What’s missing from the media right now?

Araya Suwankam disscused with everyone aspects of the media that we do not see today.

Who is Araya?

Araya has worked in community radio since 2007. Currently working at SBS in Melbourne, she is impressed by the scale of multiculturalism in Australia’s broadcasting industry.

She asked us to identify and explain factors that require consideration before generating any media content. Araya also told us to reflect on the question of what we think is missing in the media. Finally, everyone came together in groups to pitch a story and everyone put in an incredible effort.

What is ‘A-B-C’?

No, not the Australian Broadcasting Corporation but the areas of community broadcasting.

‘A‘ stood for Audience. Araya said to research your audience, the people you want to hear your voice.

‘B‘ stood for Brand. Your brand is your style of radio. So are you funny, smart or are you into sport? Whatever your style is, that is your brand.

And ‘C‘ stood for the codes of practice. This was the serious part of the presentation and Araya described several of these codes. The one I found to be most important was the code of increasing community involvement in broadcasting. To make your team of volunteers and broadcasters bigger gives people an opportunity to experience the media.

How do we have diversity within diversity?

Does your station talk about subculture? People who follow beliefs that are not as well known to the rest of us. Or do you discuss groups within your community and help broadcast their cause? These are diverse topics and every community radio station is diverse. This is how you have diversity within diversity.

What did our audience pitch?

Araya showed a list of questions to help everyone pitch an effective program. For example, groups were to answer ‘How will your story stand out’ and ‘How will you approach it?

 Well done to Araya and everyone who took part in the activities!