Radio Anniversaries

This week has been dedicated to reflecting on the rich history of radio in Australia, particularly my own connection and career within the radio industry.

My earliest recollections transport me back to my childhood, sharing a room with my mother and grandmother, waking up to the tunes of 2LM, our local commercial radio station. The “Country Hillbillies” program, with its timeless country music, became a morning ritual. The simplicity of the melodies and the compelling storytelling within the music captured my young heart, a sentiment that has endured through the years.

Radio was a constant presence in our household. Every morning, we would listen to both the funeral announcements and that day’s power outages.

Memories later in life include the John Pearce Morning Show relayed from Sydney and the unmistakable voice of John Laws. Though my early childhood was not dominated by music radio, those experiences unfolded later in life.

My father shared my enthusiasm for radio, spending the midnight hours tuned into 2CH, catching the crackly signal from Sydney. He particularly enjoyed the old-style music presented by Friel Smith, including the legendary Benny Goodman. I remember the excitement when, as a child, I wrote to Friel and received 2CH merchandise, complete with stickers.

Entering high school in 1978, my fascination with radio intensified with the discovery of a weekly show dedicated to Richmond River High School on the local community radio station, 2NCR. Eager to volunteer, I found my way into the station, initially assisting with a Sunday morning classical music and “Ethnic Information” program hosted by Karl Gottsche. Eventually, I took the reins of the Richmond River High School program, incorporating contributions from others.

Over the subsequent four to five years, I continued presenting diverse programs on 2NCR, even during my university years when I traveled back from Brisbane on weekends. While I attempted a shift at 4ZZZ, the university/community radio station in Brisbane, my style was deemed a touch too “commercial”, I was told.

Post-university, unsuccessful job attempts at the ABC led me to 2WEB in Bourke, thanks to a recommendation from community radio volunteer Bev Ferris. In 1989, my ABC journey commenced in Renmark, followed by presenting roles in Wagga and Sydney. In 2004, prompted by my manager Roger Summerill, I transitioned into radio management due to perceived “potential” in that realm.

Fast forward 45 years from my initial community radio shift in Lismore, and I’m still passionately immersed in the world of radio.

The love for radio endures, with a special appreciation for the intimate connection formed by a single human voice and its interaction with my own thoughts.

The question, “What do you look for in a presenter?” has been posed to me frequently. I typically respond by seeking someone a bit smarter than myself, yet approachable, possessing humor, genuine care for people, and active listening skills, especially when engaging with guests and talkback callers.

This week, I commemorated two significant radio anniversaries.

Thursday marked a delightful celebration of the 100th birthday of radio in Australia. The first licensed station to go to air, 2SB went on air on November 23, 1923. There were stations prior to this, and 2FC was actually the first licensed station, but 2SB was the first continuous station to go to air. The station later became 2BL, 702BL, 702 ABC Sydney and now ABC Radio Sydney. For a number of years I was the station’s Program Director, and I maintain close ties with the station now.

Last night, I attended the 50th-anniversary celebration of the Australian Film, Television & Radio School. Over the years, I’ve been involved as a guest lecturer and am the current supervisor of a joint radio scholarship between the ABC and AFTRS. Reconnecting with former colleagues Tony Rasmussen and Andrea Ho, both with ties to AFTRS, and meeting potential collaborators made for a memorable evening.