Singapore Trains Radio Disc Jockeys To Handle Crisis Calls
40 MediaCorp Disc Jockeys (DJs) learnd how to handle fast and furious calls from the public should a crisis happen in the middle of their shift.
They were exposed to a real-time simulated crisis scenario. Through this workshop, these DJs fully appreciated their roles as the radio is very often a critical channel of information and outreach to the public.
DJs take on multiple roles, from newscasters to counsellors to interviewers.
This specially designed workshop was conducted by two seasoned BBC journalists. It provided the local DJs a better understanding of their critical roles as a partner in managing tensions during a crisis in Singapore. It also equipped them with practical skills to handle the highly-stressed studio environment should a crisis occur during their shifts.
The workshop was organised by the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts (MICA) together with the Community Engagement Programme Secretariat (from the Ministry of Home Affairs) and MediaCorp Radio.
In 2007, the DJs were invited to a half-day workshop. This 2010 run is the first practical full-day workshop. Ms Zakiah Halim, Vice President of Malay, Indian and Expat Programming, Radio Division, MediaCorp, said, “The familiar voices of our DJs can help bring calm in times of crises. They will take on the role of disseminating timely and accurate updates. So it is important for them to enhance their skills and this training will be a good opportunity for them to learn from the experiences of the specialists who have gone through real life crises.”
Ms K Bhavani, Head of the Media and Arts Cluster in MICA, under the CEP, said,”We realise that radio DJs are critical partners in a crisis. Very often they are the first source of information for the public. It is therefore important that our local DJs realise their roles. This specially-designed training session ensures that our DJs pick up crucial skills so that they will be familiar and be ready to react effectively during a crisis.”
For more information on the CEP, please refer to the factsheet attached or visit the Singapore United web portal at www.singaporeunited.sg
What is the Community Engagement Programme (CEP)?
The Community Engagement Programme (CEP) seeks to strengthen the understanding and ties between people of different races and religions, and build up our society’s skills and knowledge in coping with emergencies. It is a network of people to help prevent racial & religious conflict
Response plans to cope with the shock of a terrorist incident
Through the Community Engagement Programme, the community will be involved in response plans that will be activated when a crisis, for example a terrorist incident, does occur. These plans aim to help Singaporeans cope with the shock and to stay calm and resilient. This will ensure that our society stays together, and we can continue with our daily lives as quickly as possible.
As part of the CEP, the CEP Secretariat from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the cluster lead agencies from the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts; Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports; Ministry of Education; Ministry of Manpower; and the People’s Association, will continue to engage and work with relevant and interested organisations to build capability and networks of trust.
Topics: Communications and the Arts, crisis calls, disk jockeys, DJs, Governance, government, information, MediaCorp Radio, MICA, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Information, Public, Radio, shift, Singapore, skills, society, studio environment, terrorist
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