What are the qualities that make the ideal VJ?
What are the qualities that make the ideal VJ?
Leo S. Wahyudi, Contributor, Jakarta
There is a lot of prestige about being a VJ. Hey, who wouldn't
want all their relatives, friends and the people who gave them
the brush off in high school to watch them on TV day in and day
out.
But not so fast: What if being a VJ meant being clumped in a
group of people who were known for being pretty dudes who were
duds when it came to knowledge about the music they were
introducing?
We asked some Jakarta teens to tell us what they think.
Dita, 16, student of a private senior high school
Being a VJ is a good way to learn about speaking better and
creativity. I guess VJs like Daniel, for instance, have the
potential and they are also good looking.
The ideal, I guess, is someone who is good looking but also
competent.
Those two factors should be balanced even though physical
attractiveness is not the ultimate criteria. The most important
thing is they can grab the public's attention, and then fame will
come along with it.
Not everyone can do that. So, those who have the chance to be
VJs should do it to the best of their ability. Thus, being a VJ
still has the potential to promote the image of Indonesia, like
the former VJs did.
Boni, 15, student of a private senior high school
I think the recent VJs on MTV are good. The former VJs, in a
way, were just going on their looks. It looks like it's more
selective today. I mean, there is criteria to measure how bright
they are so they come off as smart on screen. I reckon that the
VJs are smarter and better now, closer to the ideal.
There are two prominent VJs, Shanti and Ari, who could go
international. They in many ways represent the best of Indonesian
VJs.
However, being a VJ is not a permanent occupation. Most VJs
use the opportunity as a stepping stone to another job. Shanti
used her status as a VJ to go into a singing career.
I would not consider being a VJ to be the ultimate career
goal.
Doni, 16, student of a state-run senior high school
I think being a VJ is similar to being a TV presenter. But
it's a bit more prestigious to be a VJ because you reach a larger
audience.
And the other thing is that most people want that prestigious
image, despite the fact that TV presenters are actually far
smarter.
Frankly, I'm struck by the fact that some of the VJs seem a
bit stupid. Their English competence is really not up to
requirements; they would do better hosting Salam Dangdut (a show
featuring local music).
They still have a long way to go global. I admire some
Malaysian VJs' excellent English. Being a VJ could be a real
profession to pursue, but it's a finite thing, like being a
model. Reach a certain age, and you have to look for a new job.
In my opinion, to be a good VJ takes a lot of experience. And
if they quit being a VJ, they could always go into being a
producer.
Dewi Purnama Sari, 20, the first year student of private college
The competition to become a VJ is getting tighter with higher
prerequisites. I don't think it's all about charm today -- you
also have to have brains.
I'm sure that MTV, with its reputation, has set tight criteria
to select the most appropriate VJ, regardless of the fun that
goes into the selection.
Unfortunately, their command of English is somewhat clumsy.
Well, it's OK for the domestic market, they're not so bad then.
But, when compared to the international scale of VJs, the ones
here are still far behind.
Their knowledge of music and the way they deliver the programs
seems to be inadequate to reach international standards.
However, it does not mean it is impossible to compete ...
There are many talented youngsters here.
Kikie, 19, first year student of a private university
I'm afraid I haven't watched the latest selected VJ, but I'm
pretty sure just looking look will not be enough to do well.
I am sometimes impressed with their broader knowledge when
they are on TV. But, on the other hand, I'm skeptical. I wonder
if their knowledge is only due to the script before them.
Being a VJ draws people, even though it's short-lived, but you
have to have the background for the job.
Anyway, I admire former VJ Sarah Sechan, who had the whole
package: brains, charisma and good looks.
Denny, 18, recently graduated from a private senior high school
Being a VJ would be challenging. I'm sure it's not that easy
to be a VJ, let alone to pass the tight selection process. Well,
I guess the tighter the selection process, the more young people
take the challenge.
However, I think that shortlisted candidates should be the
best qualified, and that intelligence should be prioritized over
physical appearance.
I wish I could be like them. But I have to catch up a lot of
knowledge and smarts. I know that it's not enough just to be good
looking, right?