ABC Rural

Broadcasting nation wide, ABC Rural provides Australia with the latest in farming news and drought up-dates. The shows differ as you cross the country, each local program providing the recent news in relation to its area.
The Country Hour, aired at midday, is recognised by the Guinness Book of Records as Australia’s longest running radio program. The show covers current issues affecting local farmers and in turn, the nation. Issues such as hypothermia in cows, the looming drought and the rise and fall of the value of livestock are daily brought forth for discussion. These issues may seem tedious and certainly don’t hold interest for everyone but this program plays an important part in connecting local issues with the nation and informing farmers of events and news relevant to them.

Listening to the program, when you have no interest in the price of sheep or cows, for half an hour is more than enough! As it is a country program, it is much like community radio and the presenters are sorely lacking in personality. Music played on the show is a rarity and when it is played, surprise surprise, it’s country beat-nick music!

There isn’t much to this show. It’s simple, full of farming information and if the music were removed, it would practically be an hour long news program. Slow paced, much like the country itself, The Country Hour is one way to make you fall asleep at the wheel if you’re driving through the country.

Radio Program Evaluations

Well here are the evaluations on the radio programs that I listened to in class…I’m keeping them simple and as much to the point as possible. Not everyone’s will be on here from our class as I didn’t hear everyone’s. Maybe that’s a good thing.

Connor:
Technical – interview had echo and levels were a bit uneven
Presentation – sadly your nerves came through and caused alot of stumbling, umming etc
Content – loved the intro. discussion probably should have been edited but I will take some of the blame for side tracking during it.
Ideas – the concept of a movie themed program is great, different to what everyone else had and could be pursued further.

Leon:
Technical – music underneath the interview is a tad too loud and very distracting.
Presentation – I got a little bit confused with the whole co-host aspect. Alot of things ie. the review, turned into a discussion and while it was funny, you lost your roles abit.
Content – loved the vox pops, interesting and funny and keeping with the feel of the program

Jack:
Technical – levels during the interview were uneven and sadly transferring the audio distorted the quality of sound making it harder to understand.
Presentation – great personality and it comes through your voice, good flow through out the show
Content – Surprise surprise…of course it is about sport. It was nice to see your vox pops weren’t and that you’re trying new and wonderful things …even though you didn’t vox pop any girls!

Jake:
Technical – there was some mic movement noise and the levels kept going up and down.
Presentation – your review sounded read and monotone. “here’s line one, welcome to the building”??
Content - vox pops could have been edited abit more. I like the fact that everything in your program relates back to the theme, stays consistent for the audience. There was a lot of PJ.
Ideas – It’s an interesting theme and sounds like something from the states. The title of your show “Hip Hop: Fresher than night kicks out the box” is a bit of a mouth full and maybe a bit too long for your audience to remember.

Dane:
Technical - the music during the intro for your vox pops is a bit too loud. Jack was also abit soft and you probably should have told him to stop moving away from the mic
Presentation – good back and front announcing but Leon kept taking over your show. I know you were co-hosting but this one was your program and he took control from you.
Content – The review turned into a discussion and no one explained the plot of the movie for those who haven’t seen it. Otherwise, funny stuff!

Matthew:
Presentation – I think everyone has emphaised this point….you need to slow your talking down a bit. The review, if thats what you call it, went for too long. On a high note, your interview was good.
Content – Hmm…more sport. Just what I love. I think you could have branched out a little bit more, even with this theme. Maybe throw in some random weird sports to mix it up and avoid an entire show on Footy. I did enjoy the music selection though and it suited the style of your program.
Ideas – Another sports show? I know there is a fair audience for that but to make it worth listening to in comparison to dozens of others it needs a little something extra.

Crystal:
Technical – sound quality from that small hick up with leaving the MD up on the panel wasn’t the greatest, almost sounded like you were talking through a can.
Presentation – your intro to the vox pops was good. there was abit of stumbling over words, “well…yeah…I know”. Don’t contradict yourself!!! “well, that was interesting…maybe it wasn’t” Have an opinion and stick to it.
Content – your review dragged a bit. Your ID’s were good and interesting interviewee.
Ideas – This program has a very late night feel, very mellow.

PJ:
Technical – Uneven levels and a muffled intro. There was a bit of sibilance as well.
Presentation – I know you clarified what ‘B’ boys and ‘B’ girls were at the start of your show but for those tuning in half way through may find it confusing if they’re like me and know nothing about break dancing. “I hope you guys enjoy it” 9 times you used that as a lead in to a song or vox pop etc. I liked how you expressed yourself, the voice you put on while presenting suited the theme to a T.
Content – It seems you and Jack have something against vox popping girls. Your interview went a bit too long.

Well that’s all I have for now…hopefully these are helpful for whoever bothers to read them.

What’s buzzin’ cousin?

Every week day, between 4 and 8pm, Leroy Brown presents “The Buzz” on Christian community radio station 89.9 Light Fm. Leroy, producer and presenter of the drive show, has been with Light FM for just over a year after being sacked from his job at Triple M, on the ‘Cold 30′. In spite of the unfair dismissal, Brown loves his new job as host of ‘The Buzz’, bringing with him his colourful personality and fresh ideas to the station.
The show has several consistent segments and competitions and regularly includes the stations Scottish cleaner Franny. One such competition is “Pick Da Giggle”, where a celebrity’s laugh is played and listeners have to call in and guess who they think the laugh belongs to. This call in competition has the phones daily ringing off the hook. This drive show has somewhat of a magazine style to it. Phone topics change daily, sometimes an interview with a christian music artist or Light FM volunteer will be included, other times Franny the Cleaner ‘takes over’.
Leroy Brown’s show differs from the others aired on Light FM in that it is by far more structured, with a better format and more engaging segments. This could be attributed to the fact Brown has worked in radio all across Australia for years and not just community radio, but commerical. It could also be that because it is the drive show, the time slot allows for more contemporary music to be played.
One thing you will notice about Light FM, apart from them playing Christian music, is the mix of secular music amongst it. Also, certain times of day are restricted on what songs they can play and how frequent. The drive show plays less music than most of the other shows on the station, with the exception of the ‘morning wake-up’ with Luke and Chandelle. Even though there are less songs, it is the exciting competitions and amusing segments that keeps the audience coming back for more.
While Light FM certainly isn’t for everyone, it does provide a family friendly positive alternative and The Buzz makes the drive home from work or school by far more enjoyable.

Stop! It’s Bri-Time!

Holmesglen Chadstone Campus is home to the rising stars that are Group A from the prestigious Broadcasting course. Every wednesday between 9am and 1pm, the students from Group A take over the studio and bring to the rest of Chadstone “Bri-Time”.

Tuning into the station which does not yet have a frequency but uses the speakers through-out the cafeteria means that these talented students do not have the public exposure desired. Despite this, Bri-Time continues to be a great mix of good [and sometimes inappropriate] humour, classic tunes and interesting talk topics.
There isn’t a consistent host or format as each student has their own chance to present and each brings their own style to Bri-Time. There is however one underlying factor that flows through-out all of it. That factor is Brian Wise.
No matter who is presenting, they all refer to their beloved teacher each and every break. Every sweeper, radio ID and station ‘sponser’ centres around Brian. The very name of the show is a tribute to Mr Wise, who only teaches the one class aka Group A and presents “Off the Record” for community radio station Triple R.

Bri-Time features numerous segments during the show including ‘Richters Report’, ‘Quiz Master’, ‘All 80′s’ and ‘Stop! Bri-Time!’. Richters Report, presented by Jack Richter, is a brief sports update with all the very latest in sports news and game scores. Jack also hosts the Quiz Master, bringing with him new contestants every week to test their general knowledge on Bri-Time.
All 80′s  is an hour overloaded with the best (and worst) of eightie’s music. This particular segment has very little talking, which may be a relief from the excess talking during Stop! Bri-Time! The content of Stop! Bri-Time! is amusing to listening, although the numerous presenters reflect their inexperience with continual talking over one another. The show may be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with Group A’s sense of humour, with comments such as ‘That’s what she said’ and ‘WHY?’ continually appearing during conversation.

Overall, “Bri-Time” has alot of potential and Melbourne should keep its eye out for the group thats going to change radio, and probably Brian Wise, forever!

Interview Comparison

Richard Fidler’s interview with Rupert Evertt vs. Julie Rigg’s interview with Roger Michelle.
Both interviews are taken from Radio National Podcasts.

The Conversation Hour with Richard Fidler is based in Sydney. Richard recently had actor and author Rupert Evertt in the studio to discuss his new book “Red Carpets and Other Bananaskins”.
The interview begins with a formal introduction from Fidler, briefly covering the topics that will be discussed during the interview and giving the listeners some background knowledge of the interviewee, Rupert Evertt.
Fidler jumps straight into questioning, making an usual but engaging statement, “I find it interesting that you [Evertt] were ‘corrupted’ by Mary Poppins as a child”. This statement varifys to the audience that Fidler has done his homework and has read the book. All the questions were well researched and followed through. Richard knew what answers he wanted and asked the right questions in order to get them.
As is the trend with interviews these days, this interview was primarily promotional. It was used to inform the public about Rupert Evertt’s new book. Every question was centred around the content of the actors memoirs. Some of the interview was informational, providing listeners with details not mentioned in the book. Yet it is apparent to the listeners that this interview is a promotional tool, especially when Evertt refuses to answer a question and states “if they want to know what happened, they’ll have to read the book”.

Julie Rigg discussed the new film ‘Venus’ with the director Roger Michelle. Roger Michelle has directed numerous movies such as Notting Hill and The Mother (to which Venus is the sister film). Julie also does a formal introduction, nearly long enough to make the listener fall asleep.
The most striking thing about this interview is that despite its length it is done over the phone.
This makes it difficult for the audience to understand Roger Michelle at times due to a poor phone line.
Even though Rigg demonstrates her knowledge of the movie, her questions do not engage the listeners or the interviewee, Roger Michelle. He comes across as bored and in turn, this bores the audience. Clearly this interview is promoting the release of the new movie Venus, although it doesn’t inspire the listeners to immediately go out and see it.

While both presenters work for the same radio station, its pretty obvious why Richard Fidler as more air time than Julie Rigg. Both have worked in radio for years and have had their fair share of interviews yet Fidler is far more engaging and comfortable with who he is interviewing. The friendly banter between Evertt and Fidler gives the impression to listeners that they have been friends for years. In contrast, Julie Rigg struggles to keep the flow of the interview going. This could be attributed in part to the interviewee, Roger Michelle, who is a less appealing subject in comparison to Rupert Evertt.
Overall, both programs and interviews have something to offer. The choice is up to the listeners. Do they want entertainment or a chance to catch up on some shut eye?

Comparison

Nova 100.3 Vs. Vega 91.5

What do you get when you have two stations promising the latest hits, the biggest celebrities and funniest hosts? Some darn good radio that gives you more choice!
From 9am until 1pm, Sally Rope is the on-air host for Vega, primarily playing 80′s classics with the occasional new song. On Nova, Dylan Lewis takes over the show from 9am until midday, bringing with him the latest in music and Hollywood gossip.
Sally has been a featured performer at various venues around Australia, including the sit down comedy club (Bris), the espy, and star and garter(Melb) and the comedy store (Syd). She has also appeared on the Comedy Channel’s headliners series. Sally’s radio credits include breakfast co-host at SEA FM on the Gold Coast,  Perth at 92.9, NOVA 969 Sydney, 2Day FM Sydney, TTFM Melbourne, Triple M Brisbane and 92.5 Gold FM on the Gold Coast. Finally, the experienced radio host made her way back to Melbourne to work at Vega.

Dylan Lewis, comedian, TV host turned radio presenter is a recent addition to the Nova crew. While Dylan is more accustomed to television, hosting the morning show “Recovery” on the ABC, and ‘The 10.30 Slot’ on Friday evenings on the ABC, he brings his colourful personality to Nova every week day. He also hosted ‘Pepsi Live’ on channel 10 from 2001 until 2004.
Both shows have a good mix of music, although if you’re after more recent hits, Nova delivers; while Vega keeps it interesting with the greatest music from the 70′s and 80′s as well as the ‘best new songs’.

While listening to both stations, back and forth, Vega is proving it self to be the better of the two, despite its location on the dial.
Lewis reflects his inexperience with radio as he struggles to keep an even level while talking, at times being too soft or too loud. Another frustrating mistake made by ex-television host is talking over the songs. While every station uses the introduction to quickly announce the song or program, Dylan goes beyond the introduction and overlaps with the singing, bringing the level of professionalism down a few notches.

If you’re after continuous music without too many ads or self-promotions interrupting them, both stations and both shows provide just that. It all comes down to whether you want a bigger mix of music or not!

The Jonathan Coleman Experience

New to the air ways on Gold 104.3 is “The Jonathan Coleman Experience” featuring the ‘Big Big Man’ himself, Jonathan ‘Jono’ Coleman and Julia Zemiro. The afternoon show goes from 1 til 3 pm weekdays, promising to deliver big stars, big competitions and big laughs.
Neither one of the hosts are new to radio. Jonathan Coleman hosts “My Generation” on the weekends for Gold 104, with a long history in radio, including 94.7 in London for BBC. Julia Zemiro is known for her work in ‘The Extra’, tv show ’Thank God Your Here’ and  a number of other improvisational television shows. The combination of these two highly experienced comedians is a receipe for success.

With daily competitions, celebrities and great chemistry between the hosts, ‘The Jonathan Coleman Experience’ has a little something for everybody. Today’s topic for the show listeners were asked to voice their opinion on Britney Spears radical new look. While there was a decent amount of talk-back, they managed to squeeze in at least 5 songs each hour. Great classic ‘golden oldies’.

This afternoon program is ideally what an afternoon radio show should be. Relaxing, entertaining and engages the audience. The music is fun, fits with the show and will bring back memories for those who grew up with these classics. It won’t take long for ‘The Jonathan Coleman Experience’ to be an experience Gold 104.3 fm listeners can’t live without.

“Unearthing” Triple J

One quick confession….

I’ve never listened to Triple J before which is partly why I chose to for this particular exercise. This much I can say already after listening to it for over an hour…not my kind of radio.

It probably has to do with the time of night that I have tuned into the station (from 10pm onwards) and unfortunetly as is the case with most radio stations, they play almost non-stop music that no-one wants to hear.

The few times that I’ve heard the male host (not yet been able to identify who he is)…he’s talked soooo fast I couldn’t catch I word he said!

There is something to be said about Triple J. Its helped me figure out what I want to avoid, whether it be playing music that honestly in my opinion shouldn’t be classifed as music, or being incoherent as a presenter.

Quick aside: whoever put together the ads for “noise snapshot” should get a raise…it was the best thing I’ve heard on the station so far!