Factual Storytelling Through Sound

This week's lecture was in the form of an audio file that was accessible from home, as we were able to listen to advice and experiences of radio talents, Richard Fidler and Steve Austin.

Radio is a medium that is easily accessed by the public and is perfectly suited to time-strapped individuals who accomplish a lot through multitasking. It is a completely different media form to television, relying on the power and sound and not just visuals to tell a story and describe experiences. In the past 5 to 10 years, dramatic shifts have occurred regarding the way the public engages with and receives media, however radio continues to maintain its audiences and is arguably thriving in its new environment. This may be attributed to its versatility, as radio is effortlessly able to blend into new platforms, such as podcasting.

Wisdom from Fidler (a man who stumbled into radio and decided to never leave)

• Radio is very intimate medium that allows strangers to partake in a conversation that is happening miles away, allowing them to voice their opinions and feel included in social discussion
• It is important to keep the listeners involved in the conversation and to modulate your voice so that audiences can easily follow along
• A standard radio conversation interview is 7 minutes long, however the program hosted by Fidler Conversations, involves an hour long interview, usually biographical, with often unknown individuals
• For shows like Conversations, it is important to consider whether the interview subject or topic will sustain the interest of audiences for an extended period of time and that you, as the interviewer are interested - because if you are bored...then so are the listeners
• As an interviewer, you should do a lot of preparation and research so that you are educated on you topic and are able to ask your guests interesting questions
• If your guest is shy or nervous, do what you can to make them feel safe by adding some humour or asking some easy questions first to get the ball rolling
• It is important for your guest to feel safe, that way you will illicit natural responses as they will feel more inclined to open up
• Keep the interview on track without overstepping - part of the interview often takes place naturally and can sustain itself without constant prompts.
• Never be afraid of silence - it is powerful, truthful and revealing
• The evening shows are a different matter, as our audiences are more exhausted and often want something lighter or a time where they are able to respond to the mornings events and controversies 
• 1pm - people are ready for something different - humour and entertainment and through talk-back radio, hosts should encourage the participation of listeners 
• Be friendly and facilitating - not an authority. The listeners should feel like equals

FAVOURITE PART OF HIS JOB: When a guest surprises even themselves and remember something for the first time. Fidler feels privileged to be part of the experience. 

TIPS FOR JOURNO'S: 

• Read the Paper
• Keep asking Questions
• Expose yourselves to different currents of thought
• Gain as much world experience as possible
• Oh and....don't do anything I say - just do what you like

Wisdom from Austin (A man who, after much panic and despair...found his purpose)

• Your enunciation does matter on the radio and you have to be able to communicate effectively to audiences
• Radio is all about breaking down the barriers between yourself and the listener
• Radio is the theatre of the mind - you are creating pictures with your words
• Don't just think about what you like and what your tastes are - consider who the audience is and what they would like to hear
• Consider who your audience is and who your competitors are - that way you can offer them something different
• Evening radio for Austin is often as followed:
• 7pm-8pm: Start with talk-back so that listeners can comment on the news and circulating events
• 8pm-9pm: Panel Entertainment with multiple personalities to provide humour and entertainment
• 9pm-10pm: Final hour is all about intimacy, it should be slower and involve personal stories
• Your style will change depending on your time slot
• People can tell when someone is lying on the radio (no distracting visuals) so be yourself, and allow your guests to be themselves as well

FAVOURITE PART OF HIS JOB: When someone reveals something personal and has forgotten that they are on the radio. 

TIPS FOR JOURNO'S

• Go with your gut
• Be aware of your guest's body language
• Give your guests the space to reveal themselves
• Be aware of your voice, your vocals will change when you convey empathy
• Prompt listeners to pick up the phone - let them know that you are interested in their opinions
• Ask simple questions - the answer is always the interesting part
• Act like a human and not a robot - listeners will be a lot more receptive
• Search for human experience and look for the emotional responses to things
• Night time radio is about talking less and listening more - this conveys respect
• Don't give up if you are not naturally talented - you may become a more interesting and worldly individual after you have had a couple of knock-backs!