Radio Host Reha Özcan: “Career is built while in school”

An event titled “Frequency is Breaking ‘Radio Broadcasting Meets the Podcast Era!’” was organized by Üsküdar University Career Center Directorate within the scope of Future Talks events. Director, Radio Host, and Broadcaster Reha Özcan attended the event as a guest. Özcan, who addressed the transformations radio broadcasting has undergone with the podcast era, drew attention to rapid consumption habits. Stating that the foundation of broadcasting is not just talking, Özcan spoke about the importance of listening in communication. Özcan also underlined that a career should be built while in school. 

Making the opening speech of the event held at Üsküdar University South Campus Socrates Hall, Semra Gül, Assistant Manager of Sector Collaborations at the Career Center Directorate, drew attention to the importance of sectoral meetings for students' professional development.

“Starting independent broadcasting is my second career”

Reha Özcan, sharing his experiences regarding his broadcasting career and the transformation in the media industry with students, stated that he turned to independent broadcasting in 2016. Özcan stated that podcast and digital broadcasting initiated a new era in his career; “In the past, I worked as editor-in-chief, and in many national institutions, I served as both a broadcaster and a production manager. I started independent broadcasting in 2016. I can say that starting independent broadcasting is my second career. As Karma Türkiye, we established our own podcast and radio listening platform. Currently, there are close to 400 podcast content creators.” he said. 

“Broadcasting is when what we have to tell cannot be contained within us”

Özcan, emphasizing the importance of production in content creation, stressed that broadcasting is not limited to professional platforms. Özcan, drawing attention to the fact that everyone can be a broadcaster in their daily lives; “Essentially, broadcasting is when what we have to convey and tell cannot be contained within us. It means wanting to be in a state of sharing. You can even be a broadcaster in your social circle. Whoever talks the most in your friend group is actually your group's broadcaster. Whoever handles the organization and planning is the producer of that friend group.” he stated. 

“We don’t even have time to listen to a podcast”

Özcan, emphasizing podcast broadcasting, drew attention to rapid consumption habits and touched upon the importance of lasting content. Özcan; “Podcast is the content type from which the most revenue can be generated in this audience. Because people who read a lot generally want to participate in podcasts, i.e., audio communication, and want to be patient. In the era we live in, it might be very difficult for you too. Do you watch a broadcast for more than half an hour at a time? Very rarely now, because 2X, 5X speeds have emerged to accelerate it. We don't even have time to listen to a podcast, but I don't actually think we are in such a hurry in life.” he said. 

“Broadcasting is about listening to everything”

Özcan, also touching upon the importance of listening in communication, drew attention to the fact that the foundation of broadcasting is not just talking. Özcan; “In fact, the concept we call communication evolves into something that progresses as it fully develops; it's about giving opportunity and recognizing opportunity. Listening is as valuable as telling something. They would never prefer to listen to someone who doesn't listen. For example, there are some interjections, where we tell something and there's a constant state of intervention without interrupting. They build broadcasting on telling something, but broadcasting is about listening to everything.” he said.

“Career is built while in school”

Özcan also gave advice to students on career planning, drawing attention to the importance of university years. Özcan; “Generally, in job applications, they ask, ‘What have you done?’ Production is very easy now; you can shoot with your mobile phones and record audio with many simple applications. What you do during your student life is very effective. In how many projects have you worked as a cameraman and intern? In all job applications, there is a question, ‘Do you have work experience?’ You might think, ‘Well, how can I gain experience without starting?’ In fact, a career is built while in school. All the projects you participate in at university will either highlight your CV in future job applications or cause you to fall behind.” he said.

The event concluded with the presentation of a certificate of appreciation and a group photo session.  

Reporter: Ayşenur Özdemir