Skype/zoom for calls on radio, increasingly unreliable

dulpit

I've noticed that since covid, the use of Skype or zoom has increased on various radio shows. This is fine and makes sense. But what's annoying me is that the quality of a lot of the calls leaves a lot to be desired, my guess is that the Internet connections of the contributors isn't up to snuff but its very annoying all the same.

One thing I've noticed off the ball in particular do (because of their YouTube channel) is have the contributor have their video stream on, which is likely the main reason why the quality suffers.

Very annoying, just wondering if others have noticed?

SpitfireIV

Yeah I've noticed it big time, as you say, since Covid. I think there actually may be another thread here on it. It's increasingly frustrating when lines are dropping, breaking up or time delays. Doesn't anyone use a phone?

dulpit

A good quality zoom line will sound better than a phone line. But if the Internet isn't up to it, don't use it. People I am guessing are still using crappy WiFi and crappy headsets, for a national broadcaster it's not acceptable.

dxhound2005

If that is the equipment they have, then the broadcaster cannot provide them with better. Give them a chance on the national stations, if they are newsworthy. It happens a lot on the BBC national stations as well. And on BBC Radio Ulster.

ford fiesta

The show producers should check the guest's connection before going on air and tell the guest to close other applications on their laptop etc.

dulpit

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118275332#Comment_118275332

I get it for one-off contributors, but some regulars are still using rubbish equipment 20 months into a pandemic that has us all at home so much...

whisky_galore

It's funny when they can get a better live connection from a contributor in Africa or other far flung areas than down the road from the studio in Dublin.

ThreeGreens

Honestly I don't understand why mobile phones are allowed, never mind Skype!

If a show is live (which pretty much all radio is) then why take a risk with a mobile phone? Most of the people being interviewed want the airtime. So tell them if you want to be on the show, then you make sure you are at a landline, not a mobile and not skype!

JDxtra

100% on this issue. There's been a real drop in broadcast standards right across the board of late. We can't blame everything on Covid, some things I've heard are due to incompetence and/or laziness.

Even heard Simon Coveney getting cut off by RTE Radio 1 presenter because of poor connection.

Check the connection is stable and audible BEFORE you put anyone on air!