My fascination of radio started when I was a kid. Every Sunday night I'd go into my room and listen to the top 40 countdown show that was broadcast right around the country. The guy who presented it was the typical radio presenter in the 80's.
He had a low, gravelly voice and had that definite "radio" tone. At the time I remember thinking 'this guy is so cool'.
It was this guy that inspired me to be a radio presenter. He lit the spark. Now fast forward 15 years and I've now worked at over 20 stations both community and commercial. I've had the pleasure to interview some of the most famous people on the planet like Ben Stiller Vince Vaughan, Jodie Foster, Paris Hilton, Steve Carrell etc.
I love my job. So that's why I want to dedicate this blog to radio. Specifically radio presenting. I'd also like to comment on the "offspring" of radio, podcasting and internet radio.
But to start off I thought I'd best tell you the main three reasons why i love radio as opposed to any other media outlet.
1. Radio is personal.
When you're talking on the mic you have the ability to be the voice in your listeners ear. Most of the boundries that exist in normal conversation are relaxed. You can be incredibly personal and reach them in places that you otherwise couldn't.
2. Radio can be instant.
I guess this is especially relevant when it comes to news services. I was on air the morning of 9/11 doing a breakfast show.
I had no idea when I rolled into the studio that morning what was unfolding around the world till I turned the TV on. Then from the moment I sat behind the mic for the next three hours I was supplying my audience with the most up to date, breaking news as people still went about their day. Arguably few other mainstream media services can do this (TV, press) as both of these mediums don't exist solely on the spoken word.
3. Radio uses the listeners imagination.
You can create a world for a listener that is only limited by their imagination....and your words. As a presenter you have enormous power in your hands to take the listener to another place. Away from their work, their problems, their worries.
So next time you're listening to the radio, or creating your own show or podcast, have a think about how these principles are at work and how you can exploit them more to your advantage.
