DZXL (558 kHz AM) RMN Manila (formerly Radyo Primero, Radyo Agong, and 558 RMN News Manila) is a news/talk and music radio station in Mega Manila market, Philippines.
It is a commercial broadcast station owned and operated by the Radio Mindanao Network.
Jorge Bandola is former PTV reporter who co-hosts a talk show called ‘Straight to the Point’ with Willie Delgado, Jr., weekdays at 6 am.
1. What do you talk about in Straight to the Point?
In Straight to the Point, we talk about anything and everything under the sun, especially when it comes to issues and topics which relate to peoples lives, humor and perseverance. We shy away as much as possible from discussing hard core politics.
2. What does a day in the life of Jorge Bandola look like?
Well, I usually wake up at 4am and leave home at 4.30am. I go on air from 6am to 9am and run some errands during most of the rest of the day.
3. Did you always want to be in radio / TV?
I dreamt of being a pilot, an aeronautics engineer or a civil engineer. My results in the entrance exam at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines was one point short of the cut-off point for the Engineering College. I went with my second choice of pursuing a diploma in broadcasting and the rest is history.
4. As someone who has extensive experience in TV media, how different is TV from radio?
Doing a radio broadcast is far better when informing the public is your main concern. You can explain issues and topics clearly and extensively. In TV, everything is prepared by a segment producer. While you do the talking and projecting to the camera, much of the effort is done from behind it.
5. How do you feel the media has an impact on the Philippines, especially from the standpoint of one who anchors a show on current events and public affairs?
If not for the media, we, as Filipinos, could have not started the First Bloodless Revolution. Media played a great role, especially radio, in that sense. If not for media and its freedom, we would be an uncivilised country. I take pride in the fact that in this age of digitisation, we at radio are still a firsthand source for information.
6. What kind of news do you look for when sourcing for a story?
I looked for everything within my beat when I was still doing my rounds as a Field Reporter. Now hosting for a radio program, I insist on finding and discussing stories and topics which relate to people's perseverance, success and interests. More on consumers than competition, more on outcomes than politics, more on mass transportation than procurement.
7. What tips do you have for those aspiring to be in broadcast media?
Read. Read. Read.
Interview courtesy Telum Media. Telum Media is a Singapore, Hong Kong & Sydney registered company founded in 2013 by former PR & journalism professionals who saw the need for a comprehensive media database in Asia. www.telummedia.com