Vic Naidoo moving up the rankings in radio
JOBURG – Vic Naidoo is an example of where hard work and perseverance can get you in an industry so difficult to crack into.
With a career that started on campus radio and soon skyrocketed to commercial grounds, Vic Naidoo is one of the loved and talked about radio and TV personalities.
Naidoo is an example of where hard work and perseverance can get you in an industry so difficult to crack down. For Naidoo, it all started with UJfm where he was brought on board as a newsreader while studying.
“My first paying radio gig was as a sports presenter on SAfm and I knew nothing about sports, but I knew it was time for professional radio,” he recalls.
When he started working at the station, everything he learnt on campus radio went out the window and it was time to learn new skills and improve.
“I thought I knew everything simply because I managed to land a paying radio job. That was just the first part!” he explained. “Also, I knew nothing about sports, so I was learning sports and how to broadcast to older listeners. I was 20 at the time.”
For Naidoo, the challenge now is no longer making demos but more about creating valuable content that is engaging and different for the listeners.
“We have social media and the Internet has become a place that has so much real-time entertainment – which I have to compete with as a broadcaster.” So, as a presenter, he is constantly making sure what he is offering is worth the listener tuning in and keeping them gripped.
“They need to feel respected and part of things. And it can’t just be about the music,” said Naidoo.
Naidoo said radio is still a big thing and people are passionate about it. “They form connections with the presenters. I think the industry is also such that it is open to everyone.”
Having done so much already on both TV and radio, Naidoo still has plans to take it even further. “I want to grow more, I don’t think we can ever grow enough or learn enough. I want to continue learning and slaying.”
Like many radio DJs or presenters, getting that prime time slot is the goal and it is the same for Naidoo, too. More importantly, however, he wants to inspire others.
“I would also like to be one of those radio personalities who inspire young kids to get into radio one day, the way I was inspired by some major radio legends.”
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