Review 8 “Sport” August 9, 2009

Triple M
Gary Lyon, James Bradshaw
Saturday 8th August 2009
St Kilda Vs Hawthorn

SEN 1116
Tim Watson
Sunday 9th August 2009
Fremantle Vs Port Adelaide

Upon listening to the Triple M broadcast it struck me as a cross between an AM and FM broadcast there was no music and no add breaks. But then came the sponsorship announcements worked into the statistics.

They speak typical football speak: they say “and aah” after every sentence. The focus is on the players and teams and their backgrounds as opposed to the call and progress of the game.

The crowd cheering audio levels were up so high it sounded as if they’d put a microphone strategically out in the Hawthorn cheer squad and laid it down as a not so subtle bed track.

They were right into audience interaction with a tipping focus and provided a phone number people could call who were interested in joining in and responded to SMS’s.

It is apparent that the presenters have a background on television and aren’t that experienced or talented at describing what is actually going on – a skill for radio commentary. It is difficult tell what is happening until a significant occurrence such as a goal.

SEN is a classically AM retelling of the game. The presenters speak at the speed of lightning calling every single possession. The other significance that is astoundingly different from their Triple M competitors, other than the speed at which they talk, is the level of excitement and passion at which they near scream and shout when something is about to climax in the game!

The “crowd levels” are significantly lower than the Triple M broadcast also.
In the play breaks they include horse racing highlights and round ups of other sports. Overall the major difference between the two would be the accuracy of the call and the focus on the game not the players. The presenters are trained in the art of describing exactly what they see to the audience so they feel as if they are there and can see it also.

Review 4 “Triple R and PBS Breakfast” August 9, 2009

Breakfasters
Fee B-Squared, Sam Pang & John Origlasso
Weekdays 6 – 9
Friday 7th August 2009

The Breakfast Spread
Lyndelle and Matt
Weekdays 6 – 9
Friday 7th August 2009

The Breakfasters show is typically talk back style. Unlike commercial radio there are no outrageous stunts or even designated segment topics per talk break with no fancy production values.

The three presenters have relatively good voices for radio although at times they do, they don’t always quite gel together and run smoothly as a team.

Fee B – Squared at times broke into an “aaah” but I think she has commercial potential. I can’t be sure which male presenter as it was difficult to differentiate between the two – I think it’s John Origlasso that didn’t get nearly as much air time as the other two.

I think its strength is that it is a regular show five days a week with set segments and guests. On Friday there was a surfing segment with Tim Hawkin which is a really good idea as I don’t know of another station that has surfing updates although it did drag on for too long. I didn’t hear any audience interaction. What I thought they could include in the show was traffic updates (although they don’t have the resources of commercial stations this information can be found on the internet)

The Breakfast Spread in contrast is an alternative music focussed show with quick short talk breaks that detail the song and album.

Lydelle and Matt are obviously passionate and enthusiastic about the music they are playing. At one point they insisted the listener should have the album and implied that if we didn’t we were ridiculous (I don’t feel ridiculous and I don’t own the album)

They were good at cross promotion of other shows on the station which is good community etiquette. They also had an album give away and encouraged listeners to call in to win.

What really stood out for me was the music: unlike any other breakfast show I’ve ever listened to I absolutely loved it. It’s funky, old school 60’s remixes, motown and packed full of punch – just what you need when you are getting ready for work. The next time I want to block out the gab in the morning and am in need of a pick me up I will be tuning into the Breakfast Spread for sure.

Review 7 “The Music Shows” August 9, 2009

ABC Radio National
The Daily Planet
Lucky Oceans
4th August 2009
2.20pm
Ratings Survey 4: 9.7%

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/dailyplanet/index/date2009.htm#June

ABC Radio National
The Music Show
Andrew Ford
1st August 2009
Saturdays 10am
Ratings Survey 4: 13%

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/musicshow/default.htm

Triple R
Breaking and Entering
Simon Winkler Lauren Taylor
Thursday 24th June 2009
Thursdays 12pm – 2pm

http://www.rrr.org.au/program/breaking-and-entering/

Lucky Oceans has a mixed accent of Australian with a slight American drawl. He sounds relaxed, knowledgeable and is full of anecdotes.

I admire the pace at which he speaks. When there is no other presenter to bounce off it can be hard to fill the gaps without sounding rushed but Lucky achieves the balance perfectly. His back announcements are insightful and interesting; they don’t just skim the surface.

I really enjoyed the introductory music to Andrew Ford’s music program. He has a pleasant voice. He is conversant and well informed. The show is packed full of interviews, reviews and details what is going on around Australia with regards to festivals and concerts.

His music is ambient.

When tuning into Breaking and Entering it takes a while to get to hear the presenters. There are long brackets of music followed by sponsorship announcements.

The style of music is contemporary and has a youth focus.

Lauren stumbles on her words and loses her spot occasionally but has good clarity.

Simon is softly spoken and generally sounds under-whelmed. He obviously has an interest and in depth knowledge of his subject but he doesn’t sound particularly excited by what he is saying. This is typical community radio underground “muso”- in the scene – laissez faire attitude but it is not to my taste.

Across all three shows there is no listener involvement. The production values aren’t fancy it’s all about the music. My favourite from this selection would be The Daily Planet. Lucky’s passion for his music is infectious and made me want to hear more.

Review 6 “The Presenter” August 9, 2009

ABC Radio National
Late Night Live
Phillip Adams
Guest: Nick Reding
29th July 2009
10pm
Ratings Survey 4: 15%

http://www.abc.net.au/rn/latenightlive/

I know Phillip Adams is a late night program however my first impressions were that he sounded tired. Upon further listening this opinion shifted. His voice is soothing and appropriate for the middle of the night. He comes across as very unobtrusive.
He speaks slowly, using pause and modulation with intent.

It becomes clear quickly that his target audience and listener ship is an older demographic. His tag line is “Ideas and opinions from around the world” Ideas and opinions”… again this is something little old ladies would love to be a part of. Even the introduction music is so old fashioned.

“Now, now dear listeners” repeats himself “dear listeners” Adams sounds like a narrator about to embark on a remarkable story to his older listeners. I think the fact that he sounds like a nice old man would be very comforting to the little old widows patiently hanging on to his every word on the other end of the wireless.

One particular pod cast was on the ghastly effects of crystal meth. “One of the most addictive of all drugs” again – grandmas love to hear about the debaucheries of the youth of today with the hope that their own grandchildren aren’t involved but being informed and aware that it is happening so they can caution anyone who will listen of the consequences.

The production values are simple. There are no sound effects, station ID’s or stings. It is simply his voice, thoughts and interviews.
The strength of the show reflects very much the demographic: old people prefer and are used to things being slower and simple.

There was no listener involvement in the pod casts I listened to. It’s unclear if he does call for listener involvement during his show? I think this would be beneficial as older listeners would love to put their two bobs in!

Review 2 “The AM Breakfast Shows” August 9, 2009

Radio National 621
AM with Tony Eastley
Tony Eastley
6th August 2009
7.10am

http://www.abc.net.au/am/default.htm

ABC 774
Breakfast with Red Symons
Red Symons
25th November 2008
5.30am
Ratings Survey 4: 15.7%

http://blogs.abc.net.au/victoria/melbourne_breakfast/index.html

3AW
Ross Stephenson and John Burns
28th July 2009
5:30 – 8:30am
Ratings Survey 4: 21.6%

http://www.3aw.f2.com.au/Podcast/Feeds/22.xml

AM with Tony Eastley is formal and focuses on news and current affairs. The style of the show is typically ABC: there are a vast amount of sound snaps, reports and interviews. The news has an international, national and local focus. Eastley carefully enunciates and modulates as he announces providing an engaging retelling of the news at large.

Their website states: AM is Australia’s most informative morning current affairs program. AM sets the agenda for the nation’s daily news and current affairs coverage.
For this reason there is no listener involvement: it doesn’t need it and would take away from the formality and intention of the program.

After witnessing behind the scenes on Pacific Beat on Radio Australia I’m aware this kind of radio is manic to produce. To the listener this a flowing interesting piece of radio but little do they know that there is a producer and panel operator peddling behind the scenes and Eastley has to be particularly skilled at working under pressure and being adaptable to ensure that the show runs to time to the second.

Red Symons started his show by saying “Yeah G’day”. I nearly fell off my chair! He then proceeded to talk about a fly he saw in the studio. His style is very informal and outrageous. He called a vicar a clown and said “he wouldn’t mind me saying that, well I’ll find out if he does soon enough” he then told listeners that nobody should dress up as baby Jesus after the age of 10 and hen took calls from listeners about their opinion on the age statue of limitations on dressing up as Jesus and called the segment world of impostery.

I find him manic. I don’t get the impression that he plans what he is going to say. It’s as if he is sitting in a chair that happens to be in a studio talking to himself about anything that pops into his head that just happens to be into a microphone that broadcasts across the nation. He uses shock value as humour. I can see why they took him off the air when the bush fires happened.

Ross Stevenson and John Burns sound like a couple of Aussie blokes having a yarn. The two men’s voices sound similar to me. Their segment asked the listeners what their interpretation of the word ‘chippy’ meant. It strikes me as social commentary on what’s in the papers; both hard and soft news. They sound typically AM. They rely heavily on listener involvement and don’t have fancy production values or sound effects. This show would appeal to a typical Aussie battler.

Review 10 “My Choice” May 25, 2009

Review 10 “My Choice”
Nova 100
Hughesy and Kate
Dave Hughes, Kate Langbroek, Ed Kavalee
22/05/2009
6-9am Weekdays
Ratings Survey 3 2009: 8.7%
Guests: Jeff Tyler, Brian McFadden, Rove

This particular pod cast began with Jeff Tyler, their newsreader, performing a stunt: pretending to be blind with a Doberman “guide” dog and a tapping stick in a shopping centre buying dog food all the while Hughesy and Kate were on the phone giggling away. They quite often have risqué and politically incorrect gags on the show. One of the reasons I come back for more: it never loses its shock factor.

The show relies heavily on listener involvement: people call in to share their stories on topics covered or in this particular case they offered a gaming “addict” a new computer and a subscription to “Nine Dragons” to break up with girlfriend on air whilst she was on the line. The man paused to think about it.

Their style is cheeky, unreserved, down to earth and just bloody hilarious. Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek’s voices could be construed as grating but rather compliment each other as they flow, tease and banter with ease. They adopt a no holding back policy when it comes to their personal lives so the listener is engaged and feels connected to them. Ed Kavalee holds the balance of panel operator as he doesn’t get involved too much; rather he focuses on time calls, signposting and is at times the voice of reason amongst the child like naughtiness of his co-hosts.

The production is slick and without fault. Sound effects are cued in spontaneously to heighten humour and their regular segments have music and effects that add value. The strength of the show relies on the complex and unconditional friendship that runs deeply between the two hosts. They quite often disagree, mock and tease each other all without menace. You listen to them and can’t help but want for more.

Review 9 “The World” May 25, 2009

Review 9 “The World”
BBC Radio
Global News Highlights
Audrey Brown
22/05/2009
Compiled from 24 hour news coverage from the BBC – PM update for 22/05/2009

Review 9 “The World”
NPR
NPR Hourly News Summary
Nora Romme
23/05/2009
Hourly

My first impressions of the BBC world service is that although it is presented in English the presenter, Audrey Brown, has an International accent; it is apparent English is not her first language.

The news has an international focus. It is formal and informative. The production values are polished; they use numerous relevant interviews and quotes. The reporters describe the news vividly so that although we can’t see the information it is illustrated for us by the crafted words of the reporters.

There is no listener involvement as we are merely being presented with information. As the issues covered are Pakistani turmoil, nuclear proliferation and Islamic extremists there is no use of humour as this would not only be inappropriate but would be detrimental to the intention of the station to be trusted and believable.

NPR begins with a sensational story about a former South Korean President committing suicide and revealing the contents of the suicide note. This is the only story covered that isn’t American news. The reporters speak slowly, clearly and concisely. I found them to speak rather expressively and almost dramatically in comparison to BBC World News.

The content mainly focussed on American politics at one point it mentioned the state of “US oil” was threatening to make America more dependant on other countries. The expression in Nora Romme’s voice conveyed this was frightening indeed. President Obama had a lot of air time. On the whole I found it to be very patriotic. Again the production values are professional although they don’t use nearly as many interviews or quotes as BBC. I found it ironic that they used a quote from their President urging them at this time to have “self discipline over self interest”. I wouldn’t go as far as saying humour is used but it is far lighter in content and presentation than BBC world news.

Review 5 “Drive” May 25, 2009

Review 5 “Drive”
Fox 101.9
Hamish and Andy
Hamish and Andy
22/05/2009
4pm – 6pm
Ratings Survey 3 2009: 22%

MMM Melbourne
The Life
Roy Slaven and HG Nelson
18/05/2009
4pm, Mondays and Fridays
Ratings Survey 3 2009: 3.7% (although this represents all week)

Hamish and Andy are great story tellers. During their shows they hash out a story that has happened to them during the week and invite callers to share their stories. Andy dominates the practical duties when coming back from songs or ads or when talking to listeners he always quotes the caller number. He comes across as the big brother, the more sensible one who is constantly challenging the Peter Pan like eccentric Hamish Blake.

They are always looking for the next adventure whether it be driving around Australia in a camper van, broadcasting from Japan, sailing to Tasmania or dropping cars from a plane. It’s as if two young larrikins in uni have crazy ideas and have been given the funding to carry them out. It works; they have a huge following and an interactive website to boot.

Their panel operator is invisible but flawless. The Producers who screen calls behind the scenes are good at what they do; the callers come through fluently and always have a funny tale to tell or are bizarre enough so we can laugh at them with the boys.

HG talks at the speed of lightning. In this particular pod cast I didn’t hear a peep from Roy until four minutes and thirty seconds onto the show. HG is more than happy to share his opinions. He speaks with gusto, bravado and excitement. Roy’s voice is controlled and almost regal. It is clear this is a well oiled machine that has been in the works for 20 years; they have a witty repartee and are funny.

It is clear they have a sport focus and appeal strongly to their own sex. They also cover current issues and the affects on society that are ‘water cooler’ topics. When referring to the stripper at the footy club fiasco, the boys suggested strippers in the work place on Monday mornings to encourage people to come to work or strippers when you are trying to get your kids to eat veggies. They are mischievous guys who are dryly sarcastic and love to go off on a tangent.

What makes Hamish and Andy so successful? I think they appeal to everybody; they are simply acting out a sense of humour that is natural to them. It doesn’t hurt that they are rather effortlessly lovely and easy on the eye making them bigger than Martin and Molloy ever were for that very reason. Hamish and Andy suit their target demographic so perfectly. They’re young adults who act how any mates would do by mucking around and having fun. They make girls swoon, boys chuckle and older people remember their younger days.

Review 3 “Talk Radio” May 25, 2009

Review 3 “Talk Radio”
3AW
Neil Mitchell’s hard-hitting first hour
Neil Mitchell
20/5/09
6am – 9am
Ratings Survey 3 2009: 17.3%

ABC Melbourne
The Conversation Hour
John Faine
20/05/2009
8.30am – 11am
Guests: Walid Ali (Co-Presenting)
Ratings Survey 3 2009: 16.4%

I’ll start by saying I like Neil Mitchell. I had never listened to his program but I can see why he dominates the cut throat morning ratings spot. People like controversy. He started the show with the premise of being serious: an apology on behalf of the show. It quickly became obvious he was being facetious. He went on ranting and raving at being censored because his interview with Kevin Rudd (in which Mitchell accused him of breaking promises) now wasn’t on the Prime Ministers’ website. He is unapologetically opinionated.

Typically AM there are no extraordinary sound or special effects. Interestingly, it was the only pod cast that included advertisements. At times I found the listener calls slapdash; they dropped out or were put on air mid sentence.

Being a talk back show obviously it relies heavily on listener involvement. This is particularly important for this show as it brings up issues and invites opinions and controversy. People love to be heard. Neil Mitchell gives people a public platform to vent and express their opinions that normally wouldn’t have a voice and they love it.

Not long into my foray of John Faine’s Conversation Hour did it become obvious that he targets the grey sector. The first topic was Walid’s wife turning 30 and the summit she’s holding to deal with this coming of age which outraged a flurry of texts from listeners who obviously are older and found this offensive. This was the only listener involvement that I heard during the show. They then went on to celebrate the Beatles, a topic I am passionate about but found it difficult to be engaged.

Faine’s style is very natural, casual and conversationalist. Throughout the show he never expressed his opinion and juxtaposed with Neil Mitchell didn’t come close to being offensive. Mixed with Walid’s dry humour, Faine was laughing at their banter but unfortunately I didn’t find myself laughing along with him.

Being classically AM and ABC there were no fancy sound effects, background music or grabs.

Review 1 “The Commercial FM Breakfast Shows” February 22, 2009

Mix 101.1

Bridget Duclos, Tom Gleeson, George McEnroe

Weekdays 6 – 9

20th February 2009

Ratings Survey 1: 4.1%

 

Triple M

Myf Warhurst, Peter Helliar

Weekdays 6 – 9

20th February 2009

Ratings Survey 1: 5.4%

 

I chose to review two breakfast radio programmes that I do not usually listen to in order to assist in completing a comparison without bias. Pete and Myf were of particular interest following the axing of one of the station’s most popular shows; Get This, with Tony Martin, Ed Kavalee and Richard Marsland. Also because of the recent influx of millions of dollars worth of advertising on newspaper ads, TV spots and massive Kings Way billboards, I feel they have big shoes to fill. Mix’s Brig George and Tom is something I have previously not listened to, and having quite a different target audience to Pete and Myf provide an interesting basis for comparison.

 

I am fond of Myf’s voice for radio; it is husky and smooth at the same time, which in my opinion is excellent for easy listening. I did notice her agreeing with Pete a great deal. Pete’s manic and comedic stuttering is confusing for radio and there were countless “aaahhhs” and “and and ands”. Many times Pete interrupted guest speakers and callers. Mike Fitzpatrick, their anchor, sounded sluggish and dopey. As a group I didn’t feel a connection, because their laughs sounded forced and they agreed with each other too much. It felt like a group of people that were out of their depth. For the reasons above their segments came across as awkward and unnatural and I felt their segments did not work. I have heard Triple M described as “cock rock” and found this to be true of their demographic. It had a strong football focus, particularly biased towards Collingwood. Two common themes emerged whenever Pete and Myf became the focus of my comparison; football and porn.

 

Mix Mornings with Brig, George & Tom initially I was skeptical of, as whenever I had heard a grab of their promo’s it was Brig whining about being inept in the kitchen, George contending for mother of the year and Tom being incompetent about the female anatomy and mind. Although they did dip into their stereotypes at some points, overall I found them to be a well oiled machine. The hosts gel well together and banter with ease; there are no uncomfortable moments. They all come from different backgrounds and view points and argue their opinions, adding to the colour of the show. Their target audience is obviously female, mid 30’s plus. Although I couldn’t exactly relate and it didn’t directly appeal to my humour, on the whole I was impressed

 

Both shows sound typically commercial, heavily produced with various sound effects and appropriate background music piping in at any opportunity. It will be interesting to see when the ratings are released if Austereo’s push for Pete and Myf has paid off or the listeners echo my feelings on the pair.