By Kenny Ogunmiloro
So here is my thought on whether it is right or wrong for an OAP to announce his/her resignation on air
I recently came across a video on Primus Media a few days ago where an OAP announced he was leaving a radio station and took the time to talk about his time at the radio station, I was with a few of my colleagues when I saw the video and it sparked a debate of whether it was right or wrong for him to be have announced his resignation on air.
Firstly, let me commend the courage of the OAP for handling the emotional pressure of announcing his exit with professionalism, he was all smiles. In most cases, It will be hard for some people to announce publicly they are leaving without breaking down emotionally while they try to find their words.
This happens in Football too when a player leaves a club or announces retirement – Messi cried his eyes out when he was leaving Barcelona and just recently we saw how Luiz Suarez broke down in tears when he announced his retirement from the Uruguay National Team.
Back to the main issue, I think the decision to announce one’s exit on-air does not necessarily mean bad ethics if it is professional, I think it depends on the station policy(some stations might have clauses restricting public announcements while leaving) and the OAP’s relationship with the station management before the resignation
If the station policy allows it and if you have a good relationship with the management, I do not see it as any big deal as long as the OAP is professional about it but in a case where you kept your plans to leave away from the station management and wait for your final day on air to announce your exit is all shades of wrong and highly unprofessional
There was a reason Osimhen was not allowed to say goodbye to Napoli team-mates, staff, and fans despite scoring goals that won them their first Scudetto title in more than 30 years and also, there was a reason Mason Mount left Chelsea, signed for Man United before he could do a video to thank Chelsea fans despite being at Chelsea since age 8.
I think the relationship with the station is key
However, some things must be considered before an OAP goes on air to announce his/her resignation
1. Emotional Attachment- Leaving a radio station after years of dedication and choosing to announce It can be an emotional experience, and the OAP might not want to share that vulnerability on air. If you know you can’t handle it, avoid it. You can focus on making a video or write an official statement and share it online hours/days after you have left.
One thing is certain, you MUST let your fans know you’ve left for the sake of transparency.
2. Respect for the station – Saying your last words on the radio station does not give you the right to expose the weakness of the station or talk down the station, avoid any negative comment. As a further mark of respect, don’t announce your destination during your announcement
3. Appreciate your audience and the station management for the opportunity to work with them – Mention names if you have to
4. Make it brief
Finally, Ensure you discuss your plans with the station management before making any on-air announcements, and don’t forget that how you resign and the way in which you conduct yourself through this (often challenging and emotional) process is a reflection of what you think and feel about yourself, and also how you wish to treat others and be remembered. Using Fresh FM as a case study, there was a reason Tope Edward, and Uncle Yanju Adegbite, were allowed to announce their exits on the popular Freshly Pressed program and also, there were reasons why some OAPs that left did not get the opportunity
What do you think about this? Kindly let me know in the comment section.