CHAPTER
ONE
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Study
Freelance presenter is describe as an independent presenter
buying airtime from media house to showcase their programme idea, it can be
recorded or live. Generally, freelance presenters’ functions are not different
from other presenter.
Similarly,
sales of air time to freelance presenters is one of the means through which
private broadcast industry like Unique F.M 103.1 generate revenue for keeping
the station afloat.
Presenters
are the voice of a station or programme, whether they work in speech-based or
music Radio or television. They are responsible for creating the tone and style
of radio output and establishing a relationship with listeners. Janet
Trewin(2001).
They may also be required to carry out a range of other
production tasks, as well as deliver content for related websites or other
mobile platforms.
Janet Trewin (2001). Presenters' specific responsibilities
differ considerably depending on the programme or station. The majority of radio
presenters are part of a small team, although some work with much larger
programme units. They are mainly based in offices and recording studios, but
may also work on location presenting outside broadcasts.
Most presenters are self-employed, working on fixed term
contract presenter who buys airtime from the station and air presentation of
their own concept. And this type of presenter is called freelance presenter.
Presenters
in music radio work for a range of stations and programmes, catering for all
musical tastes. Presenters in speech radio work in all genres, from topical
talk shows to documentaries, light entertainment and comedy.
Working
hours can vary enormously and may involve early mornings, late nights and
overnights, as well as working weekends or holidays. In some roles Presenters
are expected to travel to work on different locations.
Wherever they work, presenters are expected to understand
the purpose and format of their station or programme; to be aware of the
characteristics of their target audience; and to be knowledgeable about the
subject matter of the output they present.
Radio
presenters may present live or recorded shows, scripted and unscripted. They
can be required to generate original ideas; carry out research; write scripts
and links; work from a brief supplied by other members of a production team;
conduct interviews with contributors in a studio or over the phone; handle
debates or phone-ins; and host live events.
They must work within production requirements and observe
the disciplines of the production process, particularly those regarding
timings. They are expected to understand and comply with media law, regulation
and industry codes. They work closely with other members of a production team
and may be expected to take direction from a producer or editor. Radio
presenters are expected to review their own output and to seek and accept
feedback on their performance. They are also expected to monitor listener
feedback, and contribute to responses to comments, or programme complaints
Radio
presenters should be able to operate various radio studios, and to record audio
both in studios and on location. They may be also be required to edit audio
material using suitable computer editing software. Some Radio Presenters may be
required to write material for websites, blogs or other platforms, and to
prepare visual images and video footage, as well as audio material, for online
use.
To this end, the researcher will evaluate the impact of
freelance presenter on broadcast industry
using a case study of Unique F.M.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
One of
the major problems of this study is the issue of credibility of the so call
independent presenters in terms of education and knowledge of public
presentation. How has freelance presenters are able to assist the media to
generate enough contents to fill the air space since broadcast industry need
lots of programme that can be used to fill its air and one of the ways to do it
is by allowing private individuals called freelance presenter to come in.
Basically,
this study intended to evaluate the impact of freelance presenter on broadcast
industry with a focus on Unique F.M 103.1 FM.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
i. To study the impacts of
freelance presenters on Unique FM, Ilesha.
ii. To study some of the
challenges facing freelance presenters in broadcast
media.
iii. To examine if broadcasting
media give freelance presenters enough
freedom to operate.
iv. To know if ownership
policies of Unique F.M 103.1 influence the programme
contents of freelance presenters.
v. To find out whether
freelance presenters generate revenue for broadcast
media
1.4 Research Questions
i. What are the impacts of
freelance presenters on Unique FM, Ilesha?
ii. Is there any challenge
facing freelance presenters in broadcast media?
iii. Do broadcast media give
freelance presenters enough freedom to operate?
iv. Does ownership policies of
Unique F.M 103.1 influence the programme
contents of freelance presenters?
v. Has freelance presenters
generate revenue for broadcast media?
1.5 Significance
of the Study
Broadcast
Media: Media
houses know how to blend freelance presenters into broadcast system. And design
ways to educate and enlighten independent presenter
Academic
Scholars: Therefore,
the findings of this research served as a good literature for both scholars and
students of mass communication, journalism and other media related students and
practitioners who might want to carry out similar or related research in the
future.
FIBAN:
Freelance and
Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria also learn lots from this
research as it will enable independent presenters to know how they can play
their game.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The scope of the study has been limited to Unique F.M, due
to time factor, all media houses cannot be study in all and that is while is
narrowed to Unique F.M
Also,
demographic factor of the staff and management of Unique FM will be examined
such as age, gender, educational background, before the administration of the
research tool.
1.7
Definition of Terms
Evaluation:
To assess the
amount or value of freelance presenters in broadcast industry especially at
Unique F.M.
Impact:
The
contribution or role of freelance broadcasters in broadcast media especially in
Unique F.M
Freelance
Presenter: It
implies independent presenter that buys media airtime from radio and television
station to show case their programme or advert through media.
Broadcast
Industry: It
refers to the channel through which information is disseminated to the general public.
One of such media is Unique FM 103.1