On Cue with Kafui DEY: Why everyone wants to be on air (and why most shouldn’t)

There is something magical about a microphone. The red “ON AIR” light comes on, the studio goes quiet, and suddenly thousands, sometimes millions, of people can hear your voice.

Today in Ghana, everyone wants to be on air. Students, influencers, comedians, entrepreneurs, and social media personalities are all angling for that seat. Walk into any radio station in Accra, Kumasi, or Takoradi, and you will find young people waiting to audition, intern, or simply “sit in” hoping to get a chance.

I understand the attraction. Being on air looks glamorous. You see the presenter laughing with guests, wearing nice clothes, and being recognized at the mall. But what you don’t see is the preparation, the pressure, and the rejection.

Let me be honest with you: broadcasting is not just about talking. It is about communication, responsibility, preparation, and influence. And the first question you must ask yourself is not “How do I get on air?” but “Do I really want to do this?”

The reality of media in Ghana is not always glamorous. Sometimes the studio lights are so hot you feel like you are in a bakery. Sometimes your guest cancels ten minutes before the show, and you have to fill forty-five minutes alone. Sometimes social media wakes up and decides to criticize you for something you said, or didn’t say.

I have seen beginners walk into studios with big dreams and leave within six months because they could not handle the criticism or the discipline. I have also seen quiet, unassuming interns become the most trusted voices on national radio because they understood something fundamental: the microphone is not about you.

So before you buy that microphone or print that business card, take a moment. Ask yourself: Do I genuinely love communication? Do I enjoy serving people with information? Am I willing to prepare for hours for a thirty-minute show? Can I handle someone calling me “boring” or “too loud” in the comments?

If your answer is yes, then welcome. The industry has space for you. But if your motivation is simply fame, money, or validation, the red light will expose you. It always does.

The difference between those who last and those who fade is not talent alone. It is character, consistency, and a genuine love for the craft.

In the coming weeks, I will walk you through everything you need to know to build a sustainable career in Ghanaian media: from finding your voice to surviving studio politics, from equipment on a budget to earning real income. Consider this your practical roadmap.

But let this first lesson sit with you: broadcasting is a privilege, not a right. Treat it that way, and the microphone will open doors you never imagined. Treat it lightly, and the industry will humble you quickly.

The red light is waiting. Are you ready?

Kafui Dey is a broadcast media coach, podcaster and radio host with decades of experience in the Ghanaian media industry. These articles are adapted from his book “So You Want to Be On Air? A Beginner’s Guide for Ghanaian TV Presenters and Podcasters.”

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