BRATISLAVA – Announcer Ada Straková is one of the legends of Czechoslovak television. Her pleasant voice, which we listened to for 16 years, still rings in our ears today.
The gate of the television world opened for Ada Straková at an audition in May 1970, which she won among 120 girls. “I took up the post of program announcer a month after graduation in August 1970 and remained there until my involuntary departure in May 1996. A year later, I moved with my family to Prague, where I worked off-screen for 18 years, including as an author , on diverse and interesting projects. But that’s for a separate chapter,” said the ex-announcer.
In her beginnings in television, she was helped the most by the then editor-in-chief Dušan Gábor, but also by her colleague and friend, with whom she works to this day, Norika Beňačková. “Thanks to my work, I have met many rare and wise people whom I would have had difficulty meeting otherwise. They have enriched my life,” praises the years spent in public television.
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Ada Straková (Source: AS archive)
Straková was always very responsible for every word she uttered in front of the camera. That is why he has no memory of any serious offense or misdeed in front of the maera. “But once this lovely thing happened to me,” she remembered before. “It was already after midnight and I said goodbye to the audience with an overview of the programs for the next day. I had no idea that I was not alone in the announcement room. There was also a big butcher fly with me, which after a few sentences sat on my cheek and started walking around. My louder and more expressive articulation didn’t help either. I endured it for a while, but not for long. I finished the overview with the program around 12.00 and it was painted…” she laughs today at an incident that she probably didn’t find too funny at the time.
Ada Straková: The Iconic Voice of Czechoslovak Television
So, let’s talk about Ada Straková! Now, if you’re not familiar with her, don’t worry—some of us are not exactly in the loop when it comes to Czechoslovak television history. But fear not; that’s why I’m here, mixing a bit of education with a pinch of cheeky commentary.
Our lady Ada entered the glamorous world of TV at an audaciously young age—it was back in May 1970 when she triumphed over 120 other hopefuls. I mean, can you imagine the competition? 120 girls fighting for their moment of fame like it’s Black Friday at a discount electronics store! Ada was the last one standing—talk about victory! She gracefully accepted her role as a program announcer right after her graduation in August 1970. Now that’s what I call an efficient career strategy, isn’t it? No gap years or soul-searching trips to Bali for her!
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing; oh no! After 16 years of being the voice we all cherished, Straková faced an involuntary dismissal in May 1996. That’s right, folks—16 years of charm and charisma, and they just booted her out! Makes you wonder if it was over a cupcake incident in the break room or just typical workplace politics. One year later, she decided to relocate to Prague and continued to work her magic off-screen for nearly two decades. According to Ada, this chapter is “for a separate chapter”—so, let’s keep our ears open for the riveting sequel!
And who helped our heroine along the way? Enter Dušan Gábor, the legendary editor-in-chief, and Norika Beňačková, her pal and partner-in-crime. It’s nice to know that even in the cutthroat world of broadcasting, friendships can blossom—probably like the sitcom we all secretly wished would happen between Gábor and Beňačková! “Thanks to my work, I have met many rare and wise people,” Ada wittily remarked. Because let’s face it, in any job, networking can sometimes feel like trying to climb Mount Everest in flip-flops.
Now let’s dive into Ada’s actual talent—the eloquent words that flowed from her lips. Responsible is the name of the game! Ada took every word seriously—no hastily delivered “um” or “like” from her! She even recalls a rather amusing incident that might have made anyone double-check their own sanity while working late at night. Picture this: it’s midnight, and after a well-practiced farewell to her audience, a butcher fly decides to join the fun. Just imagine, after a sophisticated program overview, she’s dramatically interrupted by this little winged Hitchcock villain, strolling about on her cheek. I mean, that’s a level of commitment to your job that we all aspire to—unless it involves bugs, of course. Her articulate monologue was cut short, and with a cheeky smile, she signed off—for the fly was effectively the ‘real’ guest in the room!
It’s little moments like these that remind us that even the legends have their awkward days. I can’t help but think that if I were in her position, the fly would have walked away with my job! A lesser announcer might have freaked out, but Ada, bless her, turned an embarrassing moment into a delightful story to cherish.
Final Thoughts: A Legend We Still Celebrate
Ada Straková’s journey through the realm of Czechoslovak television exemplifies resilience, charisma, and humor amidst the chaos. Whether she was stepping into the spotlight or dealing with a rogue insect, her experience reminds us that behind the bright lights of television are stories that often leave us chuckling long after the credits roll. So let’s tip our hats to Ada—a true icon with a tale punctuated by laughter and memorable moments. Here’s hoping she has many more of them, preferably without any uninvited guests along for the ride!
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Ada Straková (Source: AS archive)
BRATISLAVA – Ada Straková, a renowned figure in Czechoslovak television history, is celebrated for her captivating voice that graced the airwaves for an impressive 16 years. Even after decades have passed, her melodic tones continue to resonate in the hearts of her audience.
The journey into the world of television for Ada Straková began in an exhilarating audition held in May 1970, where she triumphed among a competitive pool of 120 aspiring announcers. “I took up the post of program announcer a month after graduation in August 1970 and remained in that role until my involuntary departure in May 1996. A year later, I moved with my family to Prague, where I worked off-screen for 18 years on diverse and interesting projects, including authoring several programs. But that’s for a separate chapter,” narrated the former announcer, reflecting on her storied career.
In her early days in television, Ada Straková found invaluable support from the then editor-in-chief, Dušan Gábor, as well as from her longtime colleague and friend, Norika Beňačková, with whom she continues to collaborate. “Thanks to my work, I have met many rare and wise individuals who I might never have encountered otherwise. They have undoubtedly enriched my life,” she reminisced warmly about her time spent within the halls of public television, highlighting the profound connections formed over the years.
Ada Straková has always exhibited a profound sense of responsibility for every word delivered before the camera. That is why she cherishes her career without recalling any serious mistakes that marred her professionalism. “But once this lovely thing happened to me,” she fondly recalled. “It was already after midnight, and as I bid farewell to the audience with a program overview for the next day, I had no idea that I was sharing the announcement room with a big butcher fly. It decided to perch on my cheek and stroll around during my segment. My attempts at louder and more expressive articulation were futile. I endured it for a while, but eventually, I could no longer concentrate. I wrapped up the overview just as the clock struck midnight. It was painted…” she chuckled, reflecting on an incident that might have seemed less amusing at the time but now serves as a cherished memory.
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Ada Straková (Source: AS archive)
**Interview with Ada Straková: The Iconic Voice of Czechoslovak Television**
**Host:** Welcome, Ada! It’s a pleasure to have you here today. Your voice has been a beloved part of Czechoslovak television for so many years. Can you take us back to the moment that started it all for you?
**Ada Straková:** Thank you for having me! It’s wonderful to reminisce. Back in May 1970, I auditioned among 120 other girls. It was a thrilling experience, and winning that audition opened the door for my television career. I became a program announcer just a month after my graduation!
**Host:** That’s quite a feat! What do you remember most about those early days on television?
**Ada Straková:** Oh, it was a time of learning and excitement. I was fortunate to have the guidance of Dušan Gábor, the editor-in-chief at the time, and I formed a lifelong friendship with my colleague Norika Beňačková. Thanks to these connections, I met many incredible people who enriched my life.
**Host:** You had a remarkable 16-year run as a program announcer. What was the best part of your job?
**Ada Straková:** The best part was definitely connecting with the audience. I always felt a great responsibility for every word I spoke. Those shared moments with viewers made it all worthwhile.
**Host:** After 16 years, you experienced an involuntary departure from the program. How did you navigate that transition?
**Ada Straková:** That was a challenging time for me, but I was fortunate to continue my career off-screen in Prague for 18 years. I worked on a variety of projects that were equally fulfilling. It was an opportunity to explore new avenues, which was exciting in its own right.
**Host:** You’ve mentioned an amusing incident involving a fly during a late-night broadcast. Can you share that story with us?
**Ada Straková:** (laughs) Yes! It was past midnight, and as I was signing off, a butcher fly decided to join me in the studio. It landed on my cheek, and despite my best efforts to maintain my composure, I had to fight the urge to laugh! It was a funny moment—definitely one for the books!
**Host:** It sounds like a classic live television moment! Your ability to turn that experience into a delightful story is inspiring. What do you hope viewers remember about your time on television?
**Ada Straková:** I hope they remember the warmth and joy of the programs I announced. My aim was always to bring a sense of connection and happiness to our audience. It’s heartwarming to know that my voice still resonates with people today.
**Host:** Ada, thank you for sharing your memories and insights with us. You truly are a legendary figure in Czechoslovak television.
**Ada Straková:** Thank you! It’s been a pleasure reminiscing about those wonderful years. I’m grateful for every moment.
