When radio first became mainstream during the mid-1900s an American announcer known as Orson Welles became famous for his news alert prank that played on listeners fears of, “ferocious Martians.” This broadcast prompted thousands of people to call radio stations and police to confirm the news. (Rosenberg) The prank by Orson shows that the power of radio and broadcast news is unquestionable. Since Australia’s adoption of radio in the 1900s it has been used to communicate emergency messages about potentials invasions during wars. (Australian Government) Likewise, in Australia today we find the government still recommending Australian’s keep in their emergency kit a radio, should a disaster strike. (Department of Community Safety) In 2012, Commercial Radio Australia released a survey that showed the effectiveness of radio’s ability to reach audiences:
“On average Australians spend nearly 16 hours listening to commercial radio each week. […]The amount of time spent listening means radio is the perfect medium for key messages to be heard and to be heard more often.” (Commercial Radio Australia 1)
As the results show Australian’s definitely do spend time listing to the radio. Key findings from a national survey on the current state of news consumption found that 53 per cent of people still regard the radio as being a first point of contact for hearing their news. (Nguyen, Ferrier and Western 18) Despite Australian’s preferring the radio for news a trend in commercial radio has been, “journalist-shredding.” The practice first seen in the 1990s after changes to the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 allowed for commercial radio stations to broadcast, “public interest considerations in a way that does not impose unnecessary financial and administrative burdens on the providers of broadcasting services.” (Australian Government) This clause acted as a catalyst which prompted restructures throughout many radio stations. Looking further radio networks started forming which caused concern for radio journalists of the time, however it has now formed what is known as the, “Contemporary FM Radio Journalist.” (Raward and Johnston 65)
As analysed by Raward and Johnston as of December 2007, just 13 radio networks operated 80 per cent of Australia’s commercial radio stations. This although scary actually works remarkably well. In North Queensland the two largest networks; Prime Media Group and Southern Cross Austereo operate using the contemporary form of news radio. The Prime Media Group produces news bulletins for their stations across Australia from a central location on the Sunshine coast for each of the various locations they operate stations. (Prime Media Group) While Southern Cross Austereo takes a different approach, by having a journalist located at each of their stations. (Southern Cross Austereo) This journalist is then responsible for picking and choosing the appropriate stories for their audience. The contemporary approach to FM radio news has started a new revelation in radio allowing for it to be featured across other multimedia platforms.
Since the evolution of the web and the increasing availability of high-speed internet connections radio has found a place in emerging multimedia platforms. Almost all commercial and non-commercial radio stations offer streaming through the internet which enables people to listen to radio stations on their computers or smartphones. (1Radio) Streaming has also been complemented by text-based stories and podcasts. Andy Bull’s guide on multimedia journalism describes how audio clips can be used to enhance a text-based story:
“Your audio report might be just a very basically edited addition to your text report. […] just as footage from a CCTV camera might offer a powerful visual addition to the story […], a dramatic sound clip might add a powerful audio element.” (Bull 104)
The inclusion of radio news stories and other multimedia in online news websites is commonly practiced by the Australian news websites. A story by ABC journalist Josh Bavas looked at fears of asbestos particles in artillery drills; his story included a text story, images and audio. (Bavas) The audio report featured artillery gunshots during the introduction of the story which creates the dramatic effect that Bull described. Many radio stations also offer podcasts of their radio news bulletins. The ABC along with other radio networks offer podcasts of their radio programs. The benefit of podcasts is the listeners of the usual radio program can listen at a later date. (The University of Sydney)
News radio has also followed advancements in broadcast technologies. From the introduction of AM frequencies, to FM radio and now today’s digital radio revolution. Digital radio is the new frequency that enables those listening to see live-updates that are displayed at the bottom of their players screen. (videobus) This onscreen information can include messages about songs that are being played or the latest news headlines. (ABC) Advancements such as podcasts and digital radio have acted as a catalyst with the radio newsroom. Despite the advantages, journalists remain aware that their news reports need to reflect reporting styles that are appropriate for working within the radio industry. News reports on Australian radio stations are produced in accordance with both journalistic and government codes of practices. There are two main codes that set the ‘best practices’ for journalists that may be working in radio; The MEAA’s Code of Practice and the Commercial Broadcast Code of Practice.
The MEAA is the union of Australian journalists that provides 12 ‘best practices’ to ensure journalists recognize their public responsibilities. The MEAA’s eigth point should be of importance to a radio journalist:
“Use fair, responsible and honest means to obtain material. Identify yourself and your employer before obtaining any interview for publication or broadcast. Never exploit a person's vulnerability or ignorance of media practice.” (Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance)
The second, Commercial Broadcast Code of Practice outlines the responsibilities radio stations have in airing news and current affairs. Code of Practice 2 outlines the purpose of the code is, “to ensure radio stations promote accuracy and fairness in news and current affairs programs.” (Commercial Radio Australia) The consequences of breaching a code of practice can result in the journalist (or anyone involved in the story) losing their job. The ABC’s Media Watch program aired a story in April 2010 of a cameraman that repeatedly ignored the requests of two Islamic men leaving court to stop filming. The cameraman’s actions lead to a confrontation that was later aired on TV. The confrontation lead to his dismissal and in the words of Grace Morgan the lawyer of the men, “has the capacity to further erode the Islamic community's confidence in the media.” (Media Watch) The codes of practices are best followed if journalists are to be seen as ethical and moral members of the press giving a voice to the voiceless.
News radio is still of importance in today’s multimedia society. Radio can be adapted to suit; multimedia productions, it can be tied in with websites as a podcast or even be used as a voiceover for a series of images. Multimedia journalists are of great value to a contemporary society that demands forms of news mediums to connect in the world. Journalist’s that strive for producing ethical radio content gain the respect of their listeners and co-workers.
