Linda Onn open to returning to radio for the right offer
She said that radio announcers deserve to be offered high salaries, considering their ability to attract listeners and boost the station’s ratings.
KUALA LUMPUR - To relive the experience of working in a studio, former radio announcer Linda Onn has been actively engaging with her fans through live broadcasts on TikTok since the beginning of this year.
With over two decades of experience in radio broadcasting, Linda, 47, whose real name is Rozlindah Onn, said the social media platform allows her to interact with her fans in a two-way communication.
"This approach really helps me satisfy my longing for the studio environment. I admit the impact and satisfaction are not the same as being in a real radio studio but it’s enough.
"When I go live and have fans tuning in, it’s already fulfilling... because for now, I’m only broadcasting here on TikTok, not on a radio station,” she told reporters after attending the Merdeka Day Celebration and Appreciation Night for Lady Bikers Malaysia recently.
However, Linda remains open to the possibility of returning to radio if the opportunity arises in the future.
"If the offer is good, why not? Nowadays, some radio announcers are earning RM100,000. We never had that before. So, I’d be interested if such an offer came my way. I’m definitely 'on' (would accept it)," she joked.
Linda, who has worked with popular radio stations such as Era, Sinar, Suria and Kool FM, noted that the trend of radio announcers moving from one station to another due to higher offers is common and has been happening for a long time.
"Radio announcers are like football players who frequently switch teams, and this is something normal. When I was working at a radio station, I faced the same situation. There were radio stations, including from Singapore, that tried to lure me,” she said.
She added radio announcers deserve to be offered high salaries, considering their ability to attract listeners and boost the station’s ratings.
"Today’s trend shows singers, actors and comedians can also become radio announcers. There’s nothing wrong with this if they can draw people’s attention to listen to the radio and increase ratings. The issue of integrity or them not being 'real' radio people does not arise because over time, they will become part of the radio industry.
"It’s just like radio announcers suddenly becoming actors. Our entertainment industry is small and we should just celebrate it,” said Linda, who is now busy managing her chicken rice business, My Mom’s Chicken Rice. - BERNAMA
