Interactivity and attractiveness: three questions for Nigerien journalist Ali Oumarou

Since April, the 46 media outlets that are project partners have received one week of on-site support to improve the quality of their interactive programmes in connection with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ali Oumarou, journalist and presenter of the programme “Opinions Plurielles” on the La Voix du Sahel radio station in Niger gives his view. 

What are the two main contributions that this support has made to your way of working? 

Ali Oumarou: “Firstly, programme preparation. With the trainer, we worked on the various stages of preparing and presenting an interactive programme, incorporating various interactivity supports and tools. I have come to realise the importance of taking the time to prepare in order to ensure the success of an interactive programme. Before, we mainly relied on improvisation. But now, the work is easier. And the other contribution is without doubt the development of the script. The Netia software that we used was, we thought, sufficient for communication with the control room. However, thanks to the exercise we did with the trainer, I now know that the script improved communication.”

In terms of interactive programmes, what challenges do you think you are now equipped to overcome?

Ali Oumarou: “The first challenge is undoubtedly managing the listeners who call in, guests in the studio and other contributions via the interactivity supports, especially WhatsApp voice messages. I am now able to easily manage all of this thanks to the advice I received. The other challenge relates to promoting the programme before it airs, firstly on the radio, via trailers, and then on social media, especially via WhatsApp as the programme already has several listener groups. This is now an additional asset for us and for the success of our programmes.”

What potential production projects does your media outlet have in line with the SDGs? 

Ali Oumarou: “As a national radio station, we tackle almost all the issues associated with the SDGs in our various programmes, whether in French or the national languages. We will be highlighting the quality of education in Niger as this sector has been experiencing difficulties in several areas for many years. We will insist on the quality of teaching and learning to enable schools to regain their badges of honour. As education is key to the development of the nation, access to quality education for all is a major issue.

A second on-site support sessionis planned for the next six months to assess the progress made and provide the journalists from the 46 partner media outlets with additional advice on the interactivity and attractiveness of content in line with the SDGs.