MANILA, Philippines — Dobol B sa News TV is a program that possesses the accessibility of radio and the intimacy of TV. (It has a tagline, Radyo na, TV pa.) Thus, the exchange of information and the level of engagement are more heightened. The show’s Big Four — Mike Enriquez, Arnold Clavio, Ali Sotto and Joel Reyes Zobel — can attest to it.
Their show turns one this month and the shift from radio to TV — or the combination of the two — is an extraordinary feat as well as experience to them. Now, the voices are seen.
“I think the beauty of this (or the good thing) now is, they (listeners) can shift,” replied Ali when The STAR asked about this radio-on-TV trend with the consequence of turning listeners to viewers. “Once they get into the car, you know if they are watching TV when they are getting ready for work and once they jump into the car, they can tune in to radio. The two media seem symbiotic.” This reveals today’s audience media behavior that after watching Dobol B sa News TV, viewers listen to it on the radio and vice versa. Simply put, the public is engaged — and wants to be in the loop.
This is an exciting time for radio announcers and commentators. Radyo na, TV pa gives them the opportunity to tap and reach new markets.
“I’m more aware now that more young people watch us,” shared the actress-singer-turned-media personality. “I thought before AM radio (was) on its way out… sa dami ng choices ngayon ng media. Among media, ang dami mo ng kalaban na pwedeng panoorin o pakinggan, AM radio is still (here)… It can never die… with the advent of Radyo na, TV pa, all of a sudden, I get private and direct messages and communication from young people. The reach has widened.”
So the Gen X and the millennials are a welcome addition to Dobol B sa News TV’s audience (housewives, farmers, market vendors and commuters, who are braving the traffic jam to reach their workplace before 9 a.m.).
With the traditional media, not to mention the presence of online media, Dobol B is also facing some stiff competition. And watching it on TV has strengthened its hold among its following. Data provided by Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement show that DZBB topped the weekday morning programming in Mega Manila during the last quarter of 2017 and first quarter of 2018. Although aired on TV, Dobol B remains a preferred source of news and commentaries among Filipinos.
“With the advent of new media, if I may use the word “surge” of new media, kapag may nakikinig pa sa amin at nanonod pa sa amin, you can be sure (they are engaged). Since people have (many) choices and in spite of that, they are still tuning in (to radio),” said Mike. “So we’re very sure these people are engaged, very involved, very immersed. They are aware. They really depend (on) and they trust radio.” The veteran news anchor and host added that “According to studies, the number has not really dramatically fallen. There’s a decrease, a little bit,” but radio didn’t hit bottom. Mike said that maybe one’s observation on radio’s (dwindling) popularity is Metro Manila-centric. “You should go out there to the national country. The Philippines is a radio country, still.”
Ali, Mike, Arnold and Joel engage the public with their commentaries
This can be attributed to the quality and variety of radio content (Saksi sa Dobol B, Super Balita sa Umaga Nationwide, Sino? and Dobol A sa Dobol B) and segments (Jeng-Jeng and Balitawit). Regardless of medium or platform, content is still king.
“For me, infotainment works,” said Ali of her and colleagues’ style in their shows. “Do you know what it takes to do what we’re doing, considering that this is news? Personally, I’d rather do straight news, newscast and analyze news (items). To look for the lighter side of news, do you know how much work it takes or do you know that you should have that innate ability to see the lighter side of the news? Paano ka papanoorin kung ang bigat, bigat ng programa mo. You need to have to reel in them first because of the entertainment and then, you give them the content. People will not watch you or they will not listen to you if you’re boring. As far as content is concerned, I will keep it that way.”
Even if they also bank on entertainment, Ali, Mike, Arnold and Joel know their core: That is to inform (and educate) their audiences.
During the roundtable interview, Mike shared some tips for success: “When you’re having fun, you don’t have to work a single day of your life… (Having a successful show) has to be a mix of both professional and personal chemistry. We do not claim to be geniuses, never. All of this, we think, is (just) God’s gift. We’re just blessed. Probably, this is just a classic case of we’re in the right place at the right time, with the right people.”
He also acknowledged the hard work of Dobol B’s men and women (from writers, reporters, production assistants to administrative and operations staff), who are part of its story — whether on radio or on TV.
(Dobol B sa News TV airs weekdays from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. It is also available on GMA News TV International.)