Always try to learn something new – this industry is always evolving

carmine

Location: Cape Town, South Africa. What do you do? I am an audio engineer for a news broadcasting station and a presenter and online blogger for an online radio station which aims to challenge gender stereotyping.

Why did this type of work interest you, and how did you get started?

Well, I always knew I wanted to be involved in a creative field, initially I thought of studying music after school but I wanted to do something a little broader than that. I opted to study for a diploma in Audio Engineering and I worked in theatre production as well as film for a while. It was by my former lecturers’ recommendation that I got an invitation to do an interview at a news broadcasting station.

It was only recently that I’ve started to broadcast my own interviews and articles on an online platform, Astute-Radio – Getting the conversation started beyond stereotypes. The media platform’s aim is to focus on the advancement of women and to challenge or break down and free people from the damaging effects of gender stereotypes. Learning to do interviews and create content is an ongoing learning curve and I am enjoying every minute of it! 

What part of this job do you personally find most satisfying? Most challenging?

I enjoy working in a live environment where news is being broadcast as it happens. Keeping up with what is happening around the world has really enriched me and helped me form my own ideas around big issues.  What I find challenging is the early mornings and late nights. Being involved in an industry that is “awake” for 24 hours requires commitment and often sacrificing your personal time. 

What are your long-term goals?

I would love to finish my Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

What special advice do you have for a student seeking to qualify for this position?

Be warned: being involved in television (whether it is in a technical field, as talent or even as a journalist) is never as glamorous as it looks on air. It requires commitment and often you will be working while everyone has already gone home (to watch your show) . Make sure that you are aware of the sacrifices you may have to make. 

 If you wish to qualify as an audio engineer, there are many different avenues to work in, make sure you explore and are familiar with all the options. 

Do you have any special words of warning or encouragement as a result of your experience?

First a word of warning: Where I live, the media Industry is a rather small, close-knit industry. It is important to make a good impression, especially in the early days of your career and to network a lot. Be humble and hungry for success. Always try to learn something new, as this industry is always evolving with new technology and ways to communicate. 

And a word of encouragement: Have Fun!! This is an incredibly interesting and stimulating line of work. 

My strongest assets/skills, areas of knowledge, personality traits and values are….

I am a dedicated, determined person and I value authenticity, honesty and kindness. My area of expertise is broadcast and audio systems.

Links to some of Carmine’s work.  

 http://www.astute-radio.com/black-bodies-do-they-matter/

http://www.astute-radio.com/sexualising-sarah-baartman/

http://www.astute-radio.com/the-value-of-time/

http://www.astute-radio.com/your-media-our-media/

http://www.astute-radio.com/stereotypes-people-living-in-poverty/