Jour1111 Lecture 4

Radio is one of the oldest of our current mass media platforms and although similar to television media in some ways, is fundamentally different in terms of production and communication. Radio is a much more intimate form of media compared to television, and therefore develops the need to make listeners feel included in the conversation and for hosts to be the facilitators of these inclusive conversations.  In an interview with ABC Radio’s Richard Fidler, we learn a few techniques as to how we can facilitate this sort of inclusion and relaxed atmosphere between the interviewer and interviewee.  As Fidler explains, it is important to not say too much and give the guest plenty of room to talk and explain themselves while helping them to stay on track if the guest begins to veer off or lose themselves.  Another important tool to make use of is silence. As daunting as it almost seems, silence on the air is as Fidler states, “Very powerful, truthful and revealing.” We can see that despite being one of the older mass communication mediums, radio is in fact one of the few platforms that are holding fast in the technology revolution. Both newspapers and television have felt the effect of modern consumers migrating to internet sources as a faster, cheaper and more efficient information source, however there is something about radio that keeps people coming back. Perhaps the fact that there’s not yet much in terms of an online publication that replaces radio’s morning news or breakfast shows for those that brave the morning pilgrimage in their cars to work every day,  or perhaps  it’s the element of intimacy and inclusion within a radio conversation that keeps listeners, well, listening. Before the interview with Fidler concluded, he left us with some encouraging words; Keep reading, keep thinking, and expose yourself to the thoughts of people that you don’t agree with. Great advice for any aspiring journalist or human being.