Two wise men

I quite enjoyed the on-line lecture of week 5. It was interesting hearing the likes of Richard Fidler and Steve Austin, two respected radio presenters, going from interviewer to interviewee. While different, the journey to success both men described portrayed the work and persistence required to get where you want, not necessarily talent or luck. Success is about seizing the opportunity and continuing to work at it.
As Fidler explains "If you feel inadequate, that it's all too much - you're right, but don't give up".

Richard Fidler greeting the 14th Dalai Lama in Brisbane       

The ease with which these journalists evoke interesting conversation and the calibre of which they are privileged to convert with are extremely enviable. While recounting the interview I decided that I don't listen to Fidler, Austin or shows such as theirs as much as I would like to (or should). Instead I, as well as many others I'm sure, seem to be more involved with mainstream pop culture than some of the most interesting people the world has to offer. It's just not right.
Take the popularity of the rap industry. Here most people can barely complete a sentence. Their use of offensive language, derogatory terms, and promotions of theft and murder has been proven to kill brain cells (probably - for the sake of this argument). So why is it so popular?

The ridiculously high stature of illiterate rappers proceeding that of educated society has gone too far- and let's not even start on One Direction. So I plan to expand my worldly knowledge and even my vocabulary by taking control of the parts of society I choose to indulge in and be more aware of.

I have found a preference to radio as a news source and often prefer interviews and discussions made for radio rather than television broadcast. Unlike television, visual distractions simply cannot be used to appeal to an audience through radio, so an interview, person or report generally has to be more interesting. Steve Austin describes radio as 'a theatre of the mind'. An image can provide a story in itself, radio is denied this medium to generate a viewers opinion thus, as with a good book, radio can allow us to form our own opinion based on the facts of the story, even allowing us to be more imaginative.

As Richard Fidler explained, radio is more intimate then television. Not only can anyone listen anywhere, but good radio allows audiences to feel included in the discussion. Listeners are usually able to contribute their opinions by calling in and always feel more incorporated in the conversation as it seems to be coming from inside their own head. A good host or guest can talk and make it feel like you're right there with them.
While radio can be more beneficial to a listener it can also become very difficult for a producer or host. They must be extremely conversational, have a clear and understandable voice, be knowledgeable and continuously up to date on the interests of their audiences and thus hold an array of interests themselves, but most importantly they must be able to hold their listeners respect. As Austin advised 'listening implies respect'. To avoid having listeners change stations and increase an audience base you must continuously earn their respect, otherwise people simply will not listen.

What better examples of two respected radio programs than Richard Fidler's Conversations and Steve Austin's Mornings shows on ABC? Moreover, what great examples of two paths to success from these presenters. One of my previous blog posts, Simply the best featured Laura Geitz whose main advice was to "do your best and forget the rest". Fidler also presented a predominant message throughout his interview; "If you really want it, don't give up". Persistence and hard work seems to be a recurring theme within advice from successful people. Coincidence? I think not.