Lecture 15/08/2011- "Telling factual stories with audio"

Today's lecture was an online audio clip comprising of interview with two radio presenters from ABC Local Radio; Richard Fidler & Steve Austin.

Some of the interesting points I took from listening to both Richard and Steve were:

• Radio is totally different to TV. When a listener hears radio it often seems to come from inside. It evokes internal thought.
• Radio producers are faced with the task of finding stories that will sustain the interview.
• Richard mentioned it is easier for him to do his job if he is genuinely interested in the subject that he is interviewing on.
• The talent/subject must feel safe and in a trustworthy environment, the host may guide the conversation but must give space for the subject to show their true colours. Moments of silence are alright and work powerfully in radio.
• Radio has maintained its value all the while other news methods are changing. Steve said that he believe this was because people are time poor and radio fits in with day to day life.
• Radio is the theatre of the mind, it is important to paint pictures to the listener.
• Remember to put your audiences needs/wants first.
• Search for human experience.
• Talk less and show respect by listening more.
• Some advice that was given to student was to stay immersed in news and the world, to keep an open mind, expose yourself to thought you might not agree with, keep things simple (the less complicated the quicker the audience response), and remember not to do anything on radio you wouldn't do in real life.