Evidence for media planning category link from Google drive folder of media planning https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1fClhhGe6LMBk8YPI21mAlpz-nxy5Elma

MEDIA PLANNING

Media planning is the process of thinking about how to share a message with the right people, at the right time, and in the right place. It helps with making smart choices so your message reaches the people who need to hear it. This can be for a product, an event, or an important idea.(Coursera, 2025) 

It starts with understanding your audience knowing who you want to reach and using the right social media platforms that match that audience. For example, if your audience is young people, you might choose platforms like Instagram or TikTok. If your audience is older, you might use something else that fits better.

Media planning is about choosing the best way to speak to your audience. This means thinking about:

• Where to share your message (platforms),

• When to share it (timing),

• And how to say it (the message itself).

Social media platforms used by Hillbrow radio

Hillbrow Radio uses different social media platforms to stay in touch with their audience and share important updates. These platforms include WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Each one helps the radio station connect with people in a unique way.

On WhatsApp, Hillbrow Radio shares quick updates and news directly with listeners on the WhatsApp channel. It’s a fast and easy way to let people know what’s happening, especially for those who use WhatsApp only.

Facebook which has 9700 follower is used also to post news ,topics of daily shows which includes the brunch show which is between 9am to 12 pm and other shows .It is also a platform used to share about upcoming events and people can comment, share their thoughts about certain topics for each show and feel part of the Hillbrow Radio family. Many older listeners and community members use Facebook, so it’s a good way to reach them.

Instagram which has 311 followers is great for sharing pictures and short videos. Hillbrow Radio uses it to show behind-the-scenes moments of shows, promote events, and highlight special guests. It helps the station look lively and creative, especially to younger followers.

TikTok  which has 151 followers is used to share fun and engaging videos. These might include clips from shows, dance challenges, or short interviews. It’s a playful way to promote different shows and reach a younger audience who enjoy quick, entertaining content.

Media list

Content Calendar

Hillbrow Radio uses four key platforms Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp to connect with its community. Facebook, with over 9,700 followers, is the most active space. It shares show topics, event updates, and invites comments from listeners. The Brunch Show (9am–12pm) is a regular feature, sparking discussion and building a sense of family. Instagram (311 followers) focuses on visuals behind-the-scenes shots, guest highlights, and creative promos. It appeals to younger audiences who value authenticity and vibrant storytelling. TikTok (151 followers) is used for short, fun videos dance challenges, show clips, and interviews. It’s playful and helps Hillbrow Radio stay relevant with Gen Z listeners. WhatsApp is a direct line for quick updates and reminders, especially for those who rely on it daily. Each platform serves a unique purpose, tailored to different age groups and engagement styles. Hillbrow Radio measures success through likes, shares, views, and follower growth. It tracks what content resonates most and adjusts strategy accordingly. The station’s impact goes beyond numbers it empowers youth and celebrates local identity. Events like Mandela Day, Open mic and Miss Hillbrow are promoted and documented to build pride. Listeners feel seen, heard, and part of something bigger. 

My Role

Sharing different topics from our shows especially the Brunch Show—has really helped increase engagement on Hillbrow Radio’s social media. When I started posting about what each show would cover, I noticed more people reacting, commenting, and even tuning in. It felt like I was inviting them into the conversation before the show even started. The Brunch Show, which runs from 9am to 12pm, is one of our most interactive spaces, and giving people a heads-up about the topics made them feel more involved and excited to share their views.

I’ve also been using each platform in its own way. On Facebook, where we have over 9,700 followers, I posted updates, show topics, and event news. It’s where many of our older listeners connect, and they love commenting and sharing their thoughts. Instagram is more visual, so I use it to share behind-the-scenes photos, guest highlights, and moments from our events. Even though the follower count is smaller, it’s a great way to show the energy and creativity of Hillbrow Radio. TikTok is where I got to be playful sharing short videos, dance clips, and fun interviews that spoke to younger audiences. WhatsApp is perfect for quick updates and reminders, especially for people who rely on it daily.

 I will reflect on what I did, how I felt, what I learned, and how I will improve in the future .

Concrete experience

Concrete experience is the first stage in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, where learning begins through direct involvement in a real situation.  .Kolb (2015) states that concrete experience is the stage where learners engage directly with tasks or events. McLeod (2025) highlights that this stage is essential for emotional and practical engagement in the learning process .The next paragraph will explain what i did

Sharing different topics from our shows especially the Brunch Show was something I started doing to help people feel more connected. I would post about what each show would cover, and slowly I saw more people reacting, commenting, and even tuning in. It felt like magic. The Brunch Show, which runs from 9am to 12pm, became one of our most interactive spaces. When I gave people a heads-up about the topics, they didn’t just listen they joined the conversation. I felt proud seeing how our community was engaging more deeply.

I also used each platform in its own way. Facebook, with over 9,700 followers, was great for updates and show topics. Older listeners love it, and they often comment with thoughtful responses. Instagram helped me show the energy behind the scenes photos, guest highlights, and event moments. TikTok was my playful space, where I posted short videos, dance clips, and fun interviews. WhatsApp was perfect for quick updates, especially for people who don’t use other platforms.

Reflective observation

Reflective observation is the second stage in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, where you take time to think about what happened, how it made you feel, and what you noticed during the experience.  Kolb (2015) explains that reflective observation involves reviewing and thinking deeply about an experience from multiple angles. McLeod (2025) highlights that this stage helps learners develop insight by analysing their actions and feelings. The next paragraph will state how I felt

At first, I felt really happy and excited. Seeing people respond to the posts made me feel like I was doing something that mattered. It wasn’t just about numbers it was about connection. I loved seeing comments from listeners who felt seen and heard. It gave me energy and reminded me why I do this work.

But I also had moments of frustration. Sometimes I’d spend hours planning a post, and it wouldn’t get much attention. I’d wonder if I was doing something wrong.  I wanted everything to be perfect, and when it wasn’t, I felt a bit discouraged. But even in those moments, I reminded myself that growth takes time, and impact isn’t always instant.

Abstract conseptualisation

Abstract conceptualisation is the third stage in Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, where you begin to make sense of your experience by forming ideas, theories, or general principles. It’s about thinking deeply and logically turning what you’ve done and reflected on into structured knowledge that can guide future actions. Kolb (2015) describes abstract conceptualisation as the process of forming theories and ideas based on reflection. McLeod (2025) explains that this stage helps learners move from experience to structured understanding. The next paragraph will show you the concepts I came up with in this whole experience.

I learned that consistency and care make a big difference. When I share content that feels real and thoughtful, people respond. It’s not just about posting .it’s about storytelling. I also learned that each platform has its own rhythm. Facebook is great for deeper conversations, Instagram for visuals, TikTok for fun, and WhatsApp for quick updates. I realised that I don’t have to do everything perfectly I just have to keep showing up with heart.

I also learned that engagement isn’t just about likes or views. It’s about how people feel when they see our content. Do they feel proud? Do they feel inspired? That’s what matters most to me.

Active experimentation

This is the last stage in Kolb's experiential learning cycle which refers to using the experience that you have to future events or situations. Kolb (2015) states that active experimentation is the stage where learners apply new ideas to future situations. McLeod (2025) highlights that this phase helps learners test and refine their understanding through practical action. The next paragraph state will explain more to you about how will i use this experience to my next workplace

Moving forward, I want to keep sharing show topics in advance, if it happens I work with another radio station. I’ll also try new ways of storytelling maybe short voice notes, polls, or behind-the-scenes reels. I want to involve listeners even more, maybe by asking them to suggest topics or send shout-outs.

Conclusion

Sharing show topics especially for the Brunch Show helped me connect with our listeners in a deeper way. It brought joy, sparked real conversations, and reminded me that even small posts can create big impact. While some days were frustrating, the overall experience taught me to trust the process, stay consistent, and keep showing up with heart. 

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” — Søren Kierkegaard