RADIO announcers have long had an influential role in brightening up our days through their entertaining personalities and engaging voices. Just by tuning into their radio segments, one can ease off and recline. This personal connection is what drew radio announcer Anne Jacyntha to a career in radio.
“Radio has always been a big part of my life. I listen to it on a daily basis. I remember being called a walking radio because of my ability to memorise the ads and songs. But the thing I love most about radio is the personal connection radio announcers have with their listeners.”
This passion motivated her to participate in Fly FM’s Flydol in 2017. Although she did not win, she was retained as a weekend announcer until last October, when she was hired full-time. Since then, she has been hosting the channel’s biggest chart show, Fly FM’s Top 50 every week night from 8pm to midnight. When she is not on air, Anne is busy revising for her upcoming law exam finals.
How has it been working full-time at Fly FM?
It has been great! The people I work with are amazing. They make work so fun and it just makes it easier for me to love my job. Ili Ruzanna, who hosts the breakfast show, is definitely someone I look up to. We were in Flydol 2017 together. She won the contest and now, she is on the breakfast show. She is an amazing announcer and an amazing person too! She is definitely an inspiration.
Why did you choose to pursue a degree in law instead of communications?
I have always had a big interest in both. I wanted to study communications so that I could get into radio. But Flydol happened a month after my SPM. At that point, I was not even enrolled for my pre-uni studies yet. So technically, joining Flydol 2017 helped me achieve that goal of getting into radio. This in turn helped me pick a degree and I chose to pursue law.
Has the pandemic affected your work?
It was a tough time for everyone. A lot of people were alone and far away from their loved ones. It was then, more than ever, that people needed some company, to hear a friendly voice. Though things are a lot better now, people are still in need of a friend or a laugh. So I try my best to deliver fun, crazy and entertaining content and do my best every night. Someone out there might just need it.
Does social media help you stay connected with listeners?
Social media has made it so easy to stay connected with listeners. The only “trick” I have is to continue posting content on all my social media platforms to stay engaged with listeners. The pandemic definitely made it harder to shoot content, but it also made everyone more creative.
Who would be a dream guest to have on your show?
Definitely The Weeknd. He is my number one favourite artiste. His music, his voice, his ideas are amazing! I would probably freeze in awe and he would think I am weird for sure but yes, The Weeknd is my dream guest.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you wish to continue in this line of work?
Honestly, I do not know. I love my job and law still interests me. So for now, I am going to focus on work and completing my degree.
What advice would you give to aspiring radio announcers?
Do not be afraid to put yourself out there. Also, be active on social media. Be consistent in creating content on your socials. It is a good way to get people to know you and your personality. And of course, be as true and authentic as you can be.
