TV Announcer Maysa Radman: “I wish that the Yemeni satellite channel were the #1 Channel for both Yemeni and Arab audiences.” [Archives:1999/18/Culture]

Among the Yemeni female TV presenters, the Name Maysa Radman comes on top. In a very short period she has been able to become the Cenderila of the Yemeni Settlite Channel ( YSC) as the public would like to hail her. The Yemeni press unanimously nominated her to be the best TV host for the year.
A graduate from the French Department, her way to the world of lights and fame was a mere coincidence. Her sister once applied to Aden TV channel and at the day of testing she fell sick. Maysa came on the way and took her place for the test. She did fine and in a record time she became a brilliant host in Aden TV. Her accomplishment in Aden gave her a boost to be nominated for the YSC, the only front of the country to the outside world. In less than a year, Maysa became the favorite TV host for many TV spectators. She topped all this success when she became the MBC correspondent in Sanaa. However, Maysa’s road to success was not all cream and honey but her confidence in herself enabled her to get over obstacles that encountered her throughout.
Q: You started on the second channel, were promoted to work on the satellite channel, and now you have been chosen as a reporter on the socio-cultural MBC program “Masaa Al-Khair Ya Arab.” What have these changes added to your career?
A: Undoubtedly my first home was the second channel, a high quality institution that has graduated many reporters and TV workers. I have learned a lot of things from great teachers I respect. During my service here I joined a training courses held in Aden regarding news techniques, arranged by the BBC channel, that was the real turning point in my career. It opened up for me the wide horizons of information tasks that I was unacquainted with. I began to develop such methods of news making as film materials and scripts, news report productions, and many other things. Then I was nominated to work with MBC satellite channel, which coincided with my presence in London participating in the second international conference on Child TV, another transfer where I was able to comprehend children’s TV programs from all over the world. I returned to Yemen full of hope of introducing this unknown art to my country.
Q: Do you think that beauty by itself is enough to make a successful announcer, or there are other qualifications?
A: A few decades ago beauty was the main requirement for entering the TV world as an announcer, but these measurements have changed totally and beauty has become unimportant. I think that now calming looks are more important than a charming beauty and exaggerated appearances. Other things are important as well, especially for live announcers, things such as strong character, work ethic, ability to work, generalized knowledge and a strong sense of humor to avoid any feelings of boredom.
Q: Experience has shown that the Yemeni satellite channel can not compete other Arab satellite channels, what is your opinion and what could be done to enable this channel to compete with other channels?
A: Despite this widespread belief, some of the Yemeni satellite channel’s programs have proved to be successful, and the channel is eager to gain a place among other satellite channels. Its success has been extremely limited, but with sustained efforts to develop the program and news works, it has a chance. The TV sector is working hard to gain the latest technology that could assist the information cadre. This is mainly for announcers of both genders who reflect the technical and background work to the outside world.
Q: You have a BA in foreign languages, but up to now you haven’t presented any foreign programs, why?
A: It is not necessary to make use of English or French language in representing foreign programs. The knowledge of languages facilitates my work, especially when I deal with foreigners, since I know the correct usage of language.
Q: How do you see the artistic, cultural and social presence in Yemeni media?
A: Despite the current cultural stagnancy and some signs of weakening that we see here and there, it is improving. Events arranged by various cultural centers are attempting to restore the cultural spirit, and non governmental centers maintain activities which reflect the great concern of the people for their social reality. The culture has passed through many changes in the framework of our multi-faced society, and social awareness is developing and bringing new meanings to our old concepts. The light of culture is growing slowly, but it remains a lone candle trying to spread the light. A difficult task, but as the proverb says ” The light of one candle is a thousand times better than darkness.” Current indicators show that there are some changes in various aspects of TV programming, especially for women. Many programs try to focus on certain groups.
Q: What have you contributed to Yemeni TV programs, and what are the dreams of Yemeni satellites’ Cinderella?
A: An exaggerated question, as I am only one announcer among hundreds who try to give their best to develop the programs they are working on. Like everybody else, I dream. I dream of my message reaching those who can read it. Programs should contain moral concepts, and try to improve lives. I dream of having a successful career with my companions so we can reach a better condition and a higher level. Different points of view should seek the development of performance, not its limitation.
Q: Have you been enrolled in training courses abroad to catch up with the latest studies in your specialization?
A: My first course was in 1997 in Aden. It was taught by a brilliant journalist from the BBC channel, and I obtained the second degree. My second course was in 1998 in Al Khalifa institute where I obtained the first degree. Both courses helped me a lot in gaining new information that has improved my career life. Regarding courses abroad, unfortunately my only participation was in London in the Second Conference of Children’s TV and that only for five days. It wasn’t even really a course, merely observation.
Q: What are the main obstacles to your career that you face?
A: Everybody faces difficulties in career life, but the qualified management of our station does its best to remove all obstacles, for which I feel grateful.
Q: What do you wish for the Yemeni satellite channel?
A: Deep in my heart I wish that the Yemeni satellite channel will be the No. 1 Channel for both Yemeni and Arab audiences. That is a difficult task that requires combined efforts, as well as modern technology and developed capacities. I wish my colleagues success and all the best.
By: Marwan Al-Haideri
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