Lecture 5

Week 5 of JOUR1111 offered students a chance to listen to radio veteran, Richard Fidler, from ABC's Conversation Hour, speak about his experiences on radio. Richard explained the delicate nature of radio language and the intricate details of conversation that must be observed when speaking to particular guests. Richard explains how important it is to ensure that a radio guest feels at home and comfortable in an interview in order to get them to 'open up', and mentioned the true power of silence.

Steve Austin, the sound lecture's seconds guest, discussed his early life and how he fell into radio.  Steve mentions the importance of reflecting a radio audience's interests - and not just your own.  Steve's opinions of radio conversation mirror Richard Fidler's almost exactly, and both men highlighted the necessity of a good vocabulary and handle on the English language.  Speaking for radio is unlike all other mediums, and offers a more intimate experience to the audience.

Both Richard Fidler and Steve Austin commented on the growing success of radio and it's ability to adapt to new and local mediums (such as podcasting and twitter feeds).  This flexibility may be key to the survival of the radio.

Richard Fidler

Steve Austin