Lecture Five

This week I was able to enjoy the lecture from the comfort of my own lounge, although not because I was too lazy to attend and instead watched the podcast. The lecture was about audio, and was therefor presented as a recorded session of interviews about radio.

Richard Fidler and Steve Austin, of ABC Local Radio were interviewed about their views on the medium. I found their insight very thought provoking, giving a really interesting perspective on radio that many people don't consider. Steve in particular was very excited by the capabilities of radio. He feels that it allows the audience to connect more emotionally with the stories presented as the interviews are not 'spoken at' a person such as in TV, but rather it penetrates ones thoughts subconsciously. 

I've inherited my enjoyment of radio news from my mother, she is always listening to the programs on the ABC and often sprouts out facts about new studies on everything from behavioural management in schools (she is a teacher after all) to biographic tid-bits she has learned about famous/well travelled guests on the programs. I am also an avid debater, which in essence, relies purely on the conveyance of an argument with the voice. I really admire the great journalists in radio who seem to be able to extract the most amazing stories from people in such a way that I feel a part of the whole experience. 

I think radio has a very exciting future in digital broadcasting. The transition will be a lengthy one as generally the car is where most people listen to the radio and old cars are fitted out with analog radios. Despite this, the ability to stream stations online has allowed radio stations to really penetrate further afield than their local areas as well as give more choice to the audience. 

Noel Gallagher (formerly of Oasis) is notorious for his often controversial and highly opinionated interviews. While he is undeniably witty and somewhat right in the things he says, I also find that his personality takes over in an interview situation. Especially given that he is seen as somewhat a brit-pop god, I imagine he is quite a daunting person to talk to at times. Some people probably find his domineering personality detracts from conversation; he always steers the interviews. However I really find his manner and the stories he tells quite interesting to listen to, although I can definitely appreciate how frustrating it must be for journalists sometimes. 

This is a radio interview he did with Triple J's Tom & Alex earlier this year whilst he was in Australia for Big Day Out. I think it illustrates what I am talking about fairly well, and it is also quite funny!

 

Noel Gallagher

Triple J's Tom & Alex