BY REBECCA MACKIN
COMMONLY heard and known throughout our nation by the tone of her voice on our local radio, without guessing one can directly tell her name.
Imagining her famous smile as she speaks on air, you can feel and recognise the voice of Moddy Nanau.
Serving as one of the longest female broad caster on radio Solomon Women took this chance to speak with her.
Moddie Mareka Nanau comes from Orimaihura Village in the southern part of Malaita. Moddie has served Solomon Islands Broadcasting Cooperation (SIBC) for quite a long time.
She works for 33 years since 1982 till now. From a humble beginning Moddie shares her story.
“When I was little I used to enjoy imitating Tina Lemazi’s Voice while hearing her on the radio. There was this one time I was imitating her and my uncle told me that if I wanted to be like her I must work hard in school.
“But with that advice I never took it seriously. As I grew up I attended my primary education at Hunanaawa Primary School and I was accepted for secondary level at the old Selwyn College School.
“When I reached form five I was unable to complete it because my parents couldn’t afford to pay my school fee. At that time my other siblings were also in school.
“After l completed school at that stage, my parents then told me that I have to look for a job in order to help pay for their fees.
“With that strong command, I started applying for work and was accepted in other companies but with requirements further courses.
“But with the urgent need of finance for my family, I had to look for a simple job where I could get direct payment.
“One day a friend of mine applied to work for a junior post at SIBC and told me to apply also.
“I applied and got accepted to work as a junior announcer, and during those times it was the last job I can think off, having no idea that through that job it would change me and make me to be the person I am today.
“I started off in the library section, to be more familiarized with the broadcasting system and took up a training course on Radio production and presentation facilitated by Martin Hardlaw.
“The first time I went on air was when two of our Radio broadcasters were sick and I had to go on air. Looking back on it was a challenge,” says Moddie.
“I had no confidence and I was afraid but through encouragement from my boss I slowly built my confidence.
“Working in our local media industry such as radio broadcasting was very challenging because we have to meet certain deadlines.
“Almost 90% of our time was spent on our work and in most times you’re required to stay up late. I don’t have enough time to spend with my families.
“As a woman, being a mother, a wife, and having to perform these roles is sometimes hard.
“Just imagine in our culture a wife has to fulfil her duties at home.
“With such important responsibility a mother has to prepare food on the table for her family and to meet children’s daily needs and wants.
“Although it’s tough, but above all, it’s about genuine understanding,” says Moddie. ‘’Through understanding from our families and spouses one can absolutely fulfil her role at work.’’
Happy and more relaxed Moddie said she’s very proud to say that her husband is very supportive in her work. He understands the nature of my work and respects me.
“Despite the demanding job, sleepless nights and long working odd hours I certainly love my job and I’m crazy about it because the beauty as a broadcaster is speaking about the truth, breaking the news, making friends, speaking for people who cannot speak for themselves and most of all having people listening to you, in a way you are their eyes and ears.
“My small word of encouragement to any female or woman who’s currently in the media industry or thinking of joining the media as journalist or broadcaster is to have a strong passion about your work.
“In doing so you can be able to do anything that comes your way.
“To believe in yourself is another thing, because at the end of the day you can become someone or somebody.
“Through commitment despite how tough it maybe our hard work will definitely pay off either by getting promoted or having more valuable expertise in your profession. Standing up to challenges will guarantee you to move forward and not forgetting to be a team player.
“However the most important fact is for our spouses to understand and respect our work,” she says.
Moddie Nanau is currently SIBC’s Production Manager and you can catch her on air today.
