JOUR1111 - Lecture 4

Richard Fidler

Richard Fidler (ABC Conversations) spoke of radio in a way I hadn't considered before. Prior to listening to the 'Telling Stories With Sound' conversation, I thought of radio as an easy transition between print and television - rather than reading, simply saying and rather than visually presenting, simply speaking. Simple. These days you see television stars as guest hosts on radio shows (Charlie Robinson (B105)) and radio presenters with their own television show (Hamish and Andy). However, there are so many more elements to radio than reading a story or holding a conversation. 

In a way, it's probably a harder job than television presenting. Radio is honest. Any presenter that comes across as fake, probably is. On TV, the lies hide behind the visual distractions. So for one, you have to be yourself the entire time. Secondly, you have to bare in mind people are listening. People that you can't see and people that you haven't met. People of different ages, origins, religions and worlds. So, you must present - honestly - to your audience and give them a reason to want to listen. This is done by involvement and audience participation, thus why Richard breaks his show 'Evenings' into three different categories. The first hour (7pm - 8pm) is talk back. This encourages people to participate. In order to keep the listeners, the second hour (8pm - 9pm) is entertainment, and the last hour (9pm - 10pm) is intimacy - where people who have the time to listen hear personal stories and share their own. 

Whilst the format of the show and involvement of the audience is important, it is also essential (as a presenter) to be genuinely interested in what is being discussed. It goes without saying that if the presenter isn't interested, neither is anybody else. 

What I loved the most about this interview - and also the reason I love journalism so much - is that Richard Fidler never planned on presenting radio. He didn't even have a Journalism degree. He got into the industry and his career took off from there. It's the freedom and the large scope of things you can do with a journalism degree that make it so appealing. I love the thought of one being able to go from print, to radio, to television - if that's what they really want to do. It allows for a lifetime of excitement and adventure - spontaneous and unpredicted paths that lead you on a journey you could have never imagined.