Mbali Sibanyoni

Junior Reporter

Brief intro

Mbali is calm and free spirited individual. I am a junior reporter for Y news. I was born Soweto and lived most of my life in Lenasia. I’m a real Jo’burger and love the fast pace in the city.

Brief professional background

I am a third year journalism student at the Tshwane University of technology. I am currently studying towards a National Diploma. I worked at TUT FM as a news reader and an anchor for a current affairs programme called ‘Live at 12′.

What is your position & how do you spend your work time?

Mbali is a junior reporter. I’m in a learning phase so I do research, arrange interviews, sound edit etc. I’m not on air yet.

When did you get your break in radio?

Got my big break in 2009 at TUT fm as a news reader, and got an interview with YFM in March 2010. I only joined the Y family in April 2010 so I’m still a “newbee”.

What’s the best thing about the job?

Delivering news as it breaks and also providing the youth with the necessary information.

What’s the worst thing about the job?

Finding relevant stories that the youth will relate to, and chasing deadlines.

Why do you prefer radio over print media?

Radio is fast, you get to report on current events immediately. Unlike print, where you always have to wait in order for you to get details.

What was your most embarrassing moment on air?

My first time! Well, you always want things to be perfect and that usually causes one to fumble. I’ve had a few embarrassing moments behind the scenes but not yet on-air.

Are social networking websites [Facebook, Twitter etc] good for journalism?

Yes! They are a means of getting information in a fun way. People get to discuss and give their own opinions on current events. So it is good for citizen journalism.