My daily inspiration is “how to tell a story” in a unique way, even for the news that is already appearing everywhere, that is easy to understand and follows media ethics.
Leeshare – Wiyada Peerarattakun
We may have been familiar with the solemn and formal personalities of a news anchor, who goes through the script clearly and eloquently. Unlike other news anchors, however, Leeshare – Wiyada Peerarattakun, who makes a daily appearance on Channel 8 every Monday to Sunday, from the early morning news session at 04:30 a.m. to 6:00 am, is well-known for her easy-going storytelling and gestures that reach out to the audience. Let us dive deep into her thoughts and her career path in the news industry.
What inspires Leeshare to work in the field of journalism?
“My starting point of being a news anchor was the ‘challenge’. I wanted to ‘stand out in the news anchor community’. I describe myself as a ‘storyteller’, not just sitting there reading the news. My focus is always on exploring fresh ways of telling stories. My daily inspiration is “how to tell a story” in a unique way, even for the news that is already appearing everywhere, that is easy to understand and follows media ethics. I am not conservative when it comes to being a news anchor; I just do not read through the script and express typical facial expressions and personalities like what traditional news anchors would have done.”
Leeshare – Wiyada Peerarattakun
What is your passion as the forefront news anchor for Channel 8?
“My thought on news presentation is that it should be based on fact and truth, and must be conveyed through colorful narrative, emotions, and gestures. To attract the audience and spur their interest in listening to the news, I must understand the news based on fact and avoid reading the whole script. The message must be comprehensive, all-dimensional, and fair. I often include opinions and relevant facts, rather than just report the incident. It is generally believed that news anchors should not voice out their opinions, and that is the reason I describe myself as a ‘storyteller’, not a news anchor. The audience, in response, are able to recognize me as the symbol of Channel 8 and remember me as who I am”
Can you please tell us about your impression working at Channel 8, a subsidiary of RS GROUP, for more than 9 years?
“In 2022, I will be working here for a total of 10 years. I have been receiving lots of opportunities as a news anchor, which allow me to showcase my independence of thought and unique personalities through my news presentation, and Channel 8 trusts me on this. Thanks to ‘Hia Ho’, he is the one who transforms news landscape, introducing difference and freshness into the industry. He believes that news anchors can be easy-going, while able to convey information that is easy to grasp. He sees the need to find the right people for the news programs, and that is why I am here. Hia Ho gives me independence and allows me the design my narration based on suggestions and feedback from the audience. Today, everything seems to be in the right place as one can see”
What is your career goal? How do you see your future?
“I always ask myself ‘how can I deliver the news in a way that is useful to the audience as much as possible?’ It is true that certain news is nonsense but still on the trend, and therefore needs to be aired, while others are determined by the audience, such as the lottery news and paranormal stories, which I personally do not agree with. As a team player, I have to follow the plan while ensure that the news would be useful to the audience as much as possible. As a person who holds a doctoral degree in Buddhism from Maha Chulalongkorn Rajavidyalaya University, my expertise in the religious field can be put into use, such as reminding the audience about self-consciousness and wisdom in terms of Buddhism. I have not planned anything far from now, I just want to make my every day good enough in the right way.”
Leeshare – Wiyada Peerarattakun
Do you have anything to say to the younger generation who wants to become a great storyteller like you?
“I currently teach communication arts for undergraduates at Bangkok University. I introduce them to the art of speaking; how to convey a message that is valuable and useful, focusing on the impact rather than the rating. I always encourage them to put themselves in others’ shoes, follow professional ethics, and do it for the sake of all people especially in the case of Covid-19 and vaccine news. Our voices are louder than the voices of ordinary people. Things to consider during the presentation are our consciousness and wisdom. We are not entitled to being ‘neutral’ because there is no measure to it. We are here to bring ‘justice’ to society and its people. Justice will be there when everyone has the right to speak on equal terms, and we act as a medium for that fairness.”
“Ultimately, media of the new era is changing every day. I do not see myself reading news onscreen like this forever, but I am confident that every channel in my hand, whether it is a social media or Metaverse, will aim for the same goal – ‘to be up to date and useful.’ It does not matter how many followers I have, as the focus is on the quality, not the quantity.”
