Thirty years ago he had a great idea and just needed a medium to showcase it. The concept surrounded highlighting interesting people who would tell their own stories of trials, tears, tenacity and triumph in their own words. After approaching executives at the then Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), he was given the green light and a tentative six months to make the programme both popular and profitable. He agreed to the challenge and the rest as they say is history.
Fast forward to 2017 when veteran journalist Ian Boyne celebrated the diamond anniversary of his super successful and award winning television programme ‘Profile’ with a huge shindig hosted at the most impressive venue ever – Kings House. If that was not enough, he not only had celebrities the likes of Michael Lee Chin and Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart mixing and mingling in its hallowed hall, but managed to get not one, not two but all of FIVE prime ministers to be in attendance.
Not bad at all. Buzzz Magazine caught up with Boyne at his offices to find out about his journey over the past three decades that has seen him interview from high profile individuals such as Louis Farrakhan to everyday folks who through sheer grit and determination, discarded the shackles of poverty to make something of themselves.
More than just an interactive interview programme, Boyne was excited to share the discovery that ‘Profile’ may possibly have the distinction of being the second longest programme with a single host in the world. The longest is a Japanese programme hosted by a female presenter. Added to this is an upcoming publication by UWI Press chronicling the four longest running television programmes in Jamaica which are namely ‘Hill & Gully Ride’, ‘Schools’ Challenge Quiz’, ‘Profile’ and surprisingly ‘Entertainment Report’. Of the aforementioned TV programmes, ‘Profile’ is the one with the in-depth sit down session that persons tune into on a Sunday just before the news, which makes it a prime time slot, and speaks to its widespread appeal to viewers. Boyne further shared that researcher, Dr. Livingston White, sought to examine programming in relation to when television came to the region (1960s) which would make the longevity of ‘Profile’ a fantastic feat in itself.
Ian Boyne and wife Margaret surrounded by Present and Past Prime Ministers of Jamaica at launch of 30 years of profile. (L-R) Hon. Edward Seaga, Hon. Andrew Holness, Hon P.J. Patterson, Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller and Hon. Bruce Golding
Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD), Boyne is one of the few journalists to have received such a prominent national honour. Deputy CEO at the Jamaica Information Service, Minister of Religion, author and a columnist with The Gleaner, Boyne boasts 42 years in media, having started at the now defunct Daily News. The fact that the Daily News and many other quality publications are no longer in existence speaks not only to the competitive nature of the local media landscape but also to how sponsors demand a huge bang for their buck and intend to only invest where they can see huge returns.
This is where ‘Profile’ stands – heads above many others. “For you to survive in TV, you have to not only have content but equally as important strong advertising support which I have thanks to loyal and committed sponsors such as JMMC, Sagicor, NCB and Gas Pro. I’m responding to the market. I am watching the market and I continue to be competitive. I cannot be complacent. My sponsors aren’t there for their health, they expect results and they get it. I know what was feared about cable taking over and making local programming obsolete has not materialised as people want local programming.”
With ‘Profile’, Boyne emphasises that especially in today’s crazy and chaotic society where selfishness and self serving individuals are almost the norm, people need an outlet where they can see the other side. Where they can witness stories of individuals who are philanthropic; who beat their demons; who rise about their circumstance and are winners in their own right and chosen field of endeavour. This is why after three decades, ‘Profile” still has such immense appeal.
“The fact that it survived showed that there is a place in media for it. You have to connect with the guests and pull the best out of them. Jamaicans are naturally world leaders. We go to any country and excel and likewise we can take nothing and make something. People who watch want inspiration. They want to see people who come from Payne Land, Seaview, Jungle etc who made it. They want hope and ‘Profile’ gives them that psychological lift. People do not have money to get professional counselling so they watch the strategies used and it helps them. They get the mentorship and motivation they need. Profile is like a master class.”
While many watch to be inspired, it has also interestingly inspired many local artistes from different media genres to utilize and add their own two cents about the power of ‘Profile’, a further
testament to the huge impact on our popular culture, as both the programme and its host have been featured in play parodies by actors such as Rodney Campbell, social media memes, comedic sketches with Ity and Fancy Cat, online impersonations with the likes of Twins of Twins and even hit songs such as Alkaline’s ‘Champion Boy’. The latest was a meme highlighting the recent May rains and depicted Boyne questioning the wisdom of a Jamaican mother who was adamant in sending her child to go even in the midst of a thunderstorm. It immediately went viral as the humour in the question was definitely something Jamaicans could relate to.
So how does he go around selecting guests? “I get a lot of recommendations because people know what the programme is about so they know who is a good fit. People can say this is the kind of person that Boyne wants. I also have a keen eye for a good candidate or a great back story. I talk to them before. I speak to the person one hour before taping so I know the weak areas to watch for and also I build up the synergy and the rapport. Some people say I butt in at times but people will go off track so you have to steer them back on course and in the direction you need so you can’t allow people to just ramble on.”
Ian Boyne and Family at launch of 30 years of profile. (L-R) Ian, wife Margaret, daughter Kelly, step daughter Brianne and step son Andre
There have been many memorable guests but some stick out not just for their achievements but also for their idiosyncrasies so for him Derek Walcott and Victoria Rowell come to mind as well as the woman with AIDS (who incidentally is still alive). And what about the ones that got away? That he regretted not interviewing? “I always wanted to have interviewed Karl Hendrickson, the patriarch of the Hendrickson clan and the man behind its initial success and drive but he is not a man who likes the spotlight on him. Also I wished I had been able to interview Whitney Houston as her story is tremendous.”
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #2 – May – June 2017
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Thirty years ago he had a great idea and just needed a medium to showcase it. The concept surrounded highlighting interesting people who would tell their own stories of trials, tears, tenacity and triumph in their own words. After approaching executives at the then Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation (JBC), he was given the green light and a tentative six months to make the programme both popular and profitable. He agreed to the challenge and the rest as they say is history.
Fast forward to 2017 when veteran journalist Ian Boyne celebrated the diamond anniversary of his super successful and award winning television programme ‘Profile’ with a huge shindig hosted at the most impressive venue ever – Kings House. If that was not enough, he not only had celebrities the likes of Michael Lee Chin and Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart mixing and mingling in its hallowed hall, but managed to get not one, not two but all of FIVE prime ministers to be in attendance.
Not bad at all. Buzzz Magazine caught up with Boyne at his offices to find out about his journey over the past three decades that has seen him interview from high profile individuals such as Louis Farrakhan to everyday folks who through sheer grit and determination, discarded the shackles of poverty to make something of themselves.
More than just an interactive interview programme, Boyne was excited to share the discovery that ‘Profile’ may possibly have the distinction of being the second longest programme with a single host in the world. The longest is a Japanese programme hosted by a female presenter. Added to this is an upcoming publication by UWI Press chronicling the four longest running television programmes in Jamaica which are namely ‘Hill & Gully Ride’, ‘Schools’ Challenge Quiz’, ‘Profile’ and surprisingly ‘Entertainment Report’. Of the aforementioned TV programmes, ‘Profile’ is the one with the in-depth sit down session that persons tune into on a Sunday just before the news, which makes it a prime time slot, and speaks to its widespread appeal to viewers. Boyne further shared that researcher, Dr. Livingston White, sought to examine programming in relation to when television came to the region (1960s) which would make the longevity of ‘Profile’ a fantastic feat in itself.
Commander of the Order of Distinction (CD), Boyne is one of the few journalists to have received such a prominent national honour. Deputy CEO at the Jamaica Information Service, Minister of Religion, author and a columnist with The Gleaner, Boyne boasts 42 years in media, having started at the now defunct Daily News. The fact that the Daily News and many other quality publications are no longer in existence speaks not only to the competitive nature of the local media landscape but also to how sponsors demand a huge bang for their buck and intend to only invest where they can see huge returns.
This is where ‘Profile’ stands – heads above many others. “For you to survive in TV, you have to not only have content but equally as important strong advertising support which I have thanks to loyal and committed sponsors such as JMMC, Sagicor, NCB and Gas Pro. I’m responding to the market. I am watching the market and I continue to be competitive. I cannot be complacent. My sponsors aren’t there for their health, they expect results and they get it. I know what was feared about cable taking over and making local programming obsolete has not materialised as people want local programming.”
With ‘Profile’, Boyne emphasises that especially in today’s crazy and chaotic society where selfishness and self serving individuals are almost the norm, people need an outlet where they can see the other side. Where they can witness stories of individuals who are philanthropic; who beat their demons; who rise about their circumstance and are winners in their own right and chosen field of endeavour. This is why after three decades, ‘Profile” still has such immense appeal.
“The fact that it survived showed that there is a place in media for it. You have to connect with the guests and pull the best out of them. Jamaicans are naturally world leaders. We go to any country and excel and likewise we can take nothing and make something. People who watch want inspiration. They want to see people who come from Payne Land, Seaview, Jungle etc who made it. They want hope and ‘Profile’ gives them that psychological lift. People do not have money to get professional counselling so they watch the strategies used and it helps them. They get the mentorship and motivation they need. Profile is like a master class.”
While many watch to be inspired, it has also interestingly inspired many local artistes from different media genres to utilize and add their own two cents about the power of ‘Profile’, a further
testament to the huge impact on our popular culture, as both the programme and its host have been featured in play parodies by actors such as Rodney Campbell, social media memes, comedic sketches with Ity and Fancy Cat, online impersonations with the likes of Twins of Twins and even hit songs such as Alkaline’s ‘Champion Boy’. The latest was a meme highlighting the recent May rains and depicted Boyne questioning the wisdom of a Jamaican mother who was adamant in sending her child to go even in the midst of a thunderstorm. It immediately went viral as the humour in the question was definitely something Jamaicans could relate to.
So how does he go around selecting guests? “I get a lot of recommendations because people know what the programme is about so they know who is a good fit. People can say this is the kind of person that Boyne wants. I also have a keen eye for a good candidate or a great back story. I talk to them before. I speak to the person one hour before taping so I know the weak areas to watch for and also I build up the synergy and the rapport. Some people say I butt in at times but people will go off track so you have to steer them back on course and in the direction you need so you can’t allow people to just ramble on.”
There have been many memorable guests but some stick out not just for their achievements but also for their idiosyncrasies so for him Derek Walcott and Victoria Rowell come to mind as well as the woman with AIDS (who incidentally is still alive). And what about the ones that got away? That he regretted not interviewing? “I always wanted to have interviewed Karl Hendrickson, the patriarch of the Hendrickson clan and the man behind its initial success and drive but he is not a man who likes the spotlight on him. Also I wished I had been able to interview Whitney Houston as her story is tremendous.”
To Read More: Purchase your copy of Volume 9 #2 – May – June 2017
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