Vox pop and clarity in radio broadcasting

Vox pop (populi) is a Latin abbreviation that means “the voice of the people”. In radio broadcasting the term “vox pop” means various people’s voices, expressing few reactions to the news. In broadcasting one of the golden rules is that vox pop must be relevant, and not done to simple fill air time Radio broadcasting focusing on the key local issues can use vox pop in their news item to reflect peoples feeling over an issue that affects them in the community. The reporter should pose a single question to various individuals in the street. It is important to ensure that local accents are represented in a vox pop. As a reporter you should be open to what you are doing and tell people that their views are important. If people are not willing to talk do not force them, but rather respect their will. Sometimes the response one get from people may not be polite and against the reporters expectations. The reporter should always smile and avoid arguing. Those who are not willing to participate should be respected. Recording of a vox pop should be done in a less noisy place to avoid an uncomfortable background as this may distract people’s utterances to be captured. Clarity in radio broadcasting is important as listeners cannot go back over to listen. The presenter must be clear and avoid rushing. Pronunciation and voice projection should be correctly adjusted without rushing. Simple short sentences translate to short statement filled with nickel and dime words should be used. The presenter should not be afraid to repeat words or phrases. Oral communication needs reinforcement. Simple words, use of real names and surnames should always be used instead of pronouns. The subject should be kept close to the verb to close the gap between the doer and the activity. Vox pop occupies only a minute of the airtime and the reporter should balance the selection after reaching out to many people.