Former Unisa Radio volunteer nominated in Liberty Radio Awards

Former Unisa Radio presenter, Masego Tlhakanye, has been nominated in the Liberty Radio Awards in the category of Commercial Content Producer.

Hailing from the town of Mafikeng, Masego Tlhakanye had a dream of working at a radio station one day and today she’s hitting the big time. Tlhakanye, who’s known to her radio peers as Chresh, started her career in radio at Unisa Radio.

Currently she produces Home with Mapaseka Mokwele, which holds a prime-time slot on Kaya FM. The hotshot producer has now been nominated in the Liberty Radio Awards in the category of Commercial Content Producer. Last year, Tlhakanye and her team emerged victorious at the Feather Awards with the Media of the Year award.

Unisa Radio journalist Dineo Khayemba sat down with Masego “Chresh” Tlhakanye to chat about her nomination and her journey thus far.

This is your first time being nominated for the Liberty Radio Awards. How do feel about your nomination and what was your reaction when you found out?

I have to admit that I was more hesitant about the Liberty Radio Awards this year, but my presenter Mapaseka kept on reminding me about the entries. So eventually, I decided to go for it. I found out about my nomination through a phone call from fellow content producer, Khetha Mkhize, and I was in disbelief and even thought he was joking.

What have you learned since you started producing Home with Mapaseka?

Remember I started at Kaya FM as a programming intern. I was rotating through different departments, including the music department, and sponsorship and promotions across the station. I ended up producing different shows and doing stand-in-content producing. So that is where I think my skills were polished.

Moving from producing music shows to talk was a huge step for me, but the move worked out really well because I did stand-ins for Mapaseka’s producer several times when he wasn’t around. I worked closely with him and that made it easier for me to gel in when I took over.

I learned that you never know enough. Always be willing to listen and also share or inform others.

What is the most challenging thing about producing?

LOL, as a producer you never relax until your show is done. Most importantly… never forget that you are only as good as your last work!

What do you enjoy the most about the show you’re currently producing?

When you and your presenter understand each other and have one goal, everything falls into place. I think, working with her, the team, and, most importantly, interacting with listeners every day is what I enjoy.

What shows do you see yourself producing in future? And what else in radio do you see yourself doing besides producing?

Right now, I am up for any challenge. I am ready to fly! So allow me to say the best is yet to come!

How does a producer build a good relationship with their presenter?

Respect each other’s work regardless of what happens.

How has it been like working with Mapaseka Mokwele and what have you learnt from her?

LOL…I was waiting for this question. One thing that I learned from her is that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, or how long you have been in the game…learn to respect others and stay humbled. She is a really fun and interesting person to work with.

Would you say volunteering at Unisa Radio helped prepare you for this great step?

I remember when I was talking to Unisa Radio new volunteers; they were shocked that I did not study Media but I am here. Let me tell you something, Unisa Radio was a foundation for my radio career.

I was employed at Kaya FM because of my experience at Unisa Radio. Volunteering and dedicating yourself to something that you love might seem like a waste of time but it pays off before you even know it!

What do you miss about Unisa Radio?

I miss the vibe. I miss seeing fellow young folks who are dedicated, passionate, and hungry for success!

When you were at Unisa Radio, you were presenting an entertainment/music show and now you are producing a show that touches on health, social issues, etc. Explain that transition?

The good thing about me is that I am a very good listener and like to help people with their issues. Well…of course not all their issues but I like to help where I can. And that made the transition easier. I still love music / entertainment shows but talk exposed the other side of me that I never thought existed. So for now I am content with the transition!

Words of encouragement for those who aspire to become producers?

I will talk to all young people out there. Listen, Boo…Everything that you want in your life is on the other side of fear, so let go of your fear and stop the "what if stories" in your mind. Research and read a lot to make informed decisions!

The Liberty Radio Awards will be held on 22 April 2017.

*By Dineo Khayemba