality switched and I gained a lot of confidence in radio. I wasn’t so shy anymore, and I could share my opinions comfortably. I look at that moment and see growth happening, and that is definitely noteworthy.
“The second one would have to be getting the opportunity to interview people that I personally admire, Bonang Matheba being one of them. That was a surreal opportunity and a huge moment for us as a team because she was our very first guest on the brand new breakfast show, and we were so incredibly excited that Bonang had agreed to be our very first guest on the show. It felt to us as though we were getting a nod of approval from her, but it also felt like she really trusted us because Bonang doesn’t go to anyone.
“And just getting that breakfast slot on Y is also up there as a memorable moment. We all go through our careers with dreams. We know which show we want to do next, so I was ready to step into this space. The team that I have now is definitely God-sent; everyone is incredible at what they do, which perfectly aligns,” she adds.
Radio being such an important piece of society’s fiber, Nia advises anyone who looks into joining the industry to take it seriously.
“It’s not as easy as it seems. Radio is not just about switching on the mic and speaking; it is a 24-hour job. Because you are the person who needs to spark, drive, and inspire conversation, which means being constantly on your feet and thinking of the next way to entertain.
“It is more than just scrolling on social media. You have to be willing to be in a constant state of creating content for your listeners,” she adds.