MBOMBELA – For some it has signalled the end of an era, but for Dave Walters it has heralded a new chapter in his radio career.
Walters signed off as presenter on RiseFM for the last time on Saturday morning. He would, however, not be hanging up the headphones, he said this week, but merely exchange his seat behind the microphone for one “behind the scenes”.
Walters is now the full-time production manager for this regional station, owned by the Times Media Group (TMG).
Walters first graced the Lowveld’s airwaves as a presenter on Safari FM in the late 90s, something which he described as “gorilla-style” radio; working from an egg-boxed studio and learning as he went along. When the station closed he moved to Gauteng and spent several years honing his production and copywriting skills at Pick n Pay radio.
As soon as the opportunity arose to move back to the sunny Lowveld, Walters joined the crew at MPowerFM, the province’s first commercial radio station. TMG acquired the majority shares in MpowerFM in 2013, and rebranded the station as RiseFM in March.
Radio people were storytellers, said Walters. “We paint pictures in the minds of our listeners.” This is the same philosophy he applies to copywriting for radio, one of his focus areas on the production side. And, said head of radio at TMG, Mr Tony Mallam, advertising was picking up for the new station quite significantly.
Radio was an evolutionary business, and needed to be constantly tweaked, Mallam said about the several changes made at the station since its launch on March 3. “As part of this we are introducing changes in June, shuffling some of the presenters and bringing in exciting new talent.” RiseFM also made history this year when it teamed up with 10 local community radio stations for election coverage on May 7, “a first in SA radio history I think!” Mallam stated.
Walters agreed that radio was about reaching out; the “original outreach” he called it. About his swan song on the airwaves he thanked his fans for the support they showed via Facebook and Twitter. On his own Facebook page, after the broadcast, he had stated: “Furiously trying to hold it together and failing rather dismally. I thank you for having listened.”
Many fans responded and posted the phrase “We heard you” a phrase from the movie A boat that rocks, and one that signifies what he wanted to achieve as a presenter – to be heard.
He ended his show on Saturday morning with a touching story from his early days in community radio – when his heartfelt appeal as a young radio presenter changed, and saved, the life of a man who heard him. “We don’t always appreciate the power of the spoken word,” Walters declared, along with his commitment to radio.
Radio presenters traditionally have a certain lifespan and although he will miss reaching the people of Mpumalanga with his personal messages, he is excited to use his skills to grow the new and vibrant RiseFM. He will also not miss getting up at 04:00 on a Saturday!
