By Paricher Tavaria
Programming Head, Radio Mirchi, Surat
When you think of a Programming Head for a radio station, do not imagine the role is restricted to living and creating content for shows and keeping the team afloat. On my return to India after living most of my life abroad, I seem to be rediscovering what real programming is all about.
I’ve been breathing different forms of media since I was 15 - which makes it 14 years in the industry - but I’m still learning and growing. Every day, I’m involved in programming lives and people in different ways at my station. Mothering new interns, meeting RJs’ parents, keeping in touch with them, helping deal with heartbreaks, fighting schedules, listening to stories about in-laws, what happened when the maid didn’t show up, what the kids learnt at school, even what the dog destroyed at home - I think most PHs will share similar stories. It’s only when the day draws to a close that I get the majority of my work done. But I have no real complaints - it’s fun! A lot of people might say ‘You shouldn’t bother’, ‘You should have boundaries’, etc., etc., but it’s never been that way. You need to strike a balance and know when to think with your heart or your head. As a relatively new kid on the block (I’ve been initiated into the PH club in mid-June this year), I love the fact that it’s exactly like living in an extended family. And sure enough, you have some relatives whom you hardly meet. Work’s never boring. In many ways, it’s uniquely inspiring. And that’s the fun of it. We can be expressive. We do crazy things - today we wrote a song, a month back most of danced like mad on stage, three months back we had a crazy photoshoot... Heck, when I joined, I brought my family’s new Lab pup in too! We live in an awesome day and age where we have this space and ability to fan our creativity, always remaining positive. There will certainly be dark days - when we may just want to shut shop or station and run away. But it’s all about keeping the ship steady and pulling through the storm. If not for yourself, for the crazy yet loveable people with whom you have random antakshari sessions across cubicles, the newer kids who need to get out of their shell and yes, in my case, for my dog! I’m happy that my super-boss calls up to wish my dog a happy birthday! Though it’s actually my birthday, it’s the thought that counts! You meet people, make friends, fall in love with some, want to run away from others... then there are some with whom you talk only when there’s moolah involved. But would it kill you to pop a text once in a while and ask ‘How are you, really?’ Our lives have to be about people - we’re in the most expressive field ever.
Feedback:paricher.tavaria@timesgroup.com
