Interview with Mario Pacheco

This term in IPC, 4th Grade has been learning about the media and communication. To conclude the topic and answer questions that arose throughout, we interviewed some radio broadcasters. Mario Pacheco from Radio Punto 105 kindly joined 4th Pashley one afternoon. The following is the interview, translated by the students themselves:

In which area of the media do you work?

I am a radio presenter on Radio Punto 105.

How does it feel to be a radio presenter?

It is so nice to be a radio reporter! You can really use your imagination because I can listen to their (the listeners) stories and imagine things.

Do you enjoy your job? What is your favourite part of it?

My favourite part is when people call me about important news and positive stories or problems.

Why did you decide to work in the media and who or what inspired you?

I have loved the radio since I was little. It’s like a connection. In fact, not so long ago, I found a newspaper that my grandad produced and since then, I think I had that connection.

Why did you choose that particular radio station or how were you hired for that job?

When I began at this radio station I was on a salsa programme. I played salsa music and it was called .105 Salsa. I was a broadcaster. The second time working on the radio, the director was my friend so I asked him for a job. He told me to present a project and he hired me.

When did you first start working on the radio?

I started working 16 years ago as a broadcaster. It is very cold in the radio cabin because the equipment needs to be cold. You must wear a sweater.

How do you feel when you are talking on the radio?

I feel happy and not stressed. I like that the people participate. I could do it for free!

Who decides which news to present and how do you present it?

There is a group of people who have different jobs. One person is in charge of the programme, another one is in charge of social media, and so on. In this case, the one in charge of the programme will find the most relevant things from the moment and we will talk about that on the programme.

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Well, the most challenging part of my job is when we sometimes have electrical problems or when we have a guest and we have limited time to interview him or her. So, then we get a little bit nervous.

How do you play the music?

The music depends on what people want to hear or what would be appropriate for this type of news.  For children, we will play children’s music or the music their mum’s would listen to.

How do you ‘go live’?

We use various methods such as telephone, Google Meet, Cleanfield for better sound. We used to send the signal to the transmitters on the volcano.

How do you choose the people you will interview for your show?

The woman in charge of the show, sends us the things we will present. She looks for the most important news, what people want to know and finds people to interview. Sometimes businesses will pay for airtime.

Have you ever had to use the bathroom when you have been live on air?

Yes, yes! Many times. Sometimes I will move the camera to face my colleague so I can leave the studio. Sometimes we go during the commercial breaks.

You can find Mario Pacheco on Al Cierre 105.3 FM from 5pm weekdays.