The news reading competition during Youthspeak's Fun Day last Sunday received an enthusiastic response from participants.
The initial number of participants was 71, but only 30 finalists managed to go the final on Sunday and compete for the four titles up for grabs.
The judging committee comprised Anita Bernardus, Yos Kusuma and Bruce Emond.
The finalists had the chance to visit the Metro TV studios on Dec 1. Metro TV, the media partner of the Youthspeak Fun Day, also provided a workshop on news reading by news anchor Ralph Tampubolon.
During the workshop, Ralph gave participants useful tips on how to be a good newscaster. Even during a break in the workshop, he still kindly answered plenty of questions from the budding newscasters.
When asked about daily challenges he faced as a newscaster, he said the preparation for the news program required some time ahead the start of the show.
"But as I sit on that chair, saying hello and good morning, I enjoy every single second of it," Ralph added.
He said the government today had made more improvements in the learning of English, compared to when he was still at school.
"Now you have many TV stations, radio stations, the Internet and new media," Ralph went on.
"I'm sure any person on the street - even a school dropout - understands basic English words such as *text', *send', *fail' and *succeed'.
"They learn it from their cell phones. But that's just a start. It still depends on the person," he added.
In order to become a good anchor, he said, one needed to read and write as much as possible. He also emphasized the importance of expanding one's knowledge.
The anchor, who has made the rounds of TVRI, JakTV and Metro TV, stressed the golden rule for newscasters: "Practice, practice, practice. Practice makes perfect."
The winner of the news reading competition was Gloria "Oya" Amanda Putri, from state high school SMAN 28 Jakarta. At first, Oya did not expect to win because she saw other contestants coming in groups, while she was the sole representative of her school.
"I went to YouTube and watched news reports from CNN to prepare for this event," said Oya, a self-professed fan of CNN's Betty Nguyen.
"I think this event can encourage youngsters to learn and speak English, and be brave to speak up about anything; just believe in yourself."
The first runner-up was Tiffany Robbin from St. Laurensia Catholic High School, followed by Annisa Istighfari from Insan Cendekia High School. St. Laurensia's Adiputra Liutama was named the favorite.
