Oral history: sound recordings: radio

Transcription

Oral history:
sound recordings: radio
A guide to holdings in the National Film and
Sound Archive of Australia
Actress and singer Queenie Ashton, c1950 NFSA: 359600
NOTE: The information in this guide was current as of the copyright date.
Contact the NFSA for details of more recent holdings on this topic.
Copyright 2002 National Film and Sound Archive of Australia
All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission.
First published 2002
McCoy Circuit, Acton ACT 2601
GPO Box 2002, Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: +61 2 6248 2000
Fax: +61 2 6248 2222
Toll free: 1800 067 274 (only available within Australia)
Email: access@nfsa.gov.au
Website: www.nfsa.gov.au
INTRODUCTION
This collection guide lists oral history sound recordings, currently in Australiaís National Screen
and Sound Archive Collection, which deal with the Australian radio industry.
An oral history is an in-depth interview, focussing on a person's life or career, or focussing on an
organisation's history or activities. The recordings are usually sound recordings using standard
audiocassette, DAT (Digital Audio Tape), or Mini Disc. Some oral history interviews, however,
are recorded as moving images. These are commonly recorded using Betacam SP video tape, or
as digital images using digital video cameras. Occasionally, some oral history interviews are
recorded on film.
Oral history interviews record, preserve and make accessible the stories of many Australians for
generations of Australians. As with all historical records, oral histories provide important
information on past events. Being able to hear the story from the participants adds another
dimension.
ScreenSound Australiaís Oral History Program captures the stories of personalities from
Australia's Screen and Sound Industries for the National Collection. Many interviews are by
well-known performers. Just as importantly, we value our collection of interviews with the many
'behind the scenes' pioneers and characters such as scriptwriters, producers and broadcasters.
ScreenSound Australia collaborates with the National Library of Australia and each of the State
Libraries in relation to the extensive Oral History collections held at those institutions.
Therefore, ScreenSound Australia restricts its oral history collection to interviews with people
and organisations associated with the audiovisual industries.
This guide is a production of the Collection Information team of ScreenSound Australia. The
project was co-ordinated by Bob Morrison.
Ron Brent
Director
ScreenSound Australia
April 2002
How to use this guide
This collection guide lists sound recordings of oral history interviews about the Australian radio
industry and its people. The items listed are held by the National Film and Sound Archive of
Australia as of December 2001. All titles in this guide are sound recordings.
This guide does not list oral history interviews recorded as moving images. The guide is a list of
titles, in alphabetical order. Each entry contains the following:
Title: The title comes from the item, itself. If the item has no title, the cataloguer creates one. The created titles are within square brackets. You can find a record by entering the title in the online catalogue, which can be accessed from our website home page.
Record No.: A unique number used to identify the record in the Archive’s database. You can find a record by entering the number in the online catalogue.
Summary:
Description of part of the intellectual content of the item. Some records may have no summary, while others will have detailed transcripts and other information.
Duration: The length of time for the actual interview on the sound recording, where known. A duration has the following format: (hh:mm:ss).
General Notes: Additional information about the contents of the item, or explanatory notes to help the user.
ACCESS RESTRICTIONS
Some oral history interviews may have access restrictions. Contact the National Film and Sound
Archive of Australia for more details.
How to access collection material
Material from the NFSA Collection can be made available for viewing or listening at any of our
collection access centres. Items can be loaned or copied for off-site access with permission of
third party copyright owners or agreement of the NFSA.
The NFSA does not usually hold the copyright for the works in its collection, so clearing the
right to use material and seeking permission from the copyright holder will be the responsibility
of whoever wishes to use the material. Indigenous material is made available in accordance with
NFSA’s Indigenous protocols.
Copying and loan services are prioritised for the media production sectors and for scholarly and
educational interests. We are unable to provide copies or loans of collection items for personal
use unless a direct personal connection such as an appearance or performance by a family
member can be established.
Oral History Sound Recordings - Radio
[ABRAHAMS, SYD : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307639
Syd Abrahams talks about 4BU in the early 1950's when he was in a sales servicing role. Speaks
about the 'Thelma Stay Friends Club', Hunter Matthews, Len Knyvett, 'Peter Pal's Childrenís
Show' and Melody Welch. (00:08:10)
General note: 60th Anniversary (1935-1995) of Radio 4BU, Bundaberg, Qld.
[ADCOCK, REV. NEIL : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 211826
Reverend Adcock is a Baptist minister and a talks personality from the early days of talkback
radio in the early to late seventies. In his early days of radio he ran a programme of questions
and answers for personal problems called ëAt Your Serviceí. The Reverend Adcock believed that
radio brought cities and the community closer together, and people out of isolation. He was
always concerned with the depersonalisation, and reduction of the value of the individual in
society.
General note: Radio 5DN, Adelaide, SA.
[AFFORD, THELMA : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 376434
Thelma Afford, wife of radio writer and producer Max Afford, talks about her husband's career
and work for the ABC and commercial radio from 1930s until the early 1950s. She covers his
awards, achievements and involvement in radio plays, working conditions at ABC and
commercial radio, his attitude to the Writer's Guild, differences in scriptwriting for ABC and
commercial radio, the stress of writing serials, how he picked up work, his writing research and
style, sale of his work overseas, his social life, attitude to ratings, how he selected work, his
attitude to script imports and the differences in acting for radio, television and theatre. (00:54:00)
[AFFORD, THELMA : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY. PT 1 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 211821
Thelma Afford is a costume and theatre designer and she is widow of Max Afford, playwright.
She describes the early and post-war life of her husband Max. Max was the Writing Production
Manager at 5DN from 1935-36. Thelma mentions other places of work, the plays Max created,
his methods of writing, and the sort of person he was. (00:37:48)
[AFFORD, THELMA : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY. PT 2 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 214749
Thelma Afford talks about her career as costume designer for pageants, theatre, early television
and film, and theatre design in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. Mention is also made of ëLittle
Theatreí, Adelaide. (00:32:14)
1
[ALBERT, ALEXIS : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 255748
Sir Alexis Albert, radio pioneer and Chairman of FM106.5 Sydney, discusses his radio career.
Sir Alexis talks about his education at Knox College, Sydney and his early years in radio
including the ABC and its formation, and the establishment of 2UW in 1925. He goes on to
discuss radio, past and present including the famous Australian radio programmes, 'Martin's
Corner', 'Dad and Dave', 'Australia's Amateur Hour', 'Lux Radio Theatre' and 'Pick-A-Box'.
(00:45:48)
[ALENSON, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 247014
John Alenson, pioneer of radio broadcasting, begins by giving his family background, and
explains how his involvement in entertainment led to broadcasting. He mentions the main on-air
personalities of the early days at 3KZ in 1932 at the height of the Depression. 'Val Morgan
Advertising' is mentioned. Alenson describes the primitive studios at the Melbourne Trades
Hall, and his first paid job at 3KZ as morning announcer. He worked in the office and then
wrote copy. Alenson describes Norman Banks, who was the top broadcaster in the 1930s, and
Dot and Smoky Dawson. He mentions radio plays, advertising sales and publicity. He enlisted
in the Air Force in World War Two, trained in Africa, and became involved with the Rhodesian
Broadcasting Services in 1940. Upon his return to civilian life, he discovered strong resentment
of ex-servicemen by the radio industry. Alenson then became involved in book publishing. He
discusses the contact between early radio listeners and the radio station, and the beginning of
Carols By Candlelight in Melbourne. He describes Norman Banks dual personalities, and his
double entendres, and mentions personalities Terry Dear, Norman Swain and Dorothy Bush.
Alenson recalls the depression years. (00:35:06)
[ALEXANDER, HAL : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191382
Hal Alexander, former Secretary General of Actors Equity Association, talks about the union
history and issues and his career. He covers the beginning of Actors Equity, his involvement in
union affairs, importation of American drama, actors and scripts, conditions and pay for
theatrical and radio work, his awards received, ABC vs commercial radio work, working before
studio audiences, Actors Equity achievements, exploitation of children and amateurs in radio and
television, difficulties of recruiting union members and Equity's political stance. (00:58:00)
[ALLSOP, RAY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 430452
Ray Allsop, sound engineer, broadcaster, designer, talks of his life as a wireless operator in his
youth, as a broadcaster, a pioneer of radio in Australia, how he developed 'talkie' equipment and
how he was a driving force behind FM radio. (01:19:00)
[ANDERSON, BUDDY : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307641
Buddy Anderson worked with 4BU as Control Room operator. Speaks about the technical staff
and technical aspects of radio, including incidents such as the 'George Lovejoy Football
Broadcasts', 'Hagens Circus' and Hello the Hospitals' program.
2
[ANDERSON, ERIC : INTERVIEWED BY ERIC ANDERSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303801
No summary available.
[ANGUS, AMY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 212298
Amy Angus is a xylophone and piano accordion musician, who has played with many Adelaide
Radio Stations in the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. (00:37:45)
[ANTHONEY, REX : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 212302
Rex Anthoney was the first 5DN news reporter/editor, managing the first independent radio
news service (not just reading news items from a printed newspaper). He didn't actually read the
news, but directed the news service from 1938-1940. During the war, 5DN received cables direct
from England, and the war was announced on radio by the then manager. 5DN had a huge
listening audience for its news service. Today, news is the most listened to programme on the
radio. It used to be prepared from newspaper cuttings and the content depended on the
personality of the presenter. Today, it is vital, up-to-the-minute and often live to air, with
international satellite link-ups. (00:53:07)
[APPLETON, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458225
John Appleton, radio writer, actor, producer and the ABCís Federal Director of Children's
Programmes until 1970.
General note: Interview is source material for the book: Kent, J. Out of the Bakelite Box,
Angus & Robinson, Australia, 1983.
[ARMSTRONG, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307728
[ARONSTEN, JOAN : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 246369
Joan Aronsten, broadcaster, reminisces about her radio background, starting with her earliest
memories of the wireless. She began with ABC Brisbane as an on-air reader, and then wrote
publicity for 4BH. She speaks of the abundance of work for radio actors in these days. Aronsten
was with 2UE when war began, scheduling programs and writing copy. She wrote ëgentle copyí
for toilet paper and funeral parlours. Aronsten recalls the ëWomen's Sessionsí, and ëAunty Mayí
and ëAunty Graceí. Aronsten worked as a copywriter for 2CH with Meg McSpiren, also with
Gwen Plumb when she was a copywriter. Aronsten worked on ëPlaytimeí (a children's
program) at 2UE with Flo Payton and Sidney Everett. She remembers Gwen Plumb
beginning work at 2CH. Aronsten worked on the children's program, ëKindergarten of the Airí.
She compares the world of radio today with the way it used to be. She remains involved in radio.
(00:20:30)
General note: Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia.
3
[ARONSTEN, MAX : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 247677
Max Aronsten, broadcaster, recalls his early years, playing music for silent films. His first
involvement in radio was at 2GZ in Orange as the morning announcer, and as an announcer for
community singing. At 2GZ, Aronsten worked with John (Jack?) Ridley and Alan Ridley.
Aronsten went into the RAAF in 1939, but following an illness, he joined 2CH in Sydney as
programme manager and studio manager. He then worked at 3XY in Melbourne as producer and
studio manager from 1942-1945. Aronsten returned to Sydney to 2GB as programme manager,
working with Bert Button, Jack Davey, John Dease and Clark McKay. Aronsten speaks
favourably of the creativity of Bert Button. Aronsten moved to join Button, then at 2UW, as
programme manager. After two years, he moved to Chappels music publishing company as
manager of the Sheet Music Publishing Division for eleven years. Aronsten left Chappels to
open his own studio, training young singers. He comments on radio today in comparison to
early radio, and finds the former lacking. (00:24:22)
General note: Transcription available at ScreenSound Australia.
[ASHTON, QUEENIE : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191388
Queenie Ashton, actor, talks about her work on ABC and commercial radio from the 1930s. She
discusses her career origins, radio actors' conditions and pay, working on 'Blue Hills', differences
between radio, theatre and television acting, her own theatrical agency ART, importation of
American dramas, actors and scripts, personal promotion appearances, ABC vs commercial radio
drama production, involvement in full length radio plays, variety and musical comedy, sponsor
influence, her work in musicals and on the serial 'Autumn Affair', her favourite radio serial and
radio show work, social life, the origin of the radio show 'Certain Women', female script writers,
the end of serials and its effect on actors' employment and her preference in radio and television
acting. (01:53:00)
[ASHTON, QUEENIE : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS, 1988 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 188943
Queenie Ashton, talks about her career as an actor and singer in musical comedy, radio and
television. Played Granny Bishop in ABC Radio Serial 'Blue Hills' (01:39:40)
[ASHTON, QUEENIE : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS, 1989 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 220216
Queenie Ashton, actor, singer of musical comedy, and star of radio and television discusses: her
career before arriving in Australia in 1927 (including a shipboard concert with Dame Nellie
Melba), the various radio shows in which she had parts (esp. Blue Hills, Dr Paul, etc.), numerous
performers with whom she worked (including George Edwards, Peter Finch, Rita Ponsford, etc.),
as well as technical aspects of acting on radio. (03:08:28)
[ATKINSON, HARRY : INTERVIEWED BY GORDON FREEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303805
Harry Atkinson was a journalist, an announcer, technician and station manager in Geraldton and
Albany Radio stations, WA.
4
[AUGUSTUS, BARRY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307718
Barry Augustus talks about his career in radio, which began in 1948. He recalls the technology
of the early 1950's and the programming. Barry mentions some radio shows including ëBigglesí,
ëWhen a Girl Marriesí and ëTarzaní. (00:38:00)
[AUSTIN, KEN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307757
Ken Austin began his radio career in 1941 as a breakfast announcer and salesman for 3UL. After
joining the army, he worked part time at 3UL during the war and then transferred to 3SR in
Shepparton. Later he moved to 2GZ in Orange before transferring to GMV6 in 1965. In the
interview, Mr Austin describes the different aspects of his work and the stations he worked for,
as well as other radio personalities such as Jim Proctor, George Edwards, John Bright,
Mike Walsh, Bob Cornish, Les Hyle, Keith Barnes, Deryk Barnes, John Barnes,
Patricia Kennedy, Ken Warne, Vern Haycroft, Oscar Henry and Ron White, Grace
Gibson, George Edwards and the Lux Radio Theatre. He also discusses community radio,
modern music and music of the past.
General note: Transcript available from ScreenSound Australia.
[BADENOCH, JOY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY ROBINSON-WHITTLE ;
HADDRICK, RON : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY ROBINSON-WHITTLE : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 212630
Side A: Joy Badenoch talks about her life and times as a singer, pianist and radio announcer in
Adelaide in the twenties and thirties. Joy worked as a typist during the day, and presented
evening programmes for 5DN working live-to-air, singing and announcing. (00:39:06)
Side B: Ron Haddrick talks about ëRadio Canteení - a broadcast variety programme with a
live audience, presenting a collection of sketches, and singing and dancing, in which Ron played.
He describes the atmosphere: that they stuck pretty much to the script, and only rehearsed once a
week. They had a studio choir and orchestra. After the show had finished on air, the chairs would
be cleared in the studio and the band and choir would strike up and everybody would dance until
eleven o'clock at night. Ron was very interested in drama, and used to choose five-minute scenes
from plays, write an introduction, and present them as small performances on air - it was called
ëDrama Spotí. Several actresses also appeared: Anne Haddy (Condon), Myra Noblisk (?) Ron
talks about his father as founder of the ëGlenlea Singersí. Ron was MC to their performances at
the age of fourteen. Ron performed with several amateur theatre companies. (00:39:18)
General notes: Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia. -- Radio 5DN, Adelaide, SA.
[BAILEY, COLIN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 212843
Nancy describes Colin Bailey as the current chairman of the board of directors for Radio Station
5DN in 1984. He joined as a clerk in 1947 and was appointed acting secretary in March 1951
which was confirmed later that year. Nancy underlines the main thrust of the interview, which is
to discover his philosophies and retrospective thoughts on company structure and the position
of 5DN in the state and the national context. (01:32:32)
5
[BAILEY, MIKE : INTERIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307323
Bailey, television and radio personality, talks about his career in radio. He recalls his work at
Channel 7, the ABC, 2GB, 2UE, 2KY and 5AD. He talks about Warren Denning, Russ Handley,
Keith Fraser, Bob Johnstone, Bill Weir, Kip Pyke, Mike Peterson, Don Willesee, Earl Bailey,
Alan Wilkie, Ted Thomas, Ron Hurst, Bill Dowsett, Leon Viner, Frand Avis, Barry Freedman,
John Martin, Mike Gibson, George Moore, Mike Carlton, Nigel Milan, Sam Galea, Donnie
Sutherland, John Tingle, Mickie de Stoop, Stephen O'Dougherty, John Laws, Doug Mulray,
Bruce Barnett, John Pearce, Peter Wherrett, "Piggy" Muldoon, Gough Whitlam,
ColleenMcCullough, Jane Singleton, Geoff Duncan, Charlie Cox, Harry Ledowski, Chris
Brammall, Gordon Moyes, Jeremy Cordeaux, Ray Warren, Ron Casey, Peter Peters, Greg
Hartley and Barrie Unsworth. (00:30:36)
[BAKER, DON : INTERVIEWED BY JOHN MCCORMACK : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306909
Don Baker talks about his early days in radio. He makes comparisons between radio of the 1960s
and 1990s. He mentions network trends, and programming.
[BALMER, EDDIE : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272408
Eddie Balmer, announcer and entertainer, recalls his career in radio. Balmer recalls his transition
into radio from the stage in the late 20s (before the ABC started) when he joined the Australian
Broadcasting Corporation and acted in plays. He talks about his involvement in live
entertainment, in particular during the war years with the ëWomen at Warí show, where WAAFs
and tram conductresses would make guest appearances, and the quiz era. Balmer also talks about
acting in what he recalls as Australia's first 'talkie'. (00:24:58)
[BARBER, GEORGE : INTERVIEWED BY DAVID TOWLER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 212389
George Barber, one time technician and chief engineer with Radio Station 5DN, Adelaide, joined
the station on 3rd April, 1939. (00:45:15)
[BARBER, GEORGE AND SJOBERG, LAWRIE : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY
FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 213201
George Barber began at 5DN in 1939 and was chief technician by the time Lawrie Sjoberg
joined in 1942 as a junior technician. Lawrie retired as chief engineer in 1947. This
interview covers the technical era of 5DN from 1939-1984. (01:32:36)
General notes: Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia. -- Radio 5DN, Adelaide, SA.
6
[BARLIN, GEORGE : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 224320
George Barlin begins these interviews talking about his early days as a broadcasting cadet under
Jack Ryan and Georgeís first impressions of Canberra when he arrived there in November 1931.
He goes on to discuss the difficulties faced by Jack Ryan in setting up 2CA and the various
programs broadcast by the station (eg. the original ëDad and Dave, ëWomen's Radio Clubí and
ëBen and Samí). George also tells about radio broadcasting during the 2nd World War
(the ëNight Owlí club) and the formation of the ëMacquarie Networkí, including his various
appointments within the network (eg. 2LF Managing Director and 2MG Director). The interview
is concluded with George giving his opinion on the ownership take-overs and expansions of
various radio stations and the problems this has caused.
[BARROWMAN, ALEXANDER : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 218186
Alexander Barrowman, Second Operator, engineer with 5DN talks about his career.
[BARTON, PAT : INTERVIEWED BY BILL BARRINGTON. PT 1 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223450
Pat Barton discusses his career in radio and recalls many of the personalities involved. He
discusses his personal feelings about the broadcasting industry. At the time of the recording he
was the breakfast announcer at 2HD, Newcastle. (00:30:30)
[BARTON, PAT : INTERVIEWED BY BILL BARRINGTON. PT 2 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 287682
Pat Barton discusses his career in radio and recalls many of the personalities involved. He
discusses his personal feelings about the broadcasting industry. At the time of the recording he
was the breakfast announcer at 2HD, Newcastle. (00:30:30)
[BARWICK, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 305103
Barwick, radio sports announcer and Olympic athlete, discusses his wide-ranging career. He
reminisces about representing Tasmania at the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Barwick
discusses returning in 1937 and joining 7HT, which had just commenced broadcasting. He
describes working as a sports announcer and salesperson with Bernard McCann who was the
owner/manager of the station. (00:24:00)
[BATTYE, DON : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191386
Don Battye, stage and radio actor, talks about working in radio as a child and adult. He discusses
his early radio involvement, the Melbourne Crawford School of Broadcasting, work conditions
as a child radio actor, demand for child actors, Sydney vs Melbourne acting circuits, ABC vs
commercial productions and the sociology of tuning into radio and television serials. (00:51:00)
7
[BAUME, PETER AND BAUME, MICHAEL : INTERVIEWED BY KEL RICHARDS :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 312556
Peter and Michael Baume talk about the life and career of their Uncle Eric Baume, noted News
commentator and journalist on Australian radio. They talk about their familyís New Zealand
origin and relate many family anecdotes. They discuss Eric Baumes style and radio
manner. They mention his time as a war journalist as well as his other artistic accomplishments
such as painting, writing, cartooning and music. Contains short excerpts from Eric Baumes radio
shows: ëThis I Believeí, ëI'm On Your Side' and an excerpt of a broadcast from his hospital bed.
General note: This recording was originally made for the 2GB series ëThe Golden Years of
Radioí.
[BEAN, RAY : INTERVIEWED BY JEFFREY RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277272
Ray Bean, Program Manager, discusses his career in Australian commercial radio. He tells how
he began his career in the record library at 2KY in 1956 and later became Assistant Program
Manager. He went on to become Studio Supervisor at 2UW. He saw popular music as the future
direction of radio and he persuaded management at 2UW to drop the serials and become a ërockí
station. He later joined 3MP in Melbourne, and in 1981 he joined 2WS as Program Manager. In
1985 he joined 2UE where the format of ëAll-time Greatsí was devised. He recalls many people
he worked with, including: Bob Rogers, Bob Hynes, Bert Button, Arch Mcurdie, Ross Higgins,
Alan Toohey, Frank Jeffcoat, Ward Austin, John Laws, Mike Walsh, Dick Hemming, Keith
Graham, Stan Willmot and Kerry Packer. (01:39:24)
[BEARD, BERYL : INTERVIEWED BY PAUL LINKSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 316981
Beryl Beard, radio announcer and record librarian, talks about her work with Adelaide radio
stations 5AD, 5KA and 5DN between 1937 and 1963. (01:52:00)
[BECKER, LEON : INTERVIEWED BY GRAHAM SHIRLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 215710
No summary available
[BECKER, LEON : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 247411
Broadcaster Leon Becker's first recollection of radio is the crystal set era. He gave his first
professional performance on radio at the HMV studios with Lou Vernon in `Nautical Moments
of Orient Line'. Becker appeared in children's radio shows, including `Station K.I.D.' at 2KA
Katoomba. He had schooling with Joy Nichols , George Nichols, James Dibble, the Unicombe
family, Harry Griffiths and Bill McColl. He began working in radio as an office boy at 2KA in
1940 with Peter Bathurst, Ian MacDonald, Max Baker and Doug Melton (Billy Jones),
before moving to 2KM Kempsey in 1940 to join Max Baker and Alfred Paterson. He discusses
the lay out and running of the Kempsey studio, and war time radio. Becker went to Sydney radio
in 1941, and took up a position at 2CH. In 1942, he married, then joined the RAAF with John
Pearce and Ronald Morse, and was later posted to ëRAAF Radioí in PNG. In 1946, he was
working at 2UW with Jack Allyson, David McNicholl, Alex Baz, George Wallace, Jimmy
Grands, Harry Willis, Coral Wood, Francis Levy, Alf Ward, Ken Layton, Vernon Lisle and John
Barnes.
8
In 1950, Becker joined 2GB with Bert Button, Jack Davey and the Quiz Kids. He remembers the
Mobil Quest competition, and stories of Jack Davey. Becker also worked at 2GB with John
Harper, Bill Cousins, John Dease, Keith Eadie, Keith Walshe and Charles Cousins (POW who
read Japanese propaganda broadcasts). Becker became assistant general manager of 2GB, and
recalls Eric Baume. In 1954, Becker became the executive producer of Artransa's new film and
television production facility, and was responsible for over seven thousand productions. Becker
comments on the advent of television, and how the format of radio has changed. (01:02:15)
[BELL, KAY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214834
Mrs Kay Bell reads from text which she has written about her life during the time she spent with
Adelaide Radio Station 5DN from 1932-1935. (00:30:31)
[BELLET, FRANK : INTEVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307719
Frank Bellet recalls radio in the 1930s. He began his career as a panel operator and was
appointed at 4AY in 1950 as breakfast announcer and salesman. He later became studio manager
and later station manager.
[BENGER, MALCOLM : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 322477
Malcolm Benger, record librarian, talks about his work at Adelaide radio station 5KA from 1947
to 1987.
[BENNETT, LEWIS : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191385
Lewis Bennett, radio production and general manager, talks about his career in radio and
broadcasting industry issues. He covers Actors Equity and its communism association, the future
of radio serial sponsorship, organising a new radio station, the role of drama production
manager, radio serial production, advertiser influence on serial production, production
differences between Melbourne and Sydney radio shows, colleague John Hickling, radio drama's
star system, Australian vs US drama production, selling drama overseas, the establishment of the
Australian Radio Advertising Bureau, control of advertising on television, ratings credibility,
radio vs television competition, cheap USA dramas on Australian television, the effect of
satellites on broadcasting and the function of the Engineering Committee. (01:11:00)
[BENTLEY, DICK : INTERVIEWED BY BARRY CARMAN, 1987 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 285261
Dick Bentley, musician, radio personality, actor, talks about his career from the 1950s when he
returned to Australia and worked for the ABC. (01:00:00)
9
[BENTLEY, DICK : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN. PT 1 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 285253
Dick Bently discusses his career from the 1920's to 1937.
Record No. - 285255
Dick Bently discusses his career from 1938 to 1940.
Record No. - 285257
Dick Bently discusses his career from 1940 to 1947.
Record No. - 285258
Dick Bently discusses his career from 1947.
Record No. - 285260
Dick Bently discusses his career during the 1920's to 1937.
General note: Retake of Part 1
[BERENDES, KIM : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 256141
Kim Berendes (Eckford) discusses her radio career. She briefly outlines her early years and how
she was able to break into the radio business at 2GB Sydney. Kim talks about her work with
radio drama at the station and discusses the various aspects of radio in her day including
broadcasters, programming, audiences and newsgathering. She also talks about personalities of
the day, in particular Bob Dyer and Jack Davey and mentions popular programmes:
ëMacquarie Newsreelí, ëMonitorí and daytime radio shows with live audiences. (00:45:39)
[BISSAKER, MARJORIE : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 225367
Marjorie begins the interview talking about her introduction to 2CA and becoming its ëRecord
Librarianí in 1964. She refers to the work she performed there and comments on many of the
stars she came into contact with. She goes on to talk about competition from rival stations and
finishes the interview by commenting about some of her former colleagues.
General notes: Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia.
[BLACKLOCK, BRIAN : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 288920
Brian Blacklock speaks about his start in commercial radio. He mentions many of the
personalities he worked with during his career from 1965. (00:21:45)
10
[BLASKETT, RON : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268909
Ron Blaskett recalls his career as a ventriloquist on the air waves. Blaskett tells how he was
asked to appear on Australia's Amateur Hour and won outright and how this opened doors for
him to appear in radio shows with his ventriloquism act. He recalls famous ventriloquist acts
from around the world that appeared on radio and the key to success for a ventriloquist on the
radio. (00:18:05)
[BLYTHMAN, IAN : INTERVIEWED BY BILL MUDIE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 322475
Ian Blythman, radio presenter and announcer, talks about his work with South Australian radio
stations 5KA, 5AU and 5AD during the 1950s and 60s.
[BOLDERROW, GREIG : HISTORY OF 4MB : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 498280
Greig Bolderrow talks about his career in the Australian radio industry, in particular his
association with radio station 4MB from 1967. He compares 4MB (1970s) with radio studios of
the 1990s, and talks about the programming of the time, working as a breakfast announcer in the
1970s, moving to new studios, moving into the sales area in the mid 1970s, and becoming the
Station Manager in 1984. He finishes with an overview of the changes to the radio station from
1971 to 1996 and plans for the future.
[BOND, MARGARET : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307907
Margaret Bond (Mouchemore) did drama at her school (Fintona, Melbourne). After gaining an
Arts degree at Melbourne University, Margaret auditioned with John Cairns at the ABC. She
talks about Dorothy Crawford and Irene Mitchell, and how her chance came when she filled in
for Patricia Kennedy in ëRola Radio Newsreelí. Discussed John Hinckling's style, Morris West
(A.R.P.), Crawfords, Moira Carleton (teacher in Crawford's School of Broadcasting), Walter
Pymm, Margaret's chance meeting with Dorothy Crawford that led to work. She also mentions
many other radio actors: Glenda Raymond, Bobbie Peach, Cliff Cowley, Marcia Hart to name a
few - and some shows like ëListener Iní, ëMusic for the Peopleí, ëCaltex Radio Theatreí.
Margaret left Australia for England in 1953, and her made her last radio appearance in 1955. She
is still based in England.
[BOND, RON : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307764
Ron Bond discusses details of his career in radio, which began in 1941 at 3GL (Geelong,
Victoria), where he played the character "Aunty" in the 3GL Children's Sessions. In 1948, he
joined 3GL professionally and he worked for other stations such as 3UL and 3XY (where he was
breakfast announcer for ten years). He discusses the other radio personalities he worked with
and/or knew - Happy Hammond, Eric Pearce, Bill Ackfield, Norman Spencer, Annabelle,
Craig Kelly, Madeline Burke (3UL), CLiff Whitta, Ernie Carroll, Sid Kemp (managing director
of Argus Broadcasting Services) Vern Haycroft, Vicky Hammond, George Wallace Jr, Horrie
Dargie Quintet, Alwyn Kurtz, Tom Miller, Norman Banks (the ëVoice of the Voyagerí), Mary
Corby, Peter James and Ted Furlong (manager at 3BA).
11
[BONYTHON, KYM : INTERVIEWED BY VAUGHAN HARVEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 319799
Kym Bonython talks about his work as host of radio jazz programs on ABC radio and 5KA
(Adelaide) from 1938 until 1950s.
[BOURKE, ELSIE : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY ;
BOURKE, RITA : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY ; BOURKE,
PADDY : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 220023
Peter Burgis interviews Elsie Bourke, Rita Bourke and Paddy Bourke about the recordings of,
ëFrank Bourke and The White Rose Orchestraí.
[BRADLEY, JIM : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191384
Jim Bradley, radio actor, writer, producer and presenter, talks about radio work and his
involvement with radio production for the ABC and commercial companies including Artransa.
He covers his first involvement with radio, pay and work conditions, importation of US scripts
and transcripts, his move from acting to drama writing and production, scriptwriting research,
ABC vs commercial work conditions and style, drama production methods and the economics of
serial production at Artransa, measuring the success of serials, selling Australian serials and its
effect on New Zealand and South African serial production, stage vs radio acting, the British
Paints advertising campaign, Australian accents in serials, ABC vs commercial radio popularity,
audience feedback, drama authenticity , Artransa drama production, discrimination against
females, his relationship with Actors Equity and the demise of radio drama. (01:22:00)
[BRADLEY, JIM : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458475
Jim Bradley, Australian radio actor, writer, director and producer.
[BRAHAM, VIC : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 212888
Vic Braham, an announcer and scriptwriter with Adelaide Radio Station 5DN from 1946 to 1975
discussed his radio career. (01:41:43)
[BRANDT, ALLEN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307658
Allen Brandt talks about his career in radio. His first radio broadcast was for the 4QG ëChildren's
Showí in 1932, at the age of 12. In 1935 he joined 4BK as office boy, and transferred to 4AK in
1939 as trainee technician. In 1940 Allen joined 2KO Newcastle as production operator. During
1942-1946 he was in the army. He rejoined 2KO in 1946. Allen was Studio Manager at 4BH
from 1955. He discusses details on special shows and programs.
12
[BRANDT, MARGARET : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304948
Margaret Brandt (nee Tutin) worked in radio from 1960 onwards with stations and organisations
including: 4IP, 4KQ, Radio Broadcasters of Queensland, Community Club Awards of Australia,
4TAB, FARB QLD and Queensland Radio Time Club. (00:23:40)
[BRENNAN, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 260290
John Brennan discusses his announcing career in radio. He talks about his early life and how he
found a job at 2WG Wagga in 1950. In 1955 John joined 2GZ Orange. He discusses in detail
those he worked with at 2GZ and also those at 2SM, which he joined in 1956. He particularly
mentions Tony Withers. John discusses events at 2SM including the stations coverage of the
Beatles tour and also Easter Christian broadcasts. In 1983 he moved to 2UE as sports director
and mentions Bill Stephenson and Alan Faulkner who he believes to be outstanding radio
personalities. (01:14:50)
[BRENNAN, SKIP : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458149
Skip Brennan, radio producer with ëClemengersí formed in 1946.
[BRIDGEN, DONALD : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN AND LINDSAY
MCCARTHY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304880
Bridgen, radio broadcaster, describes his early interest in radio developed while living in various
lighthouses around the Tasmanian coast. His first job in radio was with 2CA in Canberra,
following which he attended the Vincent's School of Broadcasting in Melbourne. Bridgen
worked at 7HO for ten and a half years with Bruce Farrar, Lyle Martin, Bernard Carr and many
others. He also spent four years at 7HT where he worked with Rex Waldron and Hal Emmett.
(00:57:00)
[BRITTON, AILEEN : INTERVIEWED BY ANDREE WRIGHT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 274372
Aileen Britton, actress, discusses her career in film, theatre, radio and television. Aileen speaks
of her family situation and her move to Sydney from a farm in her early childhood. Aileen
focuses on her character Claire in Tall Timbers, discussing the woman and social issues that the
film touched on. Aileen briefly discusses her other roles and Cinesound studios. (00:47:21)
General note: This interview is source material for the documentary: ëDon't Call Me Girlie’.
[BROOKE, GEOFF : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272531
Brooke, singer, discusses his career in radio. Brooke recalls how he first became interested in
music and started singing as a boy soprano. He talks about his long term involvement as the
singer with the ABC Dance Band (he outlasted five bandleaders) and about the many music
shows he hosted on radio. He discusses Jazz musicians he has worked with and has had appear
on his radio shows. (00:35:50)
13
[BROOKS, AUDREY : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307807
Audrey Brooks (Foxcroft) received a top diploma from Zercho's Business Collete and was
interviewed by Gordon Tait (a friend of the family) at 3AW: she started the day before Victory
Day in August 1945, at the Queen and Latrobe street studio. She also worked as an usherette at
the Russell Street studio with the Jack Davey Show. Working first as a secretary to John Masters
- who made the program Choice of the People - she also worked in the Record Library. She
later worked at 3UZ with Fred Tupper as his secretary and in the 3DB newsroom. She later
became company secretary for Tait Publishing Company, where she also sold advertising on the
phone. Spent some years at the Sun newspaper as secretary to the Chief of Staff. She discusses
many of the radio personalities that she dealt with, including Judy Willing (a fellow secretary),
Terry Dear, Charles Taylor, "Steve" Ingoldby, Stan Hughes (who went to America and bought a
tape recorder - 3AW was the first to use tape), Rex Waldren (known as 'The Count'), Graham
Bye (scriptwriter), Pert Bryant, John Russell, Bert Bryant (race caller), Ern Pettifer, Laurie
Richards, Ken Read (publicity) and Jim Tregonning.
[BROOKS, LOLA : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191383
Lola Brooks, radio, stage and film actress and scriptwriter, talks about her work with ABC and
commercial radio from 1949 and refers briefly to her stage experience. She covers her first
involvement in radio, radio serial contracts, Australian vs British radio drama production and
acting techniques, her experience in stage work, her motivation to become an actor, early
career working conditions, discrimination in acting, job security, producer and actor preferences,
radio acting technique, sponsor influence, US drama imports, impact of Actors Equity, social
life, the radio drama star system, promotional appearances, actor status, attitudes towards Actors
Equity, ratings credibility, scriptwriting and collaboration with Amber Mae Cecil, the possibility
of a radio drama revival, scriptwriter preferences and fan mail. (01:28:00)
[BRUNDLE, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 305016
Brundle, radio broadcaster, reminisces about his career in commercial radio. He discusses his
first job at 7HT as an office boy and then panel operator, working at 3KZ and working as
production manager at 3UZ. Brundle also speaks about his current position as newsreader at
ABC-7ZR in Tasmania. (00:32:05)
[BUCKLAND, BETTE : INTERVIEWED BY LEICESTER WARBURTON : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 294501
Bette Buckland, secretary, recalls the glamorous days of radio broadcasting. Particularly, she
discusses joining 2GB Sydney in 1946 as a secretary and her memories of Jack Davey.
[BULL, TED : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303628
14
[BURNLEY, JOHN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307876
John Burnley began his career in radio in 1953 as panel operator at 7HT. He describes his duties
and the equipment used at the time. He goes on to give detailed descriptions of the positions he
held and the people he worked with at numerous stations over the years. At the time of the
interview John was Program director at 4BH.
[BURY, BRIAN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 251372
Brian Bury, broadcaster, recalls his career on radio and television, beginning as an office boy
with 2UE. He had been brought up with radio, and was given announcing lessons by Eric
Wright. At 16, he was given his first job with 2MG Mudgee. Like many announcers at the time,
he was often travelling to different stations around the country - working also for 2LF Young
(1955) and 2CA Canberra (1955-57). He speaks with fondness of his time at 2LT Lithgow
(1957-59), under manager Frank Harper. Later, he worked at The Daily Telegraph, which led to
an audition for Channel 9 (under Bruce Gyngell). His first on-camera appearance, after some
time as the afternoon announcer, was standing in for Roger Climpson on ëI Challenge the
Ministerí. He also discusses why other radio personalities (notably Jack Davey) were not so
successful on TV. As well as TV, Bury did talkback radio for 2SM (under Rod Muir), along with
Mike Walsh, Ron Casey and others. Then he reported news for 2UW, covering the Dismissal
and the Munich Olympics tragedy. In 1976, program manager Ray Bean invited him to do a
show at 3MP. Later he returned to television; he now appears on both media. He feels that a
radio comeback is on the way, and is disappointed that young announcers are not given a chance
to learn their craft. (00:9:33)
[BUTTON, BERT : INTERVIEWED BY JOHN PEARCE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 236197
Button, radio sports commentator, sales manager, past President of the Federation of
Broadcasting stations. Bert Button recalls the events that led to his career in radio. Upon his
migration to Australia from England he gained employment with AWA, as an accounts collector.
Within this position he liaised with several radio stations, including 2UE, 2SM, and 2CH. He
commenced his career in radio with 2CH, working initially as a sports commentator and
then sales manager. Button talks extensively of the personalities he encountered (including Jack
Davey). He mentions the start of ëYes, What?í (with Rex Dawe and Jack Craig-Gardiner), Fred
and Maggie, Bob Dyer's first broadcast, and community concerts. Button left 2CH to join 2GB in
October 1945. He discusses the formation of the Macquarie Network: the Macquarie Racing and
Sporting Service; The Macquarie News Service; The Racing and News Service; The Macquarie
Newsreel. The interview concludes with Button's fond memories of a successful radio career. He
held prominent positions as President and Senior Vice President of the Federation of
Broadcasting Stations.
[BYRNE, LORNA : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458461
Lorna Byrne, presenter of ABC radio program for country women in the 1950s and 1960s.
15
[CADEE, RON : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280329
Ron Cadee, actor and theatre actor. Early 1940s began at 3KZ (age 11-12) doing a soprano act in
talent show, ëThe P. & A. Paradeí, with Eddie Balmer. When 20 years old, Cadee was night
announcer at 3KZ, then did breakfast show. Went to TV - Channel 9 (Reg Grundy Productions)
on ëI've Got a Secretí as announcer, then as panel member. (00:28:20)
[CAHILL, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 258803
John Cahill, radio announcer, recalls his early life and how he auditioned at 2GB, which helped
him gain a job at 2LT Lithgow. Mr Cahill talks about earlier broadcasting at 2LT and later at
2PK Parkes, 2RG Griffith and 2DU Dubbo. At 2DU he was given the chance to do a variety of
work including reporting. John discusses his move to 2SM Sydney and mentions the announcers
he worked with: John Geary, Tommy Jay and Dom Harnett. He moved from 2SM to 4BH and
later to 2GB where he worked with George Hardman and learnt from his adlibbing technique.
In later years John became involved as a station manager at 2DU and then became increasingly
involved in sales. John was the NSW sales manager of Macquarie until 1977, worked in sales at
2GB and 2KY before becoming media manager of the Premier's Department in 1980. (01:06:23)
[CAMERON, JANET : INTERVIEWED BY JEFFREY RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307394
Cameron, radio station owner and executive, talks about her parents and her career as owners of
radio stations in Australia. She makes mention of the following people, her father Wally Grant
and his long time partner Eddy Williams, Jack Lang, Jack Davey, Bob Dyer, Bobby Limb, Dawn
Lake, Reg Grundy, Reg Ferguson, Stanley J Willmott, Les Heil, Garvin Rutherford, Bob Scott,
and Graham Richardson.
[CAMERON, MEL AND CAMERON, BUB : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 213276
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle talks to Mel and Bub Cameron together. Mel is possibly the
best-remembered announcer for Radio Station 5DN, working for them from 1941 until 1976.
Nancy also talks to Bub Cameron, Mel's wife, who worked for 5DN during the same period as
the advertising copywriter. Includes Mel's account of a post-war radio course at the BBC,
comments on Jack Davey, and the general philosophy of radio's commercial role and community
involvement. (00:31:21)
General note: Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia. ñ 5DN, Adelaide, SA.
[CAMPBELL, PERCY : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 236766
Campbell, radio production manager, begins this interview with recollections from his
early childhood. His family relocated from Young (N.S.W.) to Sydney when Percy was 6 years
old. He left school at age 14 to gain employment and thus contribute to family finances during
the depression years. His first job was with 2GB as an office boy: this position marked the
beginning of a dedicated career in radio. He describes how he won the position, including his
interview with A.E. Bennett, the managing director of 2GB.
16
As the interview progresses Percy recalls the personalities he encountered at 2GB, including:
Charles (Bill) Cousins, who became 2GB's chief announcer (at this stage Percy was a panel
operator for 2GB); Grace Gibson, who was extensively involved in drama productions;
Jack Davey; and numerous other radio personalities. Percy discusses the 1940's, reflecting on
how the war effected radio programming. (End of tape one). Percy's discussion of the war years
continues on tape two. He also continues to enumerate his experiences at 2GB and the
personalities encountered, including: Jim Russell, Lola Fanning, Gwen Plumb, Audrey Baker,
Jack Davey, Keith Smith, George Foster. Some of the programs he recalls include: ëThe Youth
Showsí, ëLife with Dexterí, ëAda and Elsieí, ëThe Delux Showí and ëDad and Daveí. (01:07:20)
[CAMPBELL, PERCY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 222904
Campbell, Manager of Radio Station 2GB, discusses his life and career, including stories of Jack
Davey's first days at 2GB.
[CAMPLIN, RON : INTERVIEWED BY JEFFREY RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 260084
Camplin, radio pioneer, discusses his first job at 2CH where he worked in the accounts section
until his first on air job at 2XL Cooma. Ron moved on to 2MG Mudgee where at 22 he became
station manager before forming the Camplin Broadcasters and acquiring 2MG Mudgee, 2BS
Bathurst and 2LF young. He later sold 2MG and 2LF. Ron goes on to discuss his local
involvement with community affairs through radio, his involvement with ënarrow-castingí and
opinions regarding FM radio and DAB.
[CARR, LOUIS : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280820
Carr, a radio actor, began as an office boy in a London theatrical company, learned to play the
harmonica, and began work as a character actor. While travelling with the acting company, he
came to Australia and stayed. Began radio career at 3AK, then did serials on 3XY, finally
becoming a free-lance radio actor. (01:51:00)
[CARROLL, ERNIE : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271005
Ernie Carroll, radio presenter, discusses his career in radio. Carroll recalls his first appointment
as presenter for 3GL in 1950. After attending the Vincent School of Broadcasting he then took
up another presenting position with 3TR Sale. Carroll provides information on the character and
style of country broadcasting in Victoria.
[CARROLL, KATHLEEN : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191375
Kathleen Carroll, radio and stage writer and script editor, talks about working in radio and her
work for ABC and commercial radio stations. She discusses her first involvement in radio,
conditions and pay, Grace Gibson and 2GB, playwriting competitions, learning her craft,
working on 'Dr Mac' and with Grace Gibson, writers' styles, book adaptations vs original work,
adapting US scripts, writing ëDr Paulí, a scriptwriter's working week, Grace Gibson's serial
buying policy, pay rate improvements, the scriptwriter/actor relationship, commitment to episode
quantities, working for ABC, involvement in ëBlue Hillsí, research accuracy, medical dramas,
17
male vs female writing styles, New Zealand attitudes to the content of serials, importation of US
scripts, ABC attitude to Australian writers, Grace Gibson's recruitment of new writers, writers'
involvement with Actors Equity and the Australian Writers Guild, the Actors
Equity/communism association, the Australian Society of Writers vs the Writers Guild,
inspiration for script writing, work habits, writers' social responsibilities, scriptwriting concerns
including gender stereotyping, catering to particular audiences and creating juvenile and realistic
characters, the status of radio drama writers, the demise of radio serials, the possibility of a radio
drama revival, audience feedback and ratings credibility and relevance. (02:43:00)
[CARROLL, KATHLEEN : INTERVIEWED BY LEONARD BRUCE : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 277717
Kathleen Carroll (Fahey), writer, discusses her career in radio. She tells how she began writing at
the age of eight, and how she later wrote radio plays and serials, including `Dr Paul', `Portia
Faces Life'. She mentions many of the people she worked with including, Gwen Meredith,
Richard Lane, Lyn Foster, Grace Gibson, Reg Johnstone, Ross Napier, Peter Yeldham, John
Saul, Betty Barnard, Paul Jacklin, Len Thiele. (01:25:08)
[CARTWRIGHT, DEL : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458457
Del Cartwright, presenter of women's radio programme 'Del's Diary' talks about career in the
1950s and 1960s.
[CARVOLTH, GARY : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303681
[CECIL, AMBER MAE : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE LEONARD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 293924
Amber Mae Cecil, daughter of Lawrence H. Cecil and Rosalind Kennerdale, speaks about her
father's career as a radio producer. She discusses her own beginnings in the radio industry as a
child actor in the ëABC Children's Sessioní and in ëSeven Little Australiansí. Her subsequent
career, she recounts, included ëLux Radio Theatreí on 2UE, ëLife Can Be Beautifulí (with Roger
Climpson), ëDr Paulí for Grace Gibson Productions, and playing one of the Macarthur twins in
ëBlue Hillsí.
[CECIL, AMBER MAE : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 376439
Amber Mae Cecil, radio stage and television actress, talks about radio drama and her work for
ABC and commercial radio from the 1950s onwards. She discusses radio drama serials vs novel
adaptation plays, importation of scripts, star system, creating characters in radio drama,
censorship of radio drama in New Zealand, Actors Equity, acting techniques, the place of
audience, ratings and fan mail, radio social life, current acting, prospects of radio drama
revival, pay and writing collaboration with Lola Brooks. (00:35:00)
18
[CHAPMAN, KEVIN : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457917
Kevin Chapman, broadcaster specializing in Australian Federal Parliamentary proceedings.
[CHAPMAN, KEVIN : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 224487
Chapman, radio and television news presenter, and announcer. Chapman begins the
interview reminiscing about the influence his brother Ray had on his broadcasting career. He
tells about winning Christies Radio Auditions in 1942 and his training in the Lee Murray
Studios. Chapman goes on to talk about the first stations he worked for (3CS announcer and 3BA
general ans sports announcer) and some of the more memorable experiences associated with
these stations (e.g. calling the wrong horse). He refers to some of his colleagues from the early
days (Ted Furlong chief announcer for 3BA and Geoff McComas) and to the dirty practices he
saw in dog racing. Chapman talks his way through his joining the ABC in 1948
including broadcasting in Darwin and many of the celebrities he met and interviewed (e.g. Mr de
Valera, prime minister of Eire ). He then tells about some of the assignments he was given and
the places he broadcasted from after working at the Melbourne Olympic Games, such as
Acting Regional Manager A.B.C. Albury, broadcasting from the old "dungeon" studios in Forbes
St and various entertainment programs and news assignments. Chapman talks about his first
parliamentary broadcast in 1957 and tells stories associated with this visit (e.g. fire crackers let
off in the basement). He then refers to his retirement and some of the things he did after this (e.g.
joining the ALP) To conclude the interview Chapman reads ëValeí written by Dennis Bennett
when he retired from being the ABC's senior studio supervisor in Sydney.
[CHARLEY, PHIL : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277757
Phil Charley, broadcaster, musician, station administrator, discusses his career in Australian
commercial radio. He mentions stations where he worked, including some from the A.W.A.
network. Phil talks about popular programs including ëRadio Ranchí. He started an Announcing
School for A.W.A. under the auspices of 2CH, and later moved to the Australian Film Television
and Radio School in 1985 as Radio Training Manager. He mentions many of the people he
worked with. (01:09:12)
19
[CHARLTON, TONY : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280299
Charlton, radio and TV pioneer broadcaster. Charlton was a broadcaster with the original ABC
radio station when it was Farmer's 2BL. He went from radio to TV. His father started in radio (he
came from New Zealand with a concert party). Raised in Sydney, but when his father became
manager of ABC in Western Australia, they moved there. When Charlton finished his education,
his father went to Victoria. His brother, Michael, started in 6PR (Perth) went to 3EB (Victoria)
then ABC (Sydney) then founded Four Corners on ABC-TV. He only wanted to play sports especially as an Australian test cricketer. Instead, his father got him a job at 3AW as office boy
under Fred Tupper's tutelage, when Randall White was general manager. Was also a record
librarian, 1950-52. He became a sports caster and has been broadcasting tennis continually since
1951.
[CHRISTENSEN, MARGARET : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE LEONARD : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 277655
Margaret Christensen, better known as Peg Christensen, discusses her career as a radio
personality and actor. She discusses how her career began at 4BH Brisbane, where she had her
own show `The Batchelor Girl Session'. She discusses her involvement in the Australian soaps
and serials, including roles in ëMrs 'Obbsí, ëThe Lawsonsí, ëDad and Daveí, ëSupermaní, ëLife
With Dexterí, and radio plays. She recalls many people that she worked with during her
career including, Edward Howell, Therese Desmond, Lyndall Barbour, Max Afford,
Gwen Plumb, Leonard Teale, John Meillon, John Gandry, John Unicomb, Jack Davey,
Peter Finch, John Cazabon, Lloyd Berrell. (00:44:00)
[CHRISTENSEN, MARGARET : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 191380
Margaret Christensen, radio actor, talks about working with ABC and commercial radio
from 1948. She discusses her first involvement with radio, pay and conditions, George
Edwards Productions,Australian vs English radio drama production, gender discrimination,
ABC vs commercial radio drama, the actors, writers and producers she preferred to work
with, the influence of technology on style, her work in Japan and for the BBC, the radio
drama star system and personal publicity appearances, sponsor influence on productions,
Actors Equity achievements, the importation of US transcripts, the Actors
Equity/Communism association, acting techniques, progression from radio to television,
radio drama's future and social structure in early radio drama. (00:58:00)
[CLARK, GRAY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306897
Gray Clark talks about his career in radio which began in the 1960s at 4WK Warwick. He refers
to free announcing style and presentation and includes direct samples from that time covering his
theme promo and music grabs from imported discs. He mentions that in the 1970s a distinct
playlist was introduced limiting the input of the announcer.
20
[CLARKSON, RALPH : INTERVIEWED BY MONTY MAIZELS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307837
Ralph Clarkson is a sound engineer (technician) whose radio career started at 3AW after
completing a radio course at Melbourne Technical College. He worked at outside broadcasts and
races, with other engineers such as John Ryan, Morry Israel and Ivor Morgan. After failing a
medical for the Navy, he was offered a job at the ABC. He returned to 3AW in 1946 where he
worked at what was the old ABC studio in Russell Street on shows like the 'Jack Davey Show',
'Macquarie Theatre', 'Caltex Theatre'. He discusses the audio equipment innovations of
Ray Kinley. Also discusses Terry Dear, John Masters, Fred Tupper, Clifford (Cliff or Nicky)
Nicholls Whitta, Sid White, Bill Hall and jazz musician Graeme Bell. He discusses the many
developments in radio sound equipment and his time with the Colgate Palmolive shows. He
joined 3BD in 1950, working with Crawford Radio Productions shows such as 'The Magic Key'
and with others shows like 'Happy Gang', Blue Danube and 'Melba'. Other engineers he worked
with - Alf Potter, Merv Sleep, Max Hooper, Fred Maughan (Max Hooper offered him
exclusive production work). Spoke of Dorothy Crawfords time ëin controlí. Many more technical
details follow for both radio and television.
[CLIMPSON, ROGER : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308916
Climpson, radio and television personality, talks of his career in broadcasting. Compares
Australian and English radio actors. Discusses the transition from radio to television. (00:52:15)
[COATH, STAN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307839
Stan Coath is a sound engineer (technician) whose career was spent at the ABC studios. He
started as a junior technician in training at the PMG, and commenced work at the ABC studios in
1936. He discusses Broadcast House in Williams Street, the short wave transmitters for Radio
Australia, V.L.R. Lyndhurst, ëThe Cottageí at Broadcast House, ëThe Village Glee Clubí,
different microphones and transmitters and includes his main studio duties. He also mentions
Douglas Channell, the ABC Sydney announcer and Marjorie Stedeford, the vocalist.
[COLHOUN, TERRY : INTERVIEWED BY EDITH THOMPSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 224536
These interviews start with Colhoun's life before radio and branch out to his broadcasting career,
starting with his first radio job with 3TR (Sale, VIC) to his position as ACT manager for the
ABC.
[COLLINS, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272406
Bill Collins, announcer and race caller, discusses his career in radio. Collins recalls how he
started in radio, his work with 3DB and eventually Channel 7. Collins tells how he was one of
Australia's best-known race callers and how this led to him calling races all over the world.
(00:15:17)
21
[COLMAN, KEITH : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307643
Keith Colman was a sports presenter with 4BU from 1971-1992. He discusses the pre-TV Friday
sports show format; local presenters and personalities, including Ian Skippen, Lim
Lonsdale, George Neate, Bob Harding, Ken Buntayne.
[COMBE, DIANA : INTERVIEWED BY JAMES WORKMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 431526
Diana Combe, broadcaster, talks about her first involvement in radio, her career as a writer for
radio and television, self-censorship, sales of Australian radio drama overseas, the role of women
characters in dramatic writing, the establishment of the writer's guild. Combe also discusses the
perception of radio audiences, social context of radio serials and adaptation of books to radio
scripts, finishing with her thoughts on audience feedback via ratings. (01:10:00)
[CONABERE, SYDNEY : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270457
Sydney Conabere, radio drama actor, recalls his career in radio. Conabere provides many
anecdotes about the people he worked with including Peter Finch, Douglas Kelly, Clifford
Cowley, Richard Davies and The Village Glee Club. Conabere talks about his involvement in the
radio production of the play ëThe One Day of the Yearí. Conabere makes comparisons between
Sydney and Melbourne radio actors and talks about his transition to television. (00:41:07)
[CONDON, JAMES : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272494
James Condon, radio actor, discusses his career in radio. Condon recalls how he was working in
ABC radio drama for six months in Perth before being called up for war service, and returned to
acting in 1945. He tells how he moved to Sydney in 1956 where he scored a lead role in Portia
Faces Life, and this lead on to other radio work. In this very comprehensive interview, Condon
recalls many people he worked with including, Grace Gibson, John Saul, Donovan
Joyce, Charles Tingwell, Walter Pym and Ruth Cracknell. (02:31:38)
[COOKE, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304960
Cooke, radio announcer, recalls his career in commercial radio broadcasting. He discusses
starting at 7HO Hobart in 1963 as a panel operator and then developing his interest in radio
announcing. Cooke speaks about his three years with the television station TVT6 and then
joining 7HO again in 1980. He currently has a breakfast program at that station with Richard
Moore. (00:12:00)
[COOKE, JOAN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223072
Joan Cooke discusses her life and career as a singer in radio and theatre c1940s. She talks of her
work for ABC Radio and various shows on which she worked. As a former Mayor of Manly she
recalls her work in the public life. Joan Cooke is the niece of Lili Molloy, the famous 1920s
comedian and she talks of her auntís life and work.
22
[COOMBES, BEN : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 237178
Coombes, radio pioneer for the Macquarie network. Ben Coombes entered the broadcasting
industry in 1940, when he joined the Sales Department of 2GB. He describes the establishment
of the Macquarie network: Macquarie was financed by Hugh Dennison (from the Sun
newspapers, 2GB, and 2UE); Reg Lane initiated the network proposal. Coombes talks of the loss
of Colgate sponsorship; the resignation of Jack Davey (and how this effected ratings); American
influences in broadcasting; changes in broadcasting; and the impact on 2GB when 2UE produced
the successful Top 40 format (1960's). Coombes recalls the personalities he worked with at the
time of his retirement from 2GB (1962). The interview concludes with his remarks on Grace
Gibson and her input into ARTRANSA. (Note: the recording contains two takes of the
introductory announcement by the interviewer, Bruce Asmus). (00:31:31)
[COOMBES, F.J. : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458406
F.J.(Benny) Coombes, Macquarie Network, sales director in the 1950s.
[CORDEROY, CECILY : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 220088
Peter Burgis interviews Mrs Cecily (Snub) Corderoy about the life and times of her husband,
Eddie Corderoy. She also talks about her own life.
[CORNISH, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280397
Cornish, radio announcer and broadcasting consultant, began in radio at 3UL, Warragul (now
3GG, Traralgon), then goes to 3UZ, followed by 3TR, then back to 3UL. Finally, he went to
3UZ for 29 years, the last 5 as general manager. (00:27:20)
[COUSINS, IAN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307318
Cousins speaks of his radio career which began in 1964 with 4RO Rockhampton. Known on-air
as ëSandyí Cousins. Cousins handled sales and marketing aspects of radio during the 1970s and
early 1980s.
[CRAIG-GARDINER, MARJORIE : INTERVIEWED BY GREG BOLDEROW : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 306911
Marjorie Craig-Gardiner talks about the changes in broadcasting from the 1930s to 1940s. She
mentions the security restriction imposed during World War 2. She recalls many of the radio
serials of the 1930's including, 'The Scarlet Pimpernel', 'One Man's Family', 'Dr Mac', 'Fred and
Maggie', 'Martin's Corner', 'Dad and Dave', 'Fourth Form at St Percy's' (later called 'Yes What?')
and 'Big Sister'. She continues with a narration about Jack Gardiner's time in radio.
23
[CRAVEN, HOWARD : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191379
Howard Craven, radio actor, producer and presenter, talks about working in ABC and
commercial radio from 1938. He covers his first involvement in radio, conditions and pay, ABC
vs commercial radio, job security, Actors Equity membership, the possibility of a radio drama
revival, George Edwards Productions, serial production methods, acting part selection, radio
show production, the connection between acting, writing and producing for radio, sponsor
influence in commercial radio productions, ratings credibility, changes in the status of women in
radio, audience perceptions, social life and the possibility of involvement in television.
(01:07:00)
[CRAVEN, HOWARD : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 236799
Craven, radio pioneer. Howard Craven recalls the commencement of his career in the radio
industry. He left school in 1935 with ambitions to work as a radio actor. He joined the
Independent Theatre and made his first appearance on radio. In 1937 he joined the B.S.A.
Players: this marked the start of a professional career in radio acting. The B.S.A. Players were
recording at 2UE studios in Bligh Street. In 1939 he joined the George Edwards Players: he
mentions the significant work of the writer Sumner Locke Elliott. Craven later recalls the dispute
between Colgate (sponsor) and 2GB, whereby Colgate transferred sponsorship to 2UE. As a
consequence ëThe Project Showí ( sponsored by Colgate, and originally compered by Jack Davy
on 2GB) became part of 2UE's programming. Jack Davy resigned, and the position of compere
was temporarily filled by Howard Craven. Following this, Craven worked with Stan Francis on
the program "Share the Wealth". In 1940 he undertook War service. On his return to 2UE he
began work in the Production Department: Craven recalls the range of programs he produced. He
talks of his experiences with 2UE as highly rewarding. He particularly notes the success of the
program ëRumpus Roomí. Other popular shows he recalls include ëRocky Starrí and ëDad and
Daveí. He moved from 2UE to 2GB, where he broadcasted the Breakfast Program for three
years. He then moved to 2CH. He describes the twelve years he spent with 2CH as highly
rewarding. He recalls his success with the Morning Program, which achieved number one
ratings. Craven's final broadcast was December 9, 1988. He looks back on his radio
career (which ended at 2CH) with many fond memories. (00:48:30)
[CREASE, KEVIN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 213425
Kevin Crease first joined 5DN in 1957 and left in 1959, returning in the 1970s, leaving again for
television. He became the top news reader and was still in the business in 1984). Kevin returned
to 5DN in 1984 to be the morning newsreader. Kevin mentions the program ëMonitorí.
(00:47:03)
[CROFT, COLIN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214756
Colin Croft discusses his career, which commenced as a boy with the ëYouth Showí, a 2GB
radio production which he played in and directed. The time he spent performing in the Army
Entertainment Unit during WWII. He also recounts anecdotes about incidents that occurred with
Gracie Fields, Anna Russell and travelling to remote areas in Australia to perform.
24
[CROYSTON, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN. PT 1 : ORAL
HISTORY.]
Record No. - 249613
Croyston, writer and producer, talks about his work in radio and television drama from the 1960s
up until the time of this recording, which is thought to be around 1980.
[CROYSTON, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN. PTS 2 AND 3 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 250845
Croyston, writer and producer, talks about his work in radio and television drama from the
1960's to the date of this recording. Croyston mentions the following programs and people: The
ABC and the BBC; ëDynastyí; ëCertain Womení;N ëPatrol Boatí; ATV and other commercial
stations; Morphett/Davies (Glyn Davies and Tony Morphett); ëStormy Petrolí; ëContrabanditsí;
ëBlighí; ëThe Outcastsí; Glyn Davies; David Goddard and Eric Taylor; Phillip Mann and ëThe
Hungry Onesí; ëThe Strangerí; ëPurple Jacarandaí; ëRiverboat Girlí; George Johnson,
Charmaine Johnson, Storry Walton and Niel Hodginson in relation to Georges novel which
was dramatised for TV, 'My Brother Jack'; Willie Fennell and his role in 'Nice and Juicy'; Oscar
Whitbread and Keith Wills; Pat Barton, Charles Russell and Julian Pringle; Geoffrey Daniels,
Eric Taylor, Helen Bourke, Lynn Bayonas; John Martin and 'Kirkbys Company'; Roy Alchin and
'Patrol Boat'; James Davern in relatin to ëBellbirdí; ëAgainst the Windí; John Hamblin in relation
to ëCase for the Defenceí and Channel 10; ëHomicideí and ëMatlockí; Gough Whitlam and the
Labour party and, Malcolm Fraser and the Liberal party; ëBen Hallí; ëThe Immigrantsí.
[CROYSTON, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 244167
Croyston, writer, producer, talks about his work in radio and television drama from the 1960s up
until the time of this recording, which is thought to be around 1980.
[CROZIER, TOM : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 259742
Tom Crozier discusses his radio career as announcer, newsreader and later in marketing. Tom
recalls his first broadcast when he was 16 at 2KA and his first job at 2GZ Sydney studios before
moving to 2KM, where he helped promote Slim Dusty's career. Tom also worked at 2LT
Lithgow, 2LM Lismore and 2UE Sydney. At 2LM he worked as assistant station manager. In
later years he became increasingly involved with sales and marketing at 2WL, 2KM and 2UE
before becoming involved with the Radio Marketing Bureau and more recently with 2RPH.
[CURE, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304979
Cure, radio broadcaster, discusses his career as an announcer in commercial radio. He recalls his
training at the Vincents School of Broadcasting and his first job at 7BU Burnie, Tasmania during
the 1950s. Cure remembers working with Rex Waldron, Rod Muir, Norm Stone and Rich
Vertigan at 7HT before joining ABC/7ZR as a breakfast announcer. (00:16:15)
25
[D'EMDEN, GWEN : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 305124
D'Emden, founder and president of the Sound Preservation Association of Tasmania (SPAT),
recounts her early interest in radio. She joined the 7HT Sunshiner's Club run by Wally Elliott
and Rich Vertigan and supplied records to various radio stations. D'Emden explains how she was
inspired to found SPAT in 1985 after hearing a request for old 78rpm discs on ABC radio.
(00:20:00)
[D'EMDEN, GWEN : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223240
Gwen D'Emden: Born in Hobart, Tasmania; founder of Sound Preservation Association of
Tasmania (as the interview progresses D'Emden discusses the trials and problems for the
association, its success with the Cambell Street premises, and its provision of service to the
public); record collector; broadcaster; first musical experiences include involvement as sales
person in record industry in Tasmania and working in record shops; liaison with ABC
radio; working relationship with NFSA; future goals for sound preservation in Tasmania.
[DALEY, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY JOHN MCCORMACK : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307717
John Daley speaks of his career in radio. He mentions many of the people he worked with
including Andy Stevens, Graham Webb, Les Andrews, David Johnston, Shirley Webb. He
describes the formats used at various stations and provides an overview of interviewing
techniques and technical change. He pays tribute to Graham Cherry.
[DANIELL, DREW : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 226517
Drew, advertising executive, musician, radio performance artist and composer. Drew begins this
interview talking about her memories of radio in the 1920s and how she became a musician at
5DN in 1930. She goes on to discuss becoming the first woman in Australia to have her own
advertising agency and talks about her career in advertising, performing and composing. Her
daughter Kim reads press extracts re: her motherís recordings.
[DAVENPORT, DULCIE : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 320172
Dulcie Davenport, stage and radio drama actress, talks about her radio work in ABC dramas and
ëGeneral Motors Hourí on the Macquarie network and her stage and television performances
from the 1930s to early 1990s.
[DAVIES, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225923
Davies, radio broadcaster, begins by talking about his early days both as growing up and
working. He then tells about his career in radio up until his retirement and comments about the
Broadcasting Control Board.
26
[DAWSON, FLORENCE 'DOT' : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 250303
Florence 'Dot' Dawson recalls her career, from her work as an elocution teacher in the early
1930s. She later worked for Radio 3KZ and taught at a radio school run by Morris West. Dawson
tells of her marriage to Smoky Dawson (1943), his return from World War II, and the two years
they spent working for U.S. radio. She also talks about their return to Australia, and ëThe Smoky
Dawson Showí. Finally, she discusses the way that radio's role has changed in recent
years, comparing it to the time when she was broadcasting. Radio was a very powerful medium
in those days, and she cites her own show ëMy Friend the Policemaní as an example.
[DAWSON, SMOKY : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250319
Smoky Dawson, singer and radio personality, talks about his early life, growing up in Melbourne
during the Depression (including his period in the Victorian bushland, and how he was given the
name ëSmokeyí). He learned how to play steel guitar in the early 1930s, and played for a time in
ëthe pití of silent movie theatres, before entering radio at amateur station 3JR Preston. He goes
on to discuss his radio career, including his self-titled, top-rating radio show; his time in the
USA., especially Nashville; and his thoughts on television. After the interview, the song ëGood
Time Radio'í(from his recent comeback album) is played. (01:32:47)
[DAWSON, SMOKY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 220123
Dawson recalls in detail his life and lengthy career as a country music entertainer.
[DAY, BERT : INTERVIEWED BY BILL MUDIE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 320206
Bert Day, sports and general radio broadcaster from late 1930s to 1980s, talks about his work at
2QN (Deniliquin), 3DB (Melbourne) and 5AD(Adelaide).
[DE VEER, WALTER : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 226565
De Veer, ethnic broadcaster, discusses his family background (Holland) and education. He goes
on to talk about his career in radio, the evolution of ethnic radio in Australia and the politics
and legalities involved. He gives his views on the future and difficulties of talk-back in foreign
languages.
[DEAR, TERRY : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458382
Terry Dear, Australian radio compere, interviewed.
27
[DELANEY, TOM : INTERVIEWED BY BILL BARRINGTON. PT 1 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 287720
Delaney, radio pioneer, discusses his method of entry into the broadcasting business. He speaks
of old stations no longer in existence. (00:31:10)
[DELANEY, TOM : INTERVIEWED BY BILL BARRINGTON. PT 2 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 287735
Delaney, radio pioneer, discusses his method of entry into the broadcasting business. He speaks
of old stations no longer in existence. (00:30:00)
[DIBLEY, STUART : INTERVIEWED BY BILL BARRINGTON. PT 1 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 287686
Stuart Dibley, radio pioneer, radio, stage and screen actor, discusses Newcastle commercial
broadcasting and early days of Sydney broadcasting. He recalls his career including acting on
radio, in film and on stage. He mentions the recording technology of the day, sound effects and
techniques. He recalls many of the personalities he worked with and the advent of the
announcers Union. (00:12:20)
[DIBLEY, STUART : INTERVIEWED BY BILL BARRINGTON. PT 2 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 287718
Stuart Dibley, radio pioneer and actor, discusses Newcastle commercial broadcasting, and early
days of Sydney broadcasting. He recalls his career including acting on radio, in film and on
stage. He mentions the recording technology of the day, sound effects and techniques. He recalls
many of the personalities he worked with and the advent of the Announcers Union. (00:19:50)
[DOCKING, MURRAY : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 305099
Docking, radio technician and announcer, discusses his first job in radio. He joined 7HT in 1941
as a trainee technician before leaving to join the navy. On his return in 1947, Docking tried his
hand at announcing and did some sports announcing with Bill Barwick. He recalls leaving radio
in 1952 to start up his own retail business selling radios and electrical goods. (00:18:45)
[DUCKMANTON, SIR TALBOT : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 225707
Sir Talbot Sydney Duckmanton was the General Manager of the Australian Broadcasting
Commission from 1965 to 1982. He initially joined the ABC as a cadet announcer in 1939.
During World War II he served in the AIF and RAAF; he became an ABC war correspondent in
the South Pacific. He returned to the ABC as an announcer/commentator. In this oral history
interview, Sir Talbot Sydney Duckmanton describes the developments, and his experiences, with
the ABC.
28
[DUFFY, BARBARA : INTERVIEWED BY JEFFREY RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294204
Barbara Duffy, radio broadcaster and copywriter, speaks about the beginnings of her career at
2KM Kempsey. She began in the office working for station-manager Bernie Harte, and later was
given the opportunity to broadcast the morning program aimed at women. Duffy describes
reading the Country Womens' Association newsletter and doing some outside broadcasts of local
balls and sports events. She moved to 2SM Sydney in 1955 and worked there as a copywriter
and scheduler of advertisements. She recalls particularly enjoying working with John Laws
at that time. (00:42:32)
[DUNCAN, ALASTAIR : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294312
Alastair Duncan, radio, stage and television actor, recalls his study at the Royal Academy of
Dramatic Art in London. He arrived in Australia in 1951 and began working almost immediately
for the ABC as a radio actor. Duncan compares radio production in Australia with production in
the United States, where he spent from 1953 until 1959 working in radio and television. He
discusses his lead role in the serial ëDr Paulí, produced by Grace Gibson Productions, and
the impact it had on listening audiences. (01:01:00)
[DUNN, BEVERLEY : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270463
Beverley Dunn, radio actress, discusses her career in radio. Dunn recalls how she started acting
in children's radio shows at 16 and then won an audition at ABC and subsequently parts in their
radio productions. In particular, she remembers a show that Osmar White wrote for her called
ëAwake the Murdererí. She recalls the many people she worked with including John Ewart,
Robert Peach, John Cairns, Dorothy Crawford, Norma Ferris and Keith Eden and the hassles of
wearing evening dress for productions. Dunn talks about her move into television and ëBellbirdí
and her opinions on modern radio. (00:41:24)
[DUNN, MARGARET : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191378
Margaret Dunn, radio drama writer, talks about her work for ABC and commercial radio from
the late 1930s and about the work of her husband, radio writer Max Dunn. She covers her first
involvement with radio, Max Dunn's career, writing the series ëMy Love Storyí, sharing work
habits with her husband, adaptations of American scripts, working with George Edwards, writing
about a familiar world, ABC vs commercial scriptwriting, satisfaction in script writing, being a
female writer, audience perceptions, recognition for writers and Writers Guild achievements, the
phasing out of radio serials and ratings relevance and credibility. (01:22:00)
[DUNNE, BESSIE : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 220273
Bessie Dunne discusses the life and lengthy career of her husband, the late John Dunne, with
Sydney Radio Stations 2SM and 2GB. Babe Bridges provides prior to the interview a brief
biographical dialogue about John Dunne's life and career.
[DUNNE, CLARE : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308919
Clare Dunne, broadcasting executive, talks of her involvement in the formation of ethnic radio
broadcasting in Australia. She discusses her Irish background and Irish culture. She talks about
her early career on Australian television and film including the film ëThey're a Weird Mobí.
29
[EADIE, BESS : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 258830
Eadie, radio pioneer, talks of her radio career at 2GB in the 1940s where she started as the girl on
the counter, moved on to secretarial duties, programme selection and the switchboard. Bess
recalls celebrities of the day like Jack Davey, Peter Finch and 2GB boss Bert Button and talks of
her opinions on modern commercial radio. Bess married 2GB broadcaster Keith Eadie.
(00:15:06)
[EADIE, KEITH : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 258967
Keith Eadie, radio announcer and station manager, discusses his career in radio. He talks about
his early years in 4BH, how he developed his own announcing style and of the type of shows
broadcast around the Second World War. Keith goes on to discuss his job as station manager at
country radio station 2SB before working with 2SB Sydney for 35 years during the golden years
of radio. (01:12:46)
[EDEN, KEITH : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270436
Keith Eden, radio announcer and drama actor, recalls his career in radio. Eden recalls how he
started his career in 1936 as the compere of ëThe March of Timeí. Eden talks about his happy
time working with Crawford's Productions after WWII and about his good impressions of the
company. Eden recalls the pressures of the industry, his subsequent collapse from overwork, the
problems of alcohol and the beginnings of Actor's Equity. Eden talks about the many people he
worked with including Donovan Joyce, Bob Dyer, Peter Finch, Dorothy Crawford, Sybil
Thorndike, Melvyn Douglas, Clifford Cowley and John Meillon. (01:32:23)
[EDMOND, JIM : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191377
Jim Edmond, commercials producer, talks about the radio advertising industry of c1950 and his
work for J. Walter Thompson Productions, referring briefly to television advertising. He
discusses his current position making television commercials, his first involvement in radio,
work conditions and pay, the personalities, history, advertising production process and
production team recruitment at J. Walter Thompson Productions, serial production and
overseas sales, job security, producing jingles, sponsor influence on serial content,
the relationship between J. Walter Thompson and Actors Equity, the regulation of advertising,
the use of star system actors in advertising, progressing from radio to television, US drama
imports and radio vs television advertising. (01:03:00)
[ELLENBY, ROBERT : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280766
Ellenby, radio broadcaster, began at 5KA as junior announcer, worked at 3SR, television station,
GMV6, and finally in management at Argus-Associated Broadcasting Services. (00:22:37)
[EVANS, GRAHAM : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280326
Evans, radio announcer, began broadcasting as a child on 3KZ with Auntie Kay (1942) reading
commercials. Went to 3DB reading commercials on another children's program and acting in
small parts in children's radio drama. Back at 3XY , he attained real start in radio on Sally
Miller's ëKookaburra Clubí, then went to 3AW as office boy. Started announcing in 1947. Was
at 3AW 1946-52, 1954-56, went overseas, and worked as a BBC studio manager. (00:22:11)
30
[EVERSON, DICK : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306920
Dick Everson talks about his career as a radio announcer, which began in 1936 when he joined
4GL. He describes the people and stations he worked with. He describes the 1930s music format,
ball broadcasts and dance promotions.
[EWART, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY ANN BAYLIS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225110
Ewart: film, television, stage and radio actor.
[EWART, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 236833
Ewart, television, film, radio and stage actor. The interview predominantly focuses on Ewart's
acting career within the radio industry, however mention is also made of other medias he worked
in, including television, film, and theatre. Ewart's acting career spans 60 years. He entered the
industry at age 4, in 1932, as a performer on radio shows for 3XY: programs recalled include
ëOne Man's Familyí and ëThe Silver Kingí. Throughout the interview Ewart discusses
his experiences and the many personalities he encountered within the industry. He considers the
evolution of radio programming: recognising a shift from dramas to talk shows. He comments on
the impact of this change in program style for radio actors. (00:38:30)
[FAIR, DICK : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458271
Dick Fair, compere of Australian radio, community singing and talent show programmes.
[FAIR, DICK : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 222125
Dick Fair, radio announcer, talks about his radio career that commenced in 1927. He talks of the
main shows on which he worked ëLux Radio Theatreí and ëAmateur Hourí. Includes anecdotes
about people, which he worked with such as Bob Dyer and Marie Ormiston.
[FAIRHALL, SIR ALAN : INTERVIEWED BY JIM BOWTELL. PT 1 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 287812
Sir Alan Fairhall, radio pioneer, describes his lengthy career from the beginning of broadcasting
in Newcastle. (00:30:30)
[FAIRHALL, SIR ALAN : INTERVIEWED BY JIM BOWTELL. PT 2 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 287814
[FARQUAR, LEN : INTERVIEWED BY VAUGHAN HARVEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 322484
Len Farquar, radio announcer, news reader and news editor, talks about his work from 1946 to
1982, at 5AD (Adelaide), 2UW (Sydney) and regional stations 4BU, 4GR and 4BC.
31
[FENNELL, WILLIE : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 237201
Fennell, actor, broadcaster, recalls the events that led to his career in radio acting and
programming. His first involvement in professional show business was during the years of
World War Two (1939-1945). Immediately following the war he auditioned for a part in Ron
Beck's radio production ëCalling the Starsí. He gained a part, and soon after became involved in
the script writing. Fennell describes the developement of his career, significantly, he became a
full-time script writer for Ron Beck. He describes the evolution of programs, with particular
mention of ëLife With Dexterí: Fennell not only created the script, but starred as Dexter for 10
years. Fennell recalls an array of experiences, stories, and the many personalities he encountered
in the broadcasting industry. At the conclusion of the interview he reflects on his favourite roles,
notably that of Willie in ë`Ow Are You Mateí.
[FENNELL, WILLIE : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457868
Willie Fennell, Australian comic actor and script writer.
[FENNELL, WILLIE : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457914
Willie Fennell, Australian comic actor and script writer.
[FERRIS, NORMA : INTERVIEWED BY BEVELEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 269071
Norma Ferris, radio announcer. Norma started as an announcer at the ABC in 1945, where she
was one of six female radio announcers employed, five of them were sacked at the end of the
World War II. However, she recalls that a few months later she was asked to return and stayed
for another eleven years. Norma talks about her treatment as a woman at the ABC, where she
had no rights and was considered lucky to be there, missed out on many promotions because of
her sex and wasn't allowed to wear slacks. Norma tells how she went on to freelance work and
adapted novels for radio. She recalls the people she worked with at the ABC, the working
conditions and comments on radio broadcasting today. (01:05:53)
[FINCH, KERRY : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304882
Finch, radio announcer, relates his experience working in commercial radio. His first job was
with 7HT Hobart in 1963 at the time when Rex Waldron was an announcer. He went on to a
career in announcing and worked with Rod Muir, John Burnley and John Howell. Finch
describes being on the air during the Hobart bush fires of 1967.
32
[FINLAYSON, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250315
John Finlayson, radio broadcaster, from his work at Columbia Graphaphone, to his tenure with
the Federation of Australian Broadcasters, to his eventual retirement in 1989. He discusses his
time at various stations, beginning in Tasmania at 7BU Burnie (as an announcer/copywriter) in
1952. He later worked at 7HT Hobart (working shifts with only two other announcers), before
moving to Melbourne, where he worked in a garage. In 1954, however, he became
breakfast announcer (and later acting manager) at 2QN Deniliquin, then became sales manager at
2LF. In 1963, he became manager of the station - the first non-metro station to to talkback radio.
He also discusses his interest in the Scouting movement in Young, including the World
Jamboree in the USA. Among the people mentioned: Cliff Faulkner, Eric Roberts, Arthur
Towner, Bill Marsden, Eddie Williams, Bob Milne and astronaut Scott Carpenter. He later
participated in training schemes, training broadcasters from developing countries such as Tonga
and Western Samoa. (01:06:48)
[FITTS, RUPERT : INTERVIEWED BY NINA STANTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 227004
Rupert Fitts, radio pioneer, follows his career in radio from radio training in the Royal Australian
Navy and his involvement in radio from it's inception working for the Associated Radio
Company since it's opening of station 3AR in 1924, to his retirement as General Manager of the
Victorian Broadcasting Network in the mid 1950's. During the interview Rupert talks about
various people he both worked with and met during his career and relates relevant stories
(eg. Dame Nellie Melba) He also discuss the evolution of radio in Australia during it's early
years, collating many events with their dates.
[FITTS, RUPERT : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 227063
Rupert Fitts, radio pioneer and former General Manager of the Victorian Broadcasting Network,
discusses his own broadcasting career and the evolution of radio in Australia during the 1920's.
He tells about the rivalry between the two original Victorian radio stations 3AR and 3LO and
more generally about the finding of talent and the technical advances of radio in the 1920's.
Throughout the interview Rupert talks about people he met and highlights from his broadcasting
days relating relevant stories.
[FITZGERALD, D'ARCY : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250314
Broadcaster D'Arcy Fitzgerald tells of his life in radio, beginning with his first radio job in 1937.
He recalls the stories behind such radio shows as ëHere's Luckí and ëMutiny on the Bountyí
(starring Peter Finch), while he was working as sales manager. He then discusses broadcasting
during World War II, describing how Bill Cousins was tried for espionage. He provides details
of some of the other notable people of radio's ëGolden Ageí - Grace Gibson, Owen Ainley, John
Harper, and Jack Davey. Finally, he criticises the use of radio ratings as a barometer of public
opinion. (00:50:45)
33
[FITZGERALD, MIRIAM : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 270974
Miriam Fitzgerald (Vernon), provincial Victorian radio presenter, discusses her career in radio.
Fitzgerald started her career for 3TR Trafalgar in 1930 presenting the nightly children's show as
ëAuntie Janeí and later moved to 3SH Swan Hill where she presented the children's show as
ëAuntie Mimí. Fitzgerald recalls transferring to 3BO Bendigo where she presented outside
broadcasts and ball broadcasts. She provides valuable information on the nature of
country broadcasting. (00:23:20)
[FOSTER, DESMOND : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294424
Desmond Foster, radio station manager, discusses early work as a journalist and his move to
2UE Sydney. He joined 2UE in 1955 and was in charge of news, sport and special events. Foster
recounts the impact television had upon the radio broadcasting industry. In particular, he
describes the introduction of the ëTop 40í music program and a ënews-flashí style of news
broadcasting. In 1961, Foster moved to 2GB Sydney as manager.
[FOSTER, LYNN : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191376
Lynn Foster, drama writer and producer, talks about her radio work on commercial stations from
1936. She covers her first radio involvement, gender discrimination, her employment history,
Fred Daniell's methods of drama production, work conditions and pay, constraints placed on
scriptwriting by technology, management and sponsors, adapting books and American scripts,
weekly script output, working for the BSA (Broadcasting Service Association)
players, competition amongst writers and job security, her progression from writer
to writer/producer, the writer/actor relationship, female writing style and involvement in acting,
casting difficulties, attention to accuracy, imported US scripts, her association with the Writers
Guild, the politics of Actors Equity, the status of writers in radio and listening audience
perceptions. (01:23:00)
[FOWLE, KEITH : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307026
Keith Fowle talks about his interest in radio. He mentions the technology in use in radio stations
in the 50s and 60s including wire recorders and tape recorder developments. Keith makes
comparisons with wireless and early radio days to present day technologies.
[FOWLER, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191368
John Fowler, former general manager of Adelaide radio 5AD and senior vice president of
Grundy Television Sydney, talks about radio drama in Adelaide and his work with station 5AD
on the Macquarie Network. He covers his first involvement in radio, ëLes Darcy Storyí litigation,
5AD serial production and sales, the demise of radio drama and the possibility of a revival, the
effect of television on radio advertising and of satellite television on sales of serials in country
areas. (00:42:00)
34
[FRANCIS, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY
INTERVIEW]
Record No. - 213472
Bob Francis, an announcer at Adelaide Radio Station 5DN, from August 1957 to 1961.
(00:48:37)
[FRASER, DAVID : INTERVIEWED BY MONTY MAIZELS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 385231
David Fraser tells of his work and involvement in Australia's radio recording industry since the
1950s. Discusses his career at Broadcast Exchange.
[FRASER, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214754
Interview with Peter Fraser talking about his career at 5DN.
[FREEDMAN, PHIL : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN. PTS 2 AND 3 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 271803
Freedman discusses his work as a radio and television writer.
General note : ScreenSound Australia does not hold Part 1 of interview.
[FREEDMAN, PHIL : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN. PTS 4 AND 5 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 271807
Freedman discusses his work as a radio and television writer.
[FREEMAN, GORDON : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303785
[FRIEND, GWEN : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE LEONARD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 258978
Gwen Friend recalls her radio career that began on ëThe Youth Showí when she was seventeen.
Gwen acted on other radio shows and started writing for Methodist Church programmes. Gwen
is best remembered for adapting Betty Jeffrey's war-time diary, ëWhite Cooliesí, to fifty two
episodes of radio drama starring Ruth Cracknell and June Salter. (00:41:28)
[FROST, VALERIE : INTERVIEWED BY MARTHA ANSARA : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 278547
Frost, researcher and continuity girl, talks about her work with Ealing Studios, ABC radio and
television.
35
[FRY, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 236977
Bob Fry recorded the oral history at the request of Bruce Asmus. Although Asmus does not
participate in the actual recording, he provided Bob Fry with the theme: recollections of a career
in radio broadcasting. Fry commenced his career in radio at age 15 as an office boy for 2CH. In
1951 he moved to 2UE. He talks about the early days of these stations, enumerating his
experiences and recalling the many personalities he encountered. In late 1956 Fry joined TCN
9 Television. He recalls the establishment of television in Australia. He then talks at great length
of his colleagues and programming. The recording concludes with back announcement from
Bruce Asmus: he thanks Bob Fry for providing the oral history interview, and remarks on the
experiences shared between radio personalities of the 1950s. Asmus briefly recollects moments
from his own days in radio.
[FRYER, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303736
[FULLER, HARRY : INTERVIEWED BY OSCAR HENRY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268105
Harry Fuller recalls his career as a radio engineer. Fuller discusses gaining his amateur radio
licence at sixteen and later joining the MacKay expedition to Central Australia as radio operator.
Fuller tells how he constructed Australia's first wire recorder and first tape recorder. He was
chief engineer with 3YB from 1939. The interview begins with Denzil Howson reading an article
detailing Fuller's achievements. (00:10:05)
[GADENNE, PAUL : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303612
[GALE, SADIE : INTERVIEWED BY GRAHAM SHIRLEY AND FRANK HEIMANS :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 375538
Sadie Gale, actress, talks about her childhood and career in the Australian theatre. She also
discusses meeting her husband, actor/comedian Roy Rene, and his career in vaudeville, radio and
film, including the "Strike Me Lucky" film and Roy's feelings towards this production. She talks
about the acting scene during the depression and Poverty Point where out of work actors would
gather to be employed by suburban bookers, and a painting done of Roy for the Archibald Prize.
(01:17:35)
[GALLOWAY, ELLIE : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214622
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle talking with (Helen) Ellie Galloway (Mrs Painter), the only
surviving member of ëthat first historic playí, Australia's first studio-produced radio play, ëLillies
Of The Fieldí. The play was performed in November 1924 on Adelaide Radio Station 5DN. The
interview was recorded in April 1984 at Ellie Galloway's home in Unley Park, Adelaide. She is
age 83. (00:29:02)
36
[GATES, BILL : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307030
Bill Gates talks about his career in radio. He mentions many radio personalities including Alan
Toohey, Lyall Richardson, Arch McKirdy and Graham Connolly. He mentions computerised
radio programming and ëD cartí prototype music format.
[GAZE, RICHARD : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 236916
Richard Gaze enumerates the many experiences he gained over his long career in the radio
industry. He recalls his entrance into broadcasting, which was in 1937 (at age 19) as a studio
assistant for 4BH. Upon leaving 4BH he relocated to Sydney, gaining a position with 2CH. From
here he was transferred to 3BO Bendigo. In 1974 he joined 2MBS-FM. He worked with this
station for 14 years, retiring on October 15, 1988. Gaze recalls the many personalities
he encountered, and expresses fond memories of his career in radio.
[GERVAS, EILEEN : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303623
[GERVAS, STAN : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303635
[GIBBONS, DENIS : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271765
Denis Gibbons, radio announcer and folk singer, discusses his career in radio. Gibbons tells how
his first start was on Australia's Amateur Hour and how this led to him enrolling in the Vincent
School of Broadcasting and subsequent announcer jobs with 3SR and 3AW. Gibbons provides
anecdotes about country broadcasting including announcing funerals and station conditions.
(00:26:52)
[GIBSON, GRACE : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 380783
Grace Gibson, radio executive producer, talks about radio drama production and the founding
and work of her company Grace Gibson Radio Productions. She covers the long running Grace
Gibson radio serials including 'Dr Paul' and 'Portia Faces Life', the beginning of the company,
industry competition, US vs Australian radio drama, the possibility of a radio drama revival,
actor work conditions and pay, criteria for radio serial production, Australian radio drama
exports, sponsor interference and children's radio show production. (00:27:00)
[GIBSON, GRACE : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458180
Grace Gibson, of Grace Gibson Radio and Television Productions, interview.
37
[GIBSON, GRACE : INTERVIEWED BY NICK ERBY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 259182
Grace Gibson, founder and manager of Grace Gibson Radio Productions discusses her radio
career. Grace was born in Texas and worked in California for the Radio Transcription Company
of America. She came to Australia to sell radio dramas and seeing the potential decided to stay.
In 1945 she founded Grace Gibson Radio Productions in Sydney and produced sixty-six shows a
week. Peter Finch, Rod Taylor, June Salter, John Meillon and Charles Tingwell all received
training with her company. ëDr Paulí, ëPortia Faces Lifeí, ëNight Beatí, ëDossier on Dimetriusí
and ëCattlemaní were her biggest selling and longest running shows.
[GILDEA, PAMELA : INTERVIEWED BY LEICESTER WARBURTON : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 294502
Pamela Gildea, secretary, reminisces about working for 2GB Sydney in the late 1940s. She
recalls typing scripts for radio serials, meeting radio actors and holding the question cards for
Jack Davey on his quiz shows.
[GLASSER, WARREN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280778
After serving in US Armed Forces in Australia, Warren Glasser migrated after WW2. He went
from Columbia Broadcasting in Hollywood to working for the Crawford production company in
ëThe March of Timeí. After marrying, he and his wife formed their own production company to
produce radio soap operas.
[GLEESON, JACK : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307849
Jack Gleeson talks about his career in radio. He undertook a wireless course with the Marconi
School of Wireless with AWA in Sydney. He describes in detail the 4CA station and the
technology used at the time. Jack provides an insight into the Commercial radio broadcasting
industry of the 1940s and 1950s. In 1981 Jack Gleeson was appointed director of AUSSAT and
was also awarded Member of the Order of Australia.
[GLENWRIGHT, GORDON : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191374
Gordon Glenwright, radio and television actor, talks about working in radio drama during the
1940s and 1950s. He covers his first involvement in radio, training at Minerva Whitehall
Academy, difficulties of combining stage and radio work, ABC vs commercial radio, working to
an audience, pay and work conditions, failures in radio, Actors Equity achievements, US
transcription importation, Australian vs UK radio work, variety show involvement, attitude to
radio serials, sponsor influence, drama production house differences, preferences in script
writers, status of women in radio, radio drama star system, Sydney vs Melbourne show styles,
ratings role and credibility, job enjoyment, social life of radio actors, moving between Sydney
and Melbourne, effect of a listening audience and working for Grace Gibson. (02:15:00)
38
[GLOVER, KEITH : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307844
Keith Glover studied singing and won various eisteddfods before the outbreak of WWII, and
later he worked with ëHappy Hammondí and the AIF Entertainment Unit before applying for a
job at the ABC. He worked on commercial serials, before being transferred to Brisbane. He
returned to Melbourne in 1956, where he worked with Mike Connors, Russ Tyson, Graham
Webster, Ellis Blain, John West. Spoke of the program ëHousewives Choiceí. Talked about the
1956 Olympic Games and the temporary studios for overseas broadcasters, and John Royle
falling asleep on air. He moved to Radio Australia, where he worked with Ron White on ëMail
Bag Programí. Talks about his television appearance (states he could not become a news reader
because he was 'too bald') and the television training scheme at RMIT. Talks of Ruth Nye and
Corinne Kirby.
[GOLSBY, KEVIN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250322
Kevin Golsby discusses his early memories of radio, from the time he joined 2UE as an office
boy in 1950, and entered an announcing school under his "mentor", Eric Wright. Although
several names are mentioned briefly, he elaborates on: technician Ted Husband, Frank Semple
(who suffered from polio) and race caller Vince Curry. He talks about his early work as an
interviewer, for which he travelled Europe and the USA for 2CH - interviewing jazz musicians
such as Nina Simone, Count Basie and Musical Marie, who was attempting to break the
world piano-playing record. He then talks about his voice-over work for ëThe Naked Vicar
Showí, ëBrass Monkeysí and other television shows - describing an amusing blooper he made on
ëThe Samuel Pepys Showí. Finally, he discusses his recent show on 2RES community radio in
Paddington.
[GOVETT, CLEMENT NEVILLE : INTERVIEWED BY CLEMENT NEVILLE
GOVETT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271682
This oral history documents Clement Neville Govett's life story told by himself, beginning with
an introduction by the Reverend Ian Gillman, and memories of Neville Govett's father. Included
are memories of radio broadcasting, commencing work at Pagewood Studios, working as an
usher, working in the army during the Japanese Occupation and the Korean War, and the 1956
Melbourne Olympics.
[GOVETT, DOREEN AND LIONEL WILLIAMS : INTERVIEWED BY RADFORD
BRYCE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 319673
Doreen Govett and Lionel Williams, radio and television show hosts, talk about their work both
as a team and solo at radio station 5KA (Adelaide) and NWS9 (Channel 9 Adelaide) in 1950s
and 60s. Doreen's work on ABC radio and Lionel's later years on television channel ADS7
(Adelaide) are also covered.
39
[GRAHAM, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304941
John Graham talks about being a radio broadcaster in regional Queensland radio stations
including 4WK, 4BH, 4KQ, 4IP, 4GY, 4BU, 4NA, 4BC and community radio stations.
(00:24:00)
[GRAY, JEAN : INTERVIEWED BY DAVID GREENWOOD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304945
Jean Gray was the first member of staff on 4TO in 1932. Radio Broadcaster. (00:07:00)
[GREENWOOD, DAVID : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304944
Radio career as office boy to General Manager. Worked with Bill Gates, Ben Beckinsale, John
Taylor, Dal Myles, Billy J Smith, John Knox, John McCoy, Gray Clark, Wayne Roberts.
Stations worked for include: 4BH, 4IP, 4GR, 4RO, 4BK, 4KQ, 2UE. (00:25:00)
[GRIFFITHS, HARRY : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458378
Harry Griffiths, Australian radio comedian of the 1940s interview.
[GRIFFITHS, HARRY : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250389
Harry Griffiths, actor, tells of how he made his comedy debut in ëSunshine Folliesí at age 15. He
later joined the Colgate-Palmolive Radio Unit, working closely with Jack Davey (whom he calls
ëthe most creative man I've ever metí) through the war years. He recalls some of the stories of
that time, when all Australians on radio had to speak in `proper', British accents. Among the
people discussed: Wayne Froman, Owen Ainley, Colin Croft, Null & Void (comedy
duo, featuring Patti Crocker), conductor Charles McKerras, Hal Lashwood, and pianist Richard
Farrell. He also tells of comedian George Blackshaw, who committed suicide to avoid the draft.
Later, Griffiths worked with comedian Dick Bentley, before Roy Rene ëMoí took him on board
for ëMcCackie Mansionsí. This was followed by ëStrike it Richí and ëPick-a-Boxí, with Bob
Dyer. Griffiths says that he still listens to (and enjoys) radio.
[GRIFFITHS, HARRY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 219521
Harry Griffiths, actor, discusses his career in radio and theatre including his work with 'Mo' Roy
Rene, Syd Beck and other personalities with whom he worked. He includes some humorous
anecdotes about Arnie Hartman, 'Mo' Roy Rene, Syd Beck and George Wallace.
[GRIMSDALE, GORDON : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 458353
Gordon Grimsdale, radio producer and actor, interview.
40
[GUNN, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458343
John Gunn, writer and ABC Argonauts presenter 'Icarus' from 1957 - 1969, interview.
[GUTHRIE, STELLA : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 319421
Stella Guthrie, freelance radio interviewer, talks about her work for ABC Radio from 1970-1980
including her time with ABC stations in Broken Hill and Adelaide and her interviews on ëAll
Ways on Sundayí and ëSounds Easyí transmitted nationwide to regional cities and rural areas on
ABC's third network. She details many personalities and incidents from her interviews as well
as non-radio experiences such as her wartime and peacetime nursing, Flying Doctor Service
links and family history.
[GUY, KEN : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306880
Ken Guy talks about his first job in radio at 3TR (Sale, Victoria) in 1957. He goes on to mention
the many people he worked with in radio in Victoria, Queensland and in London.
[HADDRICK, RON : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY ROBINSON-WHITTLE : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 212724
Nancy Robinson-Whittle interviews Ron Haddrick. She notes that he also gave a brilliant speech
at the launch of the 5DN book in August 1984, which was not recorded. (The interview starts
without us having heard the question). Ron is apparently en route to the theatre to play Nicholas
Nickleby. Ron is talking about ëRadio Canteení - a broadcast variety programme with a live
audience, presenting a collection of sketches, and singing and dancing, in which Ron played.
"Drama Spot". Several actresses also appeared: Anne Haddy (Condon), Myra Noblisk (?) Ron
the age of fourteen. Ron performed a lot of amateur theatre. (00:39:18)
[HAIG-MUIR, RON : INTERVIEWED BY JEFFREY RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277737
Ron Haig-Muir discusses his career in Australian commercial radio. He describes the early
procedure in the control room, including cueing techniques. He mentions the professional
recording of plays, and talks about programming. Ron mentions many of the people he worked
with during his career. (01:23:53)
41
[HALDEMAN, PHIL : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277770
Phil Haldeman, radio announcer talks about his career in Australian Commercial radio. He
discusses his early days listening to radio serials, and his beginnings in the industry as George
Patterson's office boy. He recalls many of the people he worked with during his career including,
Brian Bury, Bob Pollard, Ken Stone, Norman Blackler, Heath Goodsall, Paul Jacklin, Bill
Stephenson, Bob Lapthorne, Tony Standen, Helen Stockman, and many others. (00:53:21)
[HAMPSON, ROY : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307847
Roy Hampson began his career at 2CH in 1949 as a panel operator, before becoming an
apprentice announcer. He talks about the AWA Building in York Street (Sydney) where the 2CH
studio was located and some of the 2CH personalities - John Hudson, Sid Everett, Chas Cousens,
Bruce Menzies, Hilda Morse, Meg McSperrin Joan Reid, Brian Henderson (ëWhen a Girl
Marriesí), Humphrey Bishop and the production unit under Colin Craigen. He describes some of
the formats and needles, and location recording. Talks of the introduction of television, Channel
7 and Channel 0 (in Melbourne). Other people he discusses include Len Mauger, Jim Oswin,
Keith Walshe, Reg Ansett, Ray Taylor, Barry McQueen, Andrew McLaran, Mary Hardy and
Peter Evans.
[HANSBERRY, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 219150
John Hansberry recounts his career in radio which commenced in 1940s at 5KA in Adelaide. He
discusses the other radio personalities with which he worked and numerous radio shows which
he was involved in until 1965 when he commenced as Promotions Manager for Grace Bros.
[HARDEY, JOYCE (WENDY) : INTERVIEWED BY GORDON FREEMAN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 303766
[HARPER, HARRY : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458206
Harry Harper, Australian radio producer, interview.
[HARPER, HARRY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 321295
Harper, producer of radio plays and other programs, talks about his life in radio. Harper was the
producer of programs including ëGeneral Motors Hourí, ëLux Radio Theatreí and ëMrs Obbsí.
[HARRIS, A.E. : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 278039
Ted Harris, radio presenter and sports commentator, discusses his career through his early
broadcasting years as sports commentator and administration assistant. He tells how he first got
into radio and talks about his first broadcast. He recalls people he worked with during his
career. (00:30:50)
42
[HARRISON, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303627
[HARTE, BERNARD : INTERVIEWED BY LEONARD BRUCE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294503
Bernard Harte, radio station manager and chief engineer, speaks about the beginnings of his
career manufacturing wireless sets in Brisbane. He discusses working as a technician for 4BH
Brisbane and 2UW Sydney, a small stint as a radio actor and announcer and being appointed
manager/chief engineer of 2KM Kempsey.
[HARVEY, VAUGHAN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 226536
In this interview Vaughan talks about his childhood fascination with radio and outlines his radio
career. He also discusses his private life and the future of radio.
[HAY, LES : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250371
Radio executive Les Hay tells of how he came to radio (2UW) in 1952, after ten years in
newspapers. He discusses a number of his 2UW colleagues of the time, including Sir Lincoln
Hynes, Bert Robertson, Des Mahon, Alan Toohey, Bill Hardy and Reg Grundy. Hay joined 2SM
in 1960, and talks of how he was associated with the `Good Guys' (Mike Gibson, George Moore
and others). [NOTE: the original 1963-1965 'Good Guys' team actually comprised Bob Rogers,
Mike Walsh and Tony Murphy]. While Hay was at 2SM, the station pioneered adult-oriented
rock (AOR). He left in 1980 and started his own multi-media business, ARMS. He now
works part-time as a researcher for 2UE.
[HAYES, MATT : INTERVIEWED BY ANDY SIMPSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 288190
Matt Hayes describes early ham radio and early Newcastle radio. He talks about his career in
journalism in Newcastle and abroad.
[HADDRICK, RON : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY ROBINSON-WHITTLE : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 212724
Nancy Robinson-Whittle interviews Ron Haddrick. She notes that he also gave a brilliant speech
at the launch of the 5DN book in August 1984, which was not recorded. (The interview starts
without us having heard the question). Ron is apparently en route to the theatre to play Nicholas
Nickleby. Ron is talking about ëRadio Canteení - a broadcast variety programme with a live
audience, presenting a collection of sketches, and singing and dancing, in which Ron played.
"Drama Spot". Several actresses also appeared: Anne Haddy (Condon), Myra Noblisk (?) Ron
the age of fourteen. Ron performed a lot of amateur theatre. (00:39:18)
43
[HEIL, LES. J : INTERVIEWED BY JEFFREY RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277820
Les J. Heil, radio announcer, discusses his career in commercial radio. Heil tells of his early
years in the industry and a career that spanned more than forty years. He mentions working for
3SR Shepparton, a station that was part of the Argus Broadcasting Network, and other stations in
country Victoria. He was involved in major promotions, an example given was the Beatles Tour,
when he worked at 3UZ. He recalls many people the he worked with including, Sid
Kemp, Lewis Bennett, Bob Cornish, Graham Kennedy, Don Lane, Bert Newton, John Ford, John
Masters, Norman Banks, Oliver J Nilsen, and others. (01:10:21)
[HELLIER, LES : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223521
Les Hellier held the first commercial country broadcasting licence issued in Australia for 3WR
(Wangaratta Radio); later transferred to 3SR (Shepparton Radio). In this interview, Les Hellier
discusses the early days of both stations.
[HEMING, DICK : INTERVIEWED BY JEFFREY RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 260001
Dick Heming discusses his career in radio from early days working with the Colgate Palmolive
Radio Unit. Later dick worked as an office boy at 2UE before becoming panel operator for the
Aspro show and for various "soapies". Dick worked at 2GZ and also 3DB as a turntable operator
before beginning a career in announcing at 2LM Lismore. Mr. Heming also talks about his
involvement with radio plays in the 1950s and his involvement with the Lux Radio Theatre.
Later Mr. Heming worked as a progam director for various stations before becoming general
manager of 6PR, Perth and a Lecturer at Northern Rivers College.
[HENDERSON, EVA : INTERVIEWED BY JIM BOWTELL. PT 1 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 287815
Eva Henderson, administrative officer, describes early Newcastle radio. She mentions her part
time work for 2KO. (00:15:10)
[HENDERSON, EVA : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS. PT 2 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 287843
[HENRY, OSCAR : INTERVIEWED BY MAL O'TOOLE : ORAL HISTORY] ; A
TRIBUTE TO JACK DAVEY.
Record No. - 400220
Discusses Oscar Henry's involvement with radio station 3YB, beginning in 1940. Discusses
the early founders and workers at the station, talks about its location in Melbourne and includes
what equipment they had to work with. Gives the history of 3YB and their programs from the
earliest broadcast (1931) through World War 2, including the hours of broadcasts: ëPiano Timeí,
ëThrough the Daysí, test cricket, news shows, children's shows and horse racing. Talks about
Jack Davey and Harry Fuller. Tells how 3YB was a pioneer of remote broadcasts, including
community singing, football games and dog races. Discusses what types of listeners and what the
general population did for entertainment, when not listening to the radio.
John Dease narrating a tribute to Jack Davey. There is no date for this portion of the tape. It is a
formal broadcast by the Macquarie Network, and includes why the broadcast is being done and
some of the selections. The presentation of the content reflects the Davey style of broadcasting.
Davey has a long interview with an elderly pensioner/listener and another interview with young
children.
44
[HENRY, OSCAR : INTERVIEWED BY MAL O'TOOLE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 264442
Oscar Henry recalls his radio career with 3YB, in Warrnambool that started in 1940, selling
advertisements. He talks about the difficulties of broadcasting with wartime restrictions, 3YB's
special local programmes, locally produced radio drama and the personalities and popular variety
shows during his career.
[HEWITT, IRENE : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280325
Irene Hewitt, singer, actress, comedian, netball coach and radio personality. Began as a dancer,
with Shirley Radford in the Concert Party, and travelled the country. Starred on ëAmateur Hourí
then went to ABC doing 3 shows/week. She then joined 3XY, doing Ties[?] Radio
Review. (00:25:45)
[HIGGINS, ROSS : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250360
Ross Higgins recalls his start in radio in the late 1940s, on air for three years with the Caltex
show ëChange in Tuneí. Jack Davey gave him a job as a session singer, and this gave him a
grounding for his many character voices - including ëMr Sheení, the second ëLouis the Flyí, even
the voice of a wet nappy. He worked with George Wallace, Roy Rene ëMoí and others, later
appearing on television in ëSingalongí, ëThe Sound of Musicí and ëThe Naked Vicar
Show"í(originally a radio series). He also discusses the future of commercial radio and working
conditions, then backtracks to ëThe Ford Showí. (00:31:00)
[HILL, DIEDRE : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458193
Diedre Hill, stenographer with the George Edwards Production Company during WWII,
interview.
[HOMFREY, LOUISE : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272375
Louise Homfrey, radio announcer, discusses her career in radio. Homfrey recalls her 22 years in
radio, starting with her entry into commercial radio (after her career as singer and actress) for the
2UW Women's Sessions. Homfrey tells how she always worked freelance for 3DB, 3AW and
3UZ, running children's programmes, advertising products and a problem corner, always doing
her own research and writing. (02:02:11)
[HORSFALL, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 266121
Bob Horsfall recalls his radio career that started as a messenger boy at 3KZ. He talks of the
challenges of working in early radio and the shows he worked on, Penny Serenade, Juke Box
Jury, Are You An Artist and the Tune Twisters. (00:35:08)
[HOWARD, DIANE : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 269156
Interview with Diane Howard of Crawfords, discusses Crawfords program history from radio to
television.
45
[HOWARD, MILTON : INTERVIEWED BY RICK PALMER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 321773
Milton Howard talks about his work creating commercials for radio and television in Adelaide
and Melbourne from 1938 until his retirement.
[HOWELL, EDWARD : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191371
Edward Howell, radio actor, writer and producer, talks about the early days of Sydney radio in
late 1920s and 30s and his acting and writing work for ABC and commercial radio. He discusses
his first involvement in radio, work conditions and pay, his early writing including 'Love Stories
of the Great Musicians' and 'Fred and Maggie', payment for writing radio drama, gender
discrimination and job security in radio drama, competition amongst radio actors, US drama
imports and Actors Equity response, ABC vs commercial radio drama production and
its networking, plays vs serials preference, personal promotional appearances, the effect of
World War 2 on his career, possibility of a radio serials revival and the effect of technology
changes on radio drama. (01:03:00)
[HOWELL, EDWARD : INTERVIEWED BY LES THOMPSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 260357
Edward Howell discusses his career in both radio and television. He talks about his early life in
England and how his father was involved in acting. Mr. Howell talks about how he created the
Mr. and Mrs Everybody show, both writing and acting in the show, and why the show and
characters were so popular. He discusses various work on television including acting iníMatlock
Policeí, ëHomicideíand ëDivision 4í.
General note: Interview originally recorded for the Dulux radio series ëThe Dulux Colourful
Worldí, which was produced by Bruce Leonard.
[HOWSON, DENZIL : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE SKILTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 267033
Denzil Howson discusses his radio and television career that started with his first radio job at
3SR, Shepparton in 1939. Howson talks of the war years, local radio and his move to the ABC to
do freelance radio work. Howson also discusses the technical side of early radio broadcasting,
the difficulties of live-to-air, pre-microgroove recordings, wire recordings and the arrival of
magnetic recording tape. He moved to television joining GTV 9 in 1956 working with daytime
programming and drama series.
[HOWSON, DENZIL : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191360
Denzil Howson, radio technician, manager, actor, writer and producer, talks about radio drama
and his involvement. He discusses his first association with radio and start in acting, training at
J.C.Williamson Allen's Radio Academy, getting radio work, pay and work conditions, the
economics of radio serial production, his involvement with Australasian Radio Productions,
Army Public Relations Department serials, attention to accuracy, listener feedback, use of serial
scripts without writers' permission, serial script output, the selection of radio serials for
production, job specifications at Australasian Radio Productions, radio production house staff,
overseas sales of radio serials, US influence on Australian radio, social responsibility, actor
status,
the relationship
between
Australasian
Radio
Productions
and
Actors
Equity, distinguishing voices on radio and the effect of television on radio drama. (01:22:00)
46
HOYSTED, DES : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458158
Des Hoysted, Australian race-caller and sports commentator, interview.
[HOYSTED, DES : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 237051
Des Hoysted recalls his career as a race broadcaster. He describes the opportunity provided to
enter the industry (1948). In 1952 he was appointed race commentator for 2GB: he mentions
network racing stations. Hoysted enumerates an array of experiences; describes the conditions
and facilities available to race callers; considers vocal styles of race callers; discusses significant
events (such as the Melbourne Cup); and recalls the many personalities he
encountered. Particular attention is given to Ken Howard and Bert Bryant. Hoysted reflects
on the 1970's as an important and progressive era for 2UE. Subsequently the station faced
decline and 2KY prevailed. Towards the conclusion of the recording Hoysted offers advice to
potential race broadcasters, and to punters.
[HUDSON, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250577
John Hudson discusses the events which led to his radio career. In 1943, Lloyd Berrell gave him
a job as ëcadet announceríat 2GZ Orange. He later worked at pop station 2CH, announcing "The
Humphrey Bishop Hour". 2CH personalities mentioned include: Gwen Gibson (record librarian),
Percy Farmer, Frank Semple, Helen Lavender (technician), Peter Dawson (guest vocalist), Brian
Henderson and Reg Grundy (who worked as an announcer). Hudson also recalls announcing the
end of World War II, and such quiz shows as ëTake It Or Leave Ití and ëThe 64Pound Questioní. He relates the story of Charlie Cousins' capture by the Japanese during WWII.
Later, Hudson left 2CH and replaced Clark Mackay as breakfast announcer on 2GB. There,
managed by Bert Button, he developed a comic radio personality with such characters as
ëHornblower Hudsoní and ëConfucius Hudsoní. (He relates an April Fools joke, which threw the
Sydney police into confusion.) He also participated in the first mobile studio (which was not
a great success) and a breakfast session from Taronga Park Zoo, which resulted in attendance
records for the zoo. Among 2GB personalities: John Laws, Eric Baume, Roy Rene. Hudson also
worked with Jack Davey, who is discussed at length. He left 2GB in 1963 (feeling that radio had
become little more than "a giant juke box"), and has since performed mainly management work.
[HUME, ERN J. : INTERVIEWED BY RON SULLIVAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214849
Ron Sullivan interviews Mr Ern J. Hume Jnr, after a short introduction. Eldest son of Mr E.J.
Hume Snr.and Mrs Stella Hume, Mr Hume Jnr (ëErní) was the first chief engineer for Radio
Station 5DN. --The interview outlines some of Ern Hume's technical achievements, how the
Adelaide Radio Station began, offering a possible explanation of the origin 5DN call
sign: originally ë5 Don Ní. The Postmaster General's office, responsible for issuing transmission
licences, was in the habit of allotting call signs using the initials of the licensee of the amateur
radio company. Ern Hume invented and refined many technical aspects of early radio. (00:25:55)
47
[HUME, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191370
Jack Hume, radio actor, writer, producer, announcer and son of 5DN founder, talks about
Adelaide radio from the1930s to 50s and his involvement. He discusses his first association with
radio, the beginnings of radio technology, 5DN's first broadcasts, the development of radio
advertising, becoming a fulltime announcer, the first radio drama broadcasts, the Macquarie
Network Association, radio drama production in Adelaide, Macquarie Network influence over
5DN, the beginning of radio serials, US transcriptions vs Australian radio drama costs, the
production of 'Reflections of a Wine Glass', ABC radio drama production, early recording
technology, multiple recordings of serial episodes, production of plays in Adelaide, Actors
Equity in South Australia, its communist image and response to foreign drama imports, his
involvement in children's radio drama, ABC vs commercial radio drama production, working
conditions for Adelaide actors, listener feedback, the beginning of radio advertising and
listening audience perception. (02:41:00)
[HUME, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 212884
This oral history has seven parts, recorded on four cassettes, and conducted over several
sessions, as denoted by Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle.
Cassette One (Side A) - Part 1: Nancy Robinson Whittle interviews Jack Hume at his home in
Rose Park, Adelaide on 17th January, 1984. Jack is presently 73 years old and is a son of the
founders of Radio Station 5DN Adelaide. (00: 46:06). Cassette One (Side B) - Part 2: Interview
continues (00:46:21). Cassette Two (Side A) - Part 3: Interview continues (00:28:57). Cassette
Two (Side B) - Part 4: Tape identification, Nancy Robinson Whittle speaks: "..this is the second
visit, it's now February 1984.." (00:16:17). Cassette Three (Side A) ñ Part 5: Nancy Robinson
Whittle gives an introduction which notes that this recording was made on the third or fourth
visit to Jack Hume in mid-February 1984, after a visit to the Peltonga and Montpelier Street site
at Parkside. Mr Hume was emotionally affected by the visit. (00:46:34). Cassette Three (Side B)
- Part 6: Interview continues (00:46:10). Cassette Four (Side A) - Part 7: Interview continues
(00:05:46).
[HUME, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY VAUGHAN HARVEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225727
This interview covers Jack Humes memories of and his life in radio (especially 5DN, 5RM, 5KA
and ABC).
[HUNN, J.T : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191367
J.T. Hunn, General Manager of West Australian Broadcasters Pty Ltd, talks about radio drama
and serials in Western Australia and his work at 6PR and 6AX from 1952. He outlines his career
and first involvement in radio and discusses radio in Western Australian including work
conditions and pay, the introduction and popularity of radio serials, the effect of networking,
how networks compared, local drama production, the amount of local vs national sponsorship,
domination of Sydney in Macquarie Network decision making, country station broadcasts,
the demise of radio serials, Actors Equity, job satisfaction and friendships made. (00:54:00)
48
[HUNTER, PHIL : INTERVIEWED BY JIM BOWTELL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 287739
Phil Hunter, an announcer on ABC radio in Newcastle, who also owned four record shops. He
describes the recording of a sporting event that amazed listeners. He mentions many of the
personalities encountered during his career and describes the rivalry between stations. (00:27:00)
[HUTCHISON, JIM : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280763
Jim Hutchinson, Broadcaster, on Melbourne radio station 3AW for 27 years.
[HUTTON, RIC : INTERVIEWED BY LEICESTER WARBURTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307485
[HYDE, FRANK : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458471
Frank Hyde, well-known Australian football and boxing broadcaster and commentator in the
1950s, interview.
[HYDE, FRANK : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 278027
Frank Hyde, radio sports commentator, discusses his career in radio. He tells how he became
involved with commercial broadcasting through his football career. His first broadcast was of a
boxing bout in 1953. He discusses the differences between sportscasting today as against in his
day. (00:41:35)
[HYDE, LOFTUS : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 226425
Loftus talks in this interview about his early years and education in Queensland and how he
became an announcer at 4BH. He goes on to talk about his career in radio, the history of the
ëTalks Departmentí within the ABC the people involved and programs presented. Loftus also
talks about interference at the ABC by head office and various restrictions. He finishes by
relating several humorous anecdotes.
[ILIFFE, JAMES ERNEST : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307848
James (Jim) Iliffe talks about his early interest in radio and his subsequent career as a radio
announcer. He mentions many of the people he worked with including: Netta Craig,
Blanche Lather, Gerry Connolly, Reg Cameron, Terence Lambart, Paul Ditton, Bernard Barry,
Don Sanderson, Ron Anwin, Len James and many others.
49
[JACKSON, NORM : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307730
Jackson first began in radio with 4MK in Mackay. He talks about early scheduling systems,
introduction of television, sales force and copy method. Jackson also discusses localism and
community service with regard to radio.
[JACOBS, TOM : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458329
Tom Jacobs, radio feature journalist in the 1940s and 50s, interview.
[JACOBS, TOM : INTERVIEWED BY LEONARD BRUCE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277765
Tom Jacobs (Hayson), discusses his career in Australian commercial radio. He mentions his time
as a roving reporter, recording interviews direct to disc on a portable 16" disc recorder. Tom
mentions some of the people he worked with. (01:04:30)
[JAMES DIBBLE : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458384
James Dibble, ABC announcer, interview.
[JAMES, BRIAN : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 267669
Brian James recalls his career in radio and theatre. James started out as a radio actor with 3AW
before joining the navy in World War II. After this he worked for Morris West's ART
productions doing more radio acting. He recalls the many radio productions he acted in, many of
the personalities and the warmth of the era.
[JAMES, JOHNNY : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306921
Johnny James talks about his career in radio. He relates in detail transcriptions and quality
changes and presentations. He describes many of the people and places he worked with.
[JAMES, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280308
Peter James, radio announcer, wanted to be a pirate when he was a boy but became a radio
announcer instead. Was a boarder at a Ballarat school. In his matriculation year (at age 17), he
failed an audition at 3BA, so he spent the next year training his voice. Passed audition and
became an announcer on 3BA, where he had it easy because they had panel operators. He only
had to announce, he did not do any technical work. Country radio broadcasting work in 1948
was 6 days/week at 2 pounds/10 shillings. Later worked 7 days at 3UZ. Went to 3AW via a
friend, Les Hyle, who had worked with him at 3BA. Stayed at 3AW for 18 years.
50
[JAMES, REG : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE LEONARD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 260093
James recalls his radio career with Grace Gibson Radio Productions. James joined the production
company in 1946 at the age of sixteen, he worked in all areas, particularly sales for the radio
dramas in Australia and overseas and he took over from Grace Gibson in 1969. James provides
biographical information on Grace Gibson, her radio dramas and recalls his favourite actresses,
actors and writers of the period.
[JAMES, REG : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 380775
Reg James, radio drama production sales manager, talks about his work with Grace Gibson
Radio Productions. He covers his first involvement in radio, the beginning of Grace Gibson
Radio Productions and his role in the company's decision making, the achievements of Actors
Equity, actor and scriptwriter work conditions and pay, job security for actors, the company's
drama production work rates, work sources and costs, its criteria for employing staff, its
production success rates, sales and distribution, the importation of US scripts, US influence on
production, overseas sales of Australian drama and accuracy in production. (00:27:00)
[JAY, TOMMY : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 237177
Tommy Jay recalls his career of 28 years in radio broadcasting with 2SM: he commenced in
1938 and retired in 1966. He initially talks of his background prior to 2SM: he worked for 14
years with J.C. Williamson's stage productions. Jay reflects on the early days of 2SM: he recalls
his experiences and the many personalities encountered, including Reg Grundy, Mike Walsh,
John Brennan, John Laws, Frank Hyde, and Auntie Daisy (pianist). From an actor's perspective,
Jay makes a comparison between theatre and radio. The interview concludes with
Jay's memories of acting on radio during the war years. (00:48:50)
[JOHNSON, MARGARET : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 272376
Margaret Johnson (Morgan), radio drama actress, discusses her career in radio. Johnson recalls
how she started acting in radio as a child in Hobart and at the age of 20 moved to Melbourne in
order to follow her acting aspirations. Johnson talks about some of the shows she appeared in
including, Over to Youth, The Burtons of Banner Street, The Markhams of the Four Winds. She
also recalls many of the people she worked with, among them, John Cairns, Dorothy Crawford,
Roland Strong, Donovan Joyce and John Hickling. (00:46:24)
[JOHNSTON, DAVID : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280379
David Johnston talks about how he started in radio 2RG, Griffith, NSW (1959) as an announcer
and copyrighter. Moving to 4KQ, Brisbane, 1962, doing the early morning sessions calling out
numbers of wharfies who had work for the day. Became newsreader and Top 40 disk jockey at
Melbourne's 3DB in 1964.
51
[KAUFFMANN, BETTINE : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 272379
Bettine Kauffmann (Wolfram), radio drama actess, discusses her career in radio. Kauffmann tells
how she started acting in juvenile parts and moved on to character parts in radio dramas such as
Lavender Grove, A View From the Bridge, Screen Serenade and Caltex Dramas. She recalls
many people that she worked with during her career including Morris West, Walter Pym, Robert
Peach, Dorothy Crawford, Marcia Hart and Roland Strong. (00:59:48)
[KEMP, GRAHAM : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307301
Kemp began in radio as an office boy and then a control operator/recording technician. Speaks of
much of the technical work involved in radio, and particularly as part of his own work in radio.
Kemp worked with 4BH, 4IP, 4BK, and has been involved with AIR-TV with Jim Iliffe and
John Knox.
[KENNEDY, GRAHAM : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 457973
Graham Kennedy, Australian actor and radio and television personality, interview.
[KENNEDY, PATRICIA : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268815
Patricia Kennedy recalls her career in radio. She tells how she broke into the industry through
entering a programme called ëAre You An Actor?í and how this led to work for radio drama
production houses and the ABC. Kennedy went on to produce and direct radio shows for
Crawford's Productions and the ABC. She recalls the pressures and production details of live-toair radio.
[KENNEDY, PATRICIA : INTERVIEWED BY TONY LLEWELLYN-JONES : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 273697
Kennedy, an actress in radio, film and theatre, talks about her career from her early start in radio
in the 1930s to her experience on such films as 'The Getting of Wisdom' and 'My Brilliant
Career'. Individual organisations such as JC Williamson, Crawford Productions, the ABC and
the Australia Council are discussed along with such wider issues as the acting profession and the
role of drama and theatre in Australian society. (02:00:00)
General note: Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia
[KERMOND, LES : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268104
Les Kermond recalls his career as engineer with 3YB Warrnambool. He tells how 3YB started as
a mobile station travelling around outback Victoria in motor vehicles or railway carriage, until it
settled in its permanent location at Spring Gardens, Warrnambool. Kermond speaks on technical
problems associated with early mobile radio stations. (00:30:57)
52
[KINLEY, RAY : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280762
Began career as radio engineer at 5KA (Adelaide, 1937), then transferred to 7UV (Ulverstone,
Tasmania). Moved to Melbourne, 1939, and worked at 3AW.
[KLEMM, BERT : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307526
Klemm began in radio as a copywriter/scriptwriter with 4BH in 1938. Memories of daytime
radio serials, evening humour, serials, and drama theatre. Klemm talks about his roles as sales
manager, and later service and production manager in radio. Speaks of the advent of television
and the effects on radio. He offers a summary of current radio music variety.
[KNOX, JOHN : NTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307528
Knox began his radio career in the mid 1950's and in 1957 completed a course at the Vincent
School of Broadcasting in Melbourne. Worked with 2RG, 4LG, 4IP, 2SM, 4BH, 4BK, 4KQ.
Worked as an announcer, newsreader, news editor. Radio Hall of Fame in 1993. Knox speaks of
his 22 year association with Jim Iliffe with radio training school.
[LAKE, DAWN : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294474
Dawn Lake, radio, theatre and television entertainer, speaks about her work on commercial radio
during the 1950s. She discusses singing melodies on 2GB Sydney programs such as ëChange In
Tuneí and performing with Jack Davey on his radio quiz shows. Lake reminisces about
recording radio shows in front of a live audience in the Macquarie Auditorium, and the warm-up
comedy acts George Wallace used to perform.
[LAMBLE, LLOYD : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250515
Actor Lloyd Lamble discusses his time working in Australia, particularly in radio. He began as a
junior announcer in 1932 and started working in theatre in 1934 as a last-minute replacement in
ëFresh Fieldsí. Lamble also talks of his time working as a crooner at the Palais de Danse, which
was followed by the musical "Wild Violets". One of his recollections is of ëIdiot's Delightí, a
play about the possibility of World War II, which was performed in Easter 1939. It was not taken
seriously at the time, but the war followed a few months later. Other names mentioned at some
length are: Jack Davey, Lee Murray, Roy Rene ëMoí, Dorothy Bush, Frank Tait, Ron Randell,
Harry Dearth, and comedian George Blackshaw, who was "thirty years ahead of the Goons".
Blackshaw, a victim of gay discrimination, committed suicide when he was forced into the
Army. Also discussed is Lamble's time working for radio serials such as ëThe
Shadowí, ëFirstlight Fraserí and ëBig Sisterí. He recalls some of the more peculiar moments of
these serials, many of which were the side effect of work pressures. He goes on to discuss his
stage performances in ëThe Merchant of Veniceí and ëBlithe Spirití. After discovering that some
actors were being underpaid, he joined Actors Equity. Within months, he was President - a
position he would retain for several years. While he was touring with Robert Morley, he was
tried in absentia for Communism. After this incident, he was blacklisted by all producers apart
from his friend Morris West. He then sold clothing door-to-door. Later, he planned to tour New
Zealand with his own theatre company - only to find that his bookings were being cancelled. In
1950, he moved to the UK on a cargo ship. He has since appeared there in theatre, films and live
television.
53
[LANDELLS, AUDREY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 217363
Hairdresser Audrey Landells (Hibbotson) talks about her beginnings in radio as a presenter in
1925. She hosted a programme with written and telephoned questions about hairdressing and
beauty treatments, and was Mrs Stella Hume's personal hairdresser. (01:30:35)
[LANE, RICHARD : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191364
Richard Lane, radio actor, writer and producer, talks about radio drama and his involvement
from 1936. He discusses the beginning of his script writing career, freelance vs salaried
scriptwriting, pay rates, the Australian radio drama star system, competition between actors and
writers, job security, American and English influence on commercial and ABC radio drama
productions, mistakes while recording, the function of ABC vs commercial radio serials, script
production processes, sponsor influence on script content, work selection, involvement with the
Writers Guild and Actors Equity, Sunday night radio play production, job satisfaction and the
move from radio to television drama. (01:18:00)
[LANG, ETHEL : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 237124
Ethel Lang (Brunton-Gibb) reflects on her career in radio broadcasting. She entered the industry
in 1924 as a radio actress. Her first appearance was broadcasted on 2FC, from the Farmers'
studio, Pitt Street, Sydney. She recalls the early days of radio broadcasting, with mention of 2FC,
2SB, and ABC. Lang talks extensively of the programs she was involved in. Significant mention
is made of: Blue Hills, where she played Mrs Lawson; the major role she played as Aunt Jenny;
and her role as Hazel in One Man's Family, which was her first involvement in commercial
broadcasting (2SM, 1930s). Throughout the interview Lang recalls the many personalities she
encountered in the industry. Particular mention is made of John Dun, Peter Finch and her
husband, James Brunton-Gibb, who also worked extensively in the broadcasting industry.
[LANG, ETHEL : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES, 1981 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 219555
Ethel Lang discusses her lengthy career as a radio actress. She gained prominence initially in the
1930s. She discusses the radio shows and serials on which she worked such as ëThe Lawsonsí
and ëBlue Hillsí, her husband Jim Brunton Gibb and other people with which she worked.
[LANG, ETHEL : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES, 1993 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 224935
Ethel talks about her years as a radio star, from the early days at 2FC in 1924 to her 44 year
career at the ABC playing in ëBlue Hillsí (26 years) and ëThe Lawsonsí.
[LANG, ETHEL : INTERVIEWED BY RICHARD LANE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225007
Pioneer actress Ethel Lang talks about her acting life which began when she appeared in a stage
play when she was a baby.
54
[LANGHAM, EDYTH : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 305115
Langham, radio broadcaster, reminisces about her career in commercial radio. She recalls
starting in radio around 1965, doing early talk-back sessions at 7HT in Tasmania. Langham
interviewed many famous people during that time, including Merle Oberon, Malcolm Fraser,
John Howard and Bill Hayden. She later joined 7HO Hobart and worked with Bernard Carr and
Alan Brown. (00:24:45)
[LANYON, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280770
Interview of Bill Lanyon about his family's ownership of Victorian radio stations. The Lanyon
family began their involvement in radio in 1933 with radio station 3MA (Mildura, Vic.) with a
staff of six, with Max Foley as manager, technician and sales manager. Station didn't become
profitable until the early 1950s. Discusses profitability of provincial radio stations, the effect
of television, ABC radio broadcasts, and their nearest competitor, 3SH (Swan Hill, Victoria).
Discusses the radio station programs, their purchase of 3YB, radio station 3MP, the future of
independent radio stations and the support of communities for their local radio stations.
(00:11:36)
[LARKIN, RETA : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 217479
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle talks to Reta Larkin, widow of Joe Larkin, at Reta's home in
Cheltenham, Melbourne, at the end of February, 1984. (00:41:56).
[LASHWOOD, HAL : INTERVIEWED BY GEOFF RYAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307858
Hal Lashwood, radio actor talks about his career in radio and the people he worked with. Talks
about the following artists: Roy Rene (ëMoí), Dame Sybil Thorndyke, Jim Gerald, George
Wallace, George Formby, Fred Parsons, Alexander McDonald, Sadie Gale, Jack Burgess, Jack
Davey, Kitty Bluett, JC Williamson, The Allen Brothers, The Seekers. He talks about his time as
President of Actors Equity and as Alderman on Waverley Council.
[LASHWOOD, HAL : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214657
Hal Lashwood, discusses in detail his career in radio, focusing on his work in radio
serials. Discusses his association with Roy Rene ëMoí, Jack Davey and other notable stars
of early Australian radio. He discusses how American radio shows (that were available very
cheaply) adversely affected the Australian radio industry and how the unions involvement helped
to ensure the continued production of Australian radio shows.
[LATHER, BLANCHE : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307031
Blanche Lather talks about her radio career. She joined 4BC Brisbane in the early 1940s as
Librarian. In 1945 she was on air in 'Auntie Blanche Childrenís Show'.
55
[LAWRENCE, RAY : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307905
Ray Lawrence started in radio at the age of 15 (over 36 years ago), working in the radio library
at 3XY. After a year, John Ford (an announcer) asked him to read a news bulletin on Sunday
morning. He continued reading the news, and working in the library, until he started general
announcing duties. He then did drivetime, until the station decided to change its format and he
moved onto 3AW. He became Senior newsreader, and also presented a program called 'A Man
and his Music' (Saturday nights), as well as recording interviews with visiting artists (like Tony
Bennett) and putting on special event concerts. He moved to 3AK, just as they changed their
format to Beautiful Music (July 1, 1973) where he presented a jazz show on Saturday nights. He
also worked at 3MP, and is currently at Southern FM - a community radio station. He talks of
the personalities who were at 3XY, such as Les Johns, John Fowler, Peter Evans; and 3AK such as Colin McKewan, John Burgess - and 3AW - Martha Gardener (Zoe Warell, wife of 3DB
General Manager), and of his respect for Norman Banks.
[LAWS, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 250359
John Laws talks about his radio career, starting from when he joined 2UE in 1957. He
remembers such people as Johnny O'Keefe, Col Joye, Lee Gordon and Alan Faulkner (whom he
credits with the invention of Top 40 radio). He also talks of his years with the TV show
"Bandstand", as a vocalist and a presenter, and insists that the Beatles came to Australia in 1962
(sic). He goes on to discuss his first talk-back shows in 1963, and his later discovery that he had
a significant impact on the ratings.
[LENNARTZ, BERYL : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 251389
Beryl Lennartz, a former secretary at 2GB, is interviewed about her time at the station - from the
time she joined in 1946, to the time she left to get married in 1952. To earn extra pocket money,
she worked as an usherette for some of Jack Davey's programs, and even performed on these
shows - like several 2GB staff members, some of whom (such as Kathy Lloyd and Shirley
Bishell) went on to become professional performers. Of the other personalities, she recalls
Terry Dear, Terry Howard, Ross Higgins and Pat Walsh. Mrs Lennartz also compares
the ëGolden Ageí of radio with the radio of today, commenting on the technical improvements.
[LEONARD, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL HISTORY
Record No. - 225489
This interview begins with Peter Leonard talking about growing up in Yass after his birth there
in 1942, as the son of a Greek Immigrant (father), who died when Peter was seventeen. He goes
on to tell how he became interested in radio whilst at school and later receiving a cadetship with
2CA as a copywriter with Ron Hughes. Peter talks about his various jobs both in and out of radio
up until becoming a relief presenter for the ABC and being offered a job by Ken Begg as a
weekend news reader for Capital 10. He finishes the interview discussing the problems faced by
2CA as other radio stations went to air in Canberra and the future of ABC's Canberra
National TV News Service.
56
[LEVERINGTON, REX : INTERVIEWED BY ALEC MACASKILL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 323199
Rex Leverington, radio presenter, newsreader and news editor, talks about his work with
Adelaide radio stations 5DN, 5KA, 5AD and 5AN(ABC) and Sydney station 2UE from late
1960s until 1996.
[LINKSON, PAUL : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225903
Paul Linkson begins the interview talking about his early days in Tarcowie and his working life
before radio. He goes on to tell how he began in radio when joining 5DN as a presentation
officer in 1959. He discusses the history of 5DN, the people who worked there and radio in
general as he sees it in 1992.
General notes: Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia. ñ 5DN, Adelaide, SA.
[LISLE, VERNON : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 253160
Vernon Lisle, broadcaster, talks about his radio career, starting c1924 with Melbourne's
Associated Radio (later 3AR). After touring with comedian Jim Gerald, he joined 2KO
Newcastle as a breakfast announcer in 1936. This was followed by a brief period at 2FC and 25
years at 2UW - first as an announcer, and later as administrator. He discusses the popular 2UW
serials. He also mentions his work as studio manager (ëThe Amateur Hourí) and the popular
radio advertisements in which he participated, particularly for Buckley's cough mixture. He
retired in 1964. Other personalities discussed: Frank Marden, Norm Lyon, Bob Dyer, Bill Hardy,
Alan Seymour, Hilda Morse, Dolly Dyer.
[LLEWELYN, NORMAN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307533
Llewelyn started as an office boy at 4BH in 1944. he was first live to air on Rumpus Room in
1950. In 1954 Llewelyn was given the opportunity to go to London and work with BBC through
Macquarie. Back at 4BH Llewelyn remembers the pioneering work of Bob Rogers, Bill Gates,
Macquarie, George Hardman, Howard Brown, Frank Jeffcoat, Mavis Riding and Dulcie Scott.
Speaks of the influence of television in late 1950s and general radio in 1940s, 1950s.
[LOBB, HAROLD : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL HISTORY ;
LOBB, PAULINE : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 224500
Harold Lobb describes his involvement with the establishment of the Canberra School of Music.
He was the first principal of the Newcastle branch of the N.S.W. Conservatorium of Music.
Although appointed principal-teacher for the proposed Canberra School of Music, he was unable
to take up the appointment for medical reasons. Pauline Lobb: discusses Harold Lobb's family
and early life, musical career, and his role of principal-teacher at the Newcastle Conservatorium
of Music. (00:53:53)
[LOGAN, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458326
Bob Logan, long-standing ABC rural radio presenter, interview.
57
[LONDON, LEN : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191363
Len London, radio actor, announcer and presenter, talks about radio drama and his involvement.
He discusses his beginning in radio, his work with J.Walter Thompson Productions, pay rates,
his association with Actors Equity, job security, his involvement in serial production, the radio
drama star system, sponsor interference, style changes in radio shows, US influence on
Australian radio productions, perception and credibility of ratings, the future of radio drama, job
satisfaction and radio talkback vs radio drama. (01:05:00)
[LONDON, LEN : INTERVIEWED BY JAQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457961
Len London, radio presenter and producer of ëAustralia's Hour of Songí, interview.
[LORD, ROBERT : INTERVIEWED BY JOHN PEARCE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 237071
Robert Lord recalls the events that led to his career in broadcasting. He entered the industry in
1944, with the appointment of Network Service Officer for the Macquarie Network (2GB
division). He discusses the early days of the Network, the executive structure, and the role he
played in finding solutions to problems in Network operations. In 1946 he was appointed
personal assistant to Reg Lane (General Manager 2GB). Following this he gained the position of
Manager for Artransa (American Radio Transcription Representatives and Network
Sales Affilliates). Lord provides a detailed explanation of the functions and objectives of
Artransa: it was initially created in the 1930s as an avenue for the acquisition of overseas
programs that would be suitable for broadcasting in Australia. In 1949 he was selected to help
establish commercial broadcasting services in South Africa: Lord relays the project's success. He
returned to Australia in 1950. He discusses the period of 1950 to 1955 as progressive
for Artransa. During this period Australian radio broadcasters were interested in how the
introduction of television would effect radio broadcasting. In 1955 Lord was appointed General
Manager for Artransa Park Radio and Television. He resigned from Artransa in 1963 and
subsequently joined Channel 10 Television: he played a significant role in the establishment of
this station. In 1973 he became First Assistant Secretary to the Federal Government
Broadcasting Commission. Lord retired in 1983.
[LOUGHLIN, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY LINDSAY MCCARTHY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304902
Loughlin, radio announcer and promotions manager, describes his early life and career in
commercial radio. His first job in radio was at 3CS in 1952 after attending the Lee Murray Radio
School. In 1955, he started work at 7HT managed at that time by Claude Little. He describes
working with John Findlason, Wal Elliott, Vi Ayers and Bob Brundle. Loughlin recounts his
time at 7HO as a breakfast announcer during the late 1950s, and becoming a promotions
manager in 1980.
58
[LOVEJOY, GEORGE : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307624
Worked with 4BU sales/servicing clients from 1946-1949. Auditioned as a child performer in
1935. Speaks of work as an announcer and personalities including Noel McCormack, Max Long,
Troy Tarvitt, Eugene Black, Verdi Stibe. Worked with Old Folks program and did football
commentation.
[LOVEJOY, GEORGE : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306922
George Lovejoy describes his career as a radio announcer and Rugby League commentator from
1950-1969 on ëRugby League - The Greatest Game of Allí.
[LOVELL, NIGEL : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457994
Nigel Lovell, Australian radio actor and producer, interviewed.
[LOVELL, NIGEL : INTERVIEWED BY LEICESTER WARBURTON : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 308329
Nigel Lovell, radio actor talks about his career in Radio. Also talks about his career in film,
mentions Scottish actor Gordon Jackson and the film 'Eureka Stockade'. Talks about working
with Jack Thompson and John Hargreaves. (00:39:22)
[LOVELL, NIGEL : INTERVIEWED BY RICHARD LANE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 224994
Nigel Lovell talks about the early days of radio plays and radio personalities. He reflects on work
colleagues and radio shows relating to his career within the industry.
[LOVELOCK, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294181
Bill Lovelock, scriptwriter, composer and radio/television producer, remembers his work during
World War Two as an intelligence reporter and the influence this had on his writing career. He
discusses ëBansheeí, his first radio play produced during the late 1940s and inspired by Celtic
traditions of story-telling. Lovelock reminisces about his time as a comedy scriptwriter for 2GB,
working with Jack Davey, and producing ëThis Is Your Lifeí for radio and then television.
[LUM, BINNIE : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270970
Binnie Lum, compere, announcer, scriptwriter and actress, discusses her career in radio. Lum
recalls her start in acting in radio serials for 3XY in the mid 1930s. She talks about the various
serials she acted in and her work at the ABC scripting and playing the piano. She recalls other
female presenters at the ABC and the main attributes required for lady radio presenters. Lum
talks about doing the commentary for the visit for Queen Elizabeth's visit in 1954 and the many
famous personalities she interviewed for radio.
59
[LYNCH, DONNA : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307299
Lynch talks about 18 years in which she has worked in radio. She started in Cooma at 2XL and
later moving to Perth to work with 6KY and 6IX. After moving back to NSW she worked with
2EC, 2CC and 2WL. Lynch worked in Queensland with 4BK, and later 4BC after 1988.
[MACKINNON, BABS : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 222462
Babs MacKinnon discusses her life and career as a theatre singer with the Tivoli circuit and her
television and radio work. She recalls the people she worked and associated with.
[MACNAMARA, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 458089
Jack MacNamara, a trombonist who worked with Jim Gussey's ABC Radio Band in the 1940s
and 50s, interview.
[MACOBOY, STIRLING : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY :
INCOMPLETE]
Record No. - 191351
Stirling Macoboy, radio script reader and producer, talks about radio drama production,
advertising and his involvement. He covers John Singleton's role in television advertising, the
end of radio serials, radio social life and the listening audience. (00:09:00)
[MADIGAN, RUBY : INTERVIEWED BY JANE VAN BALEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 425245
Ruby Madigan talks about her life as a singer. Ruby Court-Rice trained at the Sydney
Conservatorium as a classical singer, but because attractive opportunities presented to sing on
radio as a popular singer, she left before she had finished there. She appeared on ëAustralia's
Amateur Hourí with Harry Dearth as well as a number of other radio programs. She later joined
the Air Force and became the only servicewoman to entertain Australian and US troops
in Brisbane during the war years as a singer. She made several recordings. After the war, Ruby
returned to Sydney and found it difficult to find work and to adjust to a new life. She married
Colin Madigan, a successful Sydney architect. Their son is Guy Madigan who plays with the
jazz/folk band ëSirroccoí. (01:00:00)
[MAIZELS, MONTY : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270325
Monty Maizels, radio actor, recalls his career in radio. Maizels moved to Australia from the U.K.
in 1939 and started working in radio in Brisbane. He recalls his long associations with B.E.A.
and Donovan Joyce, working on such shows as ëJimmy Coltí, ëThe Legend of Kathy Warren,
Stepmotherí, ëDelia of the Four Windsí, ëLavender Groveí and ëThis Man's Armyí. Maizels talks
of the actors, writers and producers of the day and the war years in radio. He also gives
detailed information on the technical methods of live-to-air radio and recorded radio drama.
(02:22:00)
60
[MANION, GEOFF : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272420
Geoff Manion, radio announcer, discusses his career in radio. Manion recalls how he moved
from a job as a copy boy to a transcription boy with 3DB in 1936. He then moved with his
supervisor to a new station, 7EX Launceston where he started announcing and writing. Manion
talks about the other stations he worked for including 6PM, 6PR, 3AK and 3AW. (00:26:04)
[MANN, GENE : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191362
Gene Mann, radio announcer, sports commentator and sales manager, talks about his work in
commercial radio between the mid 1950s and late 1970s. He discusses his first involvement in
radio, pay and work conditions, introduction of 2GB's Talkback Radio, his radio sales work with
2GB and Macquarie Network, radio's ëOmnibus Conceptí, the development of rate cards, full
show sponsorship in current radio, working with Jack Davey and Bob Dyer, his sales approach
with potential advertisers, the role of radio in Australia and the possibility of a radio drama
revival. (01:18:00)
[MANN, GENE : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 293948
Gene Mann, radio network sales manager, discusses the beginnings of his career in Melbourne in
1955 with 3AW and his broadcast coverage of the 1956 Olympic Games. He recalls his move to
the Macquarie Broadcasting Service in 1958 and the contact he had with Jack Davey and Bob
Dyer. Mann also recounts how he introduced ërun-of-schedule advertisingí, a concept which is
used by radio and television networks today, and his belief that he was the first person to
employ a female sales manager in the Melbourne office.
[MANNERS, NORM : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303634
[MARKS, PEGGY : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271769
Peggy Marks (Glasser), radio drama actress, discusses her career in radio. Marks tells how she
started in radio while still at school and won a part in the popular "Pollyanna". She recalls how
she often won boys' parts and played ëFattyí in ëThe Blytonsí. Marks talks about her
involvement in many of her favourite shows including ëLavender Groveí, ëSimon Mastertoní and
ëThe Fakamagangeesí. (00:41:39)
[MARLEY, BRETT : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 305037
Marley, radio broadcaster, speaks about his career in commercial radio. He recalls his first job in
radio in 1977 as a broadcast operator at 7HO Hobart and later as an announcer. Marley discusses
some famous personalities he has interviewed, including Barry Humphries, Johnny Chester and
John Farnham. (00:24:00)
61
[MARTIN, JENNY : INTERVIEWED BY RICK PALMER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 323457
Jenny Martin, radio presenter, talks about her work at Adelaide radio station 5DN from 1954 to
1962 and at volunteer radio stations 5RPH (Adelaide) and Radio Encounter (Victor Harbour)
since 1996.
[MASTERS, DIANE : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307854
Diane Masters recalls John Masters, her husband, who was a popular radio announcer on 3AW.
She met him after she moved to Melbourne from England in 1949, when she was interviewed on
his program about fashion and her travels. They married in the early 1950s, and they moved to
London where he worked for the BBC. They returned to Australia after a couple of years. She
recalls his career (he started at 3AW as a young man and was there until he died) his style,
his voice, his popularity with the listeners and his co-workers. Before they left for London, she
did a program on 3AW under the alias ëSusan Salisburyí giving fashion tips. This segment only
lasted a few months.
[MAY, KEVIN : INTERVIEWED BY ALEC MACASKILL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 318814
Kevin May talks about his work as a radio technician/engineeer with South Australian radio
stations 5AD (Adelaide) and 5MU (Murray Bridge) from 1957.
[MAYER, MELVYN : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223666
Melvyn Mayer talks about his forty year career in broadcasting from his early days at the
Australian Record Company to Sony Music as Quality Control Manager.
[MCASKILL, ALEC : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 226477
In this interview Alec discusses his childhood in Perth and his career in radio, from joining radio
station 6PM in 1936 to retirement in 1982. He talks about his life in the media, the people he has
worked with and the fun he had doing it. Alec reflects on ëthe good old daysí and compares that
era with todayís cut-throat business.
[MCCARTHY, LINDSAY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304904
McCarthy, radio technician, producer, and vice president of the Sound Preservation Association
of Tasmania (SPAT), speaks about his career in commercial radio. He describes working as a
panel operator in 1950 at 7HO, meeting various announcers such as David Wilson, Bill Barnes,
Enid Mapstone, Russ Kenny. McCarthy recalls doing some production work in the 1960s and
then joining Bill Nicholas at Commonwealth Electronics in 1968. (01:00:20)
General note: This recorded as a monologue.
62
[MCCOMAS, GEOFF : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY
INTERVIEW]
Record No. - 272040
Geoff McComas, radio announcer, discusses his career in radio. McComas talks about his first
positions with 3BA Ballarat and 3LK Lubeck and about country radio shifts. He recalls his move
to 3DB Melbourne and also compering shows for Crawford Productions. McComas discusses the
technical side of radio and his long and prosperous association with British Paints, hosting their
radio show. McComas provides information on the advertising and huge money making side
of radio. (00:59:35)
[MCCOMAS, GEOFF : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191365
Geoff McComas, radio announcer and sales manager, talks about radio drama serials and his
involvement at 3DB Melbourne from 1947. He covers his first association with the radio
industry, the decision to phase out radio serials, the sale of serials, US radio drama imports, the
settings of radio serials, the relationship with country radio stations, UK vs Australian radio
drama production, purchasing radio serials, sponsor influence in serial broadcasts, radio station
budgets and radio game shows. (00:42:00)
[MCCORMACK, JOHN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307734
John McCormack talks about his father, Noel McCormack who was in radio from 1931-1988.
Noel joined 4BH as an office boy and moved to technical areas as a panel operator. John talks
about Noel's early days at 4MB, later 4BU Manager. Noel McCormack was a Director on the
board until 1988. John McCormack began in radio in 1960 as panel operator. He talks
about community involvement, Regent Theatre community shows, Old Time Dance Broadcasts,
and Nick Erby Country Music. Also worked with 4NA, 4MB, 2CC, 4BC and 4TAB.
[MCCOY, JOHN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307436
John McCoy started in radio in 1966 after meeting Don Baker (Sales Manager) at 4IP. McCoy
worked with 4LM in Mt Isa and later moved to 4IP. From his early years in radio he was always
involved in sport. He worked with Billy J. Smith on Rugby League broadcasts, and after joining
4BC as announcer was also involved with sport programs. McCoy went on to work with
Commonwealth games, 1982 Test Rugby League series. Worked with 2GB, 4BH and back to
4BC.
[MCDERMOTT, TERRY : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268784
Terry McDermott recalls his acting career in radio. He tells how he started acting in radio plays
in Adelaide and then decided to break into the Sydney scene. McDermott recalls the actors and
directors he worked with and the productions that he acted in. He also comments on the demise
of radio drama and the resulting lack of work for Australian actors and the lack of
Australian product.
[MCDONALD, KEITH : INTERVIEWED BY VAUGHAN HARVEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225833
In this interview Keith McDonald talks about his career in radio and discusses various radio
productions, stations and people he was involved with, highlighting their effect on radio.
63
[MCGAHAN, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 287844
John McGahan, general manager of 2KO, describes his entry into radio. (00:19:00)
[MCGEE, DAVID : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280864
Radio announcer at 3AW for 31 years. Began career in 1948; appointed announcer at 3TR (Sale,
Victoria). In early 1950s, went to 7HO (Hobart) and covered the Queen's visit. Started at 3AW,
1958. Did some television work at GTV9, at the same time.
[MCGILVRAY, ALAN : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458123
Alan McGilvray, Australian cricketer and sports commentator, interview.
[MCGUIRE, TOM : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY
INTERVIEW]
Record No. - 226282
In this interview Tom talks about his background and how he came to join the Adelaide Record
Library. He discusses some of the people involved, the programs conducted and the change from
78's through to CD's. He also talks more broadly about good and bad aspects of the ABC in
relation to the library and about his more recent work.
[MCINTOSH, KEITH : INTERVIEWED BY KEVIN STAPYLTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 278019
Keith McIntosh, announcer, programmer, journalist and newsreader, discusses his career in radio
and the commercial radio industry. He mentions many of the people he worked with in the
industry including, Keith Lyon, Frank Harper, E.J. Taylor, Eddy Williams, Dolla McKinnon,
Mark Child, Len Wynn, Brian Bury, Alan Vern, John Snowden, Ron Lincoln. (02:30:00)
[MCKENNARIEY, GEORGE : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER
UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307622
General Manager at 4BU from 1971-1991. Speaks of community involvement through the radio
station, and technical changes in radio with recording and programming. Future of network
programming and reducing local content. Involvement with Jim Lonsdale, David Hawkes,
Thelma Stay, Ralph Taylor, Bill Gates, George Lovejoy, Ken Buntayne, Ian Skippen, Rod
Young, George Neate, Bob Harding, Jim Fitzgerald, Lewis Richards, Nev Soppa, Des Allen.
[MCKENNARIEY, GEORGE : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306924
George McKennariey describes his 30 year career in radio. He mentions many of the radio
serials of the 1930s including ëFirst Light Frazerí, ëCaltex Theatreí and ëQuiz Kidsí. In 1961,
George enrolled in the Jim Iliffe School of Broadcasting and later joined 4TO as an announcer.
He describes some of the equipment used including wire recorders.
64
[MCKENZIE, DOUG : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307851
Doug McKenzie grew up in a show business family, and he started in radio at 3XY as a junior
announcer (before the war). Due to his time as a POW, he states that the "nerves got to his
throat" and he lost his announcers voice - so he became a producer. He stayed with 3XY and
became producer with many programs: some for the servicemen ñ ëRadio Revelsí and ëTie's
[Tyres?] Radio Reviewí and other shows with performers such as June Mills (a US jazz singer
who moved to Australia), Barry Sandford, Max Reddy, Terry Scanlon. At this time (and
before he left for the war) he ran a children's show at the Princess Theatre. Whilst still working at
3XY, he went along for an interview/audition at Channel 7 (HSV 7) with Jack Perry - a
clown/comedian: this audition led to ëThe Zig and Zag Showí which ran for 15 years. Whilst at
HSV 7, he also produced a number of variety shows (at one stage he was executive producer for
27 shows in one week) these included: ëClub 7í, ëHold Everythingí and ëJunior Jamboreeí. He
briefly discusses others he worked with at 3XY - such as Alwin Kurtz (later in ëHomicideí) and
Tommy Miller (who became a producer at GTV 9, and later General Manager of Channel 9 in
Sydney). He talks about the role of 3XY as the variety and drama station of Melbourne, with
such serials as ëOne Man's Familyí and ëCoronets of Englandí and the changed role of radio
today.
[MCKIRDY, ARCH : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 252967
Arch McKirdy, broadcaster and entertainer, recalls his career, starting with 3TR (Sale, Victoria)
in 1941 (as a cadet announcer), before performing in an entertainment unit during World War II.
In 1951, he became assistant manager of 2UW (under John Taylor), where he took over Bobby
Limb's musical show. He became involved with jazz music and the show ëRelax with Meí. He
worked for 2SM (c1960-62) and ABC Radio (1964). Other personalities mentioned include: Sir
Lincoln Hines, John Barnes, Kathy Lloyd, Rod Taylor, Alan Toohey, Sun Lowe, Harry Dearth,
Des Foster and Freddie Logan.
[MCLAREN, DICK : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277828
Dick McLaren, radio announcer, talks about his career in commercial radio. McLaren tells about
how he started at AWA delivering the mail, later becoming Sir Ernest Fisk's office boy. He later
worked in the 2CH record library, and became a panel operator for the announcers. His career as
a radio announcer began at 2LM Lismore. He recalls many of the people he worked with,
including Ken Evans, Ray Aitken, Russ Becker, Bill Weir, Ken Stone, Bob Pollard, Jim Sharp,
Stan Gervis, Meg McSpeerin, Joyce Trickett, Hilda Morse, Margaret Heard, Madame Greig,
Wilbur Kentwell, Humphry Bishop, Percy Farmer, Harry Tewson, Abe Sharman, Keith Spencer,
Tom Crozier, Peter Le Brun and others. (00:44:38)
[MCLAUGHLIN, CHARLES : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303668
65
[MCLEAN, REX : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304903
McLean, radio broadcaster, recalls his career in commercial radio. He joined radio 7LA in 1936
as a technical cadet. McLean describes being involved in every aspect of commercial radio
production and broadcasting over the next forty years. He pioneered the Christian broadcasting
station in Launceston, was Chief Technician at 7LA, then Technical Manager of Radio 7WAYFM (Christian Broadcasters Incorporated, Launceston. McLean describes working with
early announcers such as Ted Davies and Douglas Caddy. (00:46:00)
[MCLEAN, REX : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 221855
Peter Burgis interviews Rex McLean, a Tasmanian broadcaster and sound archivist. Joined radio
7LA in 1936 as a technical cadet; 1939 - 1941 in the air force; returned to 7LA, and for the
following 40 years was involved in every aspect of commercial radio production and
broadcasting; pioneer in establishment of Christian broadcasting station in Launceston; still very
active in many facets of broadcasting and sound archiving.
[MCLEAN, REX : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS. 1991 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223263
Rex McLean: born Tasmania, 6 July 1921; early interest in electronics; joined radio 7LA in 1936
as technical cadet; enlisted in air force in 1939; discharged 1941; returned to 7LA; for the
following 40 years involved in every aspect of commercial radio production and broadcasting;
pioneer for the establishment of Christian broadcasting stations in Launceston; interest in saving
old sounds; contract work for NFSA; active in technical design and repair work for
radio stations; strong faith and church work; still very active in many facets of broadcasting and
sound archiving.
[MCLEAN, REX : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS. 1992 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223264
Rex McLean: born Tasmania, 6 July 1921; early interest in electronics; joined radio 7LA in 1936
as technical cadet; enlisted in air force in 1939; discharged 1941; returned to 7LA; for the
following 40 years involved in every aspect of commercial radio production and broadcasting;
pioneer for the establishment of Christian broadcasting stations in Launceston; interest in saving
old sounds; contract work for NFSA; active in technical design and repair work for
radio stations; strong faith and church work; still very active in many facets of broadcasting and
sound archiving.
[MCLEOD, JIM : INTERVIEWED BY JOHN SHARPE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 437802
Mcleod, leading jazz broadcaster around Australia, talks about his work in radio, graduating to
variety shows and jazz with the ABC, making and launching CD's, and taking groups overseas to
New Orleans and Umbria festivals.He talks about his interview with Artie Shaw, his views on
the archiving of material by the ABC, other presenters, the contribution made by some
Australian musicians, the revival of swing in America and his views on learning jazz and
the importance of Jazz Festivals. (00:40:00)
66
[MCMILLAN, HECTOR : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHUON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225015
In this interview Hector McMillan tells Terry Colhoun about his selection in 1931, aged 12, to
participate in a world-wide "peace" radio broadcast as Australiaís representative along with Ian
Filchy. He then reminisces about growing up in Canberra and becoming a permanent public
servant 1n 1933. McMillan goes on to talk about his various jobs and his association
with Canberra Repertory Society. He then talks about his acting career before and after his
retirement in 1979. He finishes the interview discussing the standard of Australian drama.
General note: Transcript held at ScreenSound Australia.
[MCMILLAN, ROSEMARY : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 307853
Rosemary McMillan (Perkin) began in radio at 3AW over 50 years ago. At 14 she performed on
a variety program, but stopped after a few shows. After attending business college, she returned
to 3AW where she started in the continuity department under Bonnie Williams. She then worked
on a childrens show with Nicky Lee, filling in after Nancy Lee retired (Nicky worked on
'Chatterbox Corner' later) and she was known as the ëWireless Fairyí - during her time there, she
came into contact with many people in the industry, including John Masters - a popular
announcer at 3AW during the 40s (she talks of the circumstances surrounding his death from a
heart attack on his wedding night), Irene Mitchell, Eric Coleman, Myles Wright amongst many.
After 5 years, she left 3AW to join Sally Miller (an ex-3AW children's program producer) at
Riccards Advertising Agency to produce ëPeterís Palace Showí for 3XY from 1949 to 1950. She
left for England, to stay a year - ended up staying 8 years: worked at the BBC in the Overseas
Department and as an assistant to Jim Davidson, the Australian band leader who had become
Head of Dance Band Administration. Later, she worked for Radio Luxembourg, producing short
programs using Australian and New Zealand actors like Peter Bathurst and Russell Napier. She
stopped work when 8 months pregnant as she could no longer get up and down the very thin
(winding) stair case to the studio. After her marriage broke up, she returned to Australia, and in
1961 she went back to 3AW to work with Ray Chapman on ëMiss Teenage Questí to replace
Judy Willing. After a year and a half, she retired from the industry.
[MCNAMARA, STAUNTON : INTERVIEWED BY VAUGHAN HARVEY : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 318808
Staunton McNamara talks about his work as a radio engineer with radio stations and the Post
Master General's Department from 1938 until his retirement in 1977. He covers his radio years
with stations 5AD (Adelaide), 5MU (Murray Bridge), 5KA(Adelaide), 5AU (Port Augusta), his
time as the Australian Broadcasting Commission's Senior Radio Engineer from 1964 and his
Post Master General projects including establishing telephone and transmission operations in
Darwin during World War II.
[MCQUEEN, BARRY : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268912
Barry McQueen, radio announcer, recalls his career in radio. He tells how he was studying
medicine in the early 1950s, but instead of pursuing this career he took up a job offer with 2LF
in Young. McQueen recalls the stations he worked for, including 2DU Dubbo, 2CH Sydney and
6PR Perth and talks about the technical side of radio announcing.
67
[MEDWELL, JEFF AND TYRUS, COLIN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 217389
Side A: Tape identification: Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle talking to Jeff Medwell and
Colin Tyrus. Recorded in June 1984. Jeff Medwell was the news editor for Radio Station 5DN
Adelaide between 1958-1983. He was also the night announcer with his own programme. Colin
Tyrus is the current (1984) news editor. (00: 46:31)
Side B: Interview continues. Colin Tyrus describes the reporting of the South Australian Ash
Wednesday fires. Radio 5DN provided a service to the community, co-ordinating rescue and
fire-fighting services, and keeping listeners up-to-date on the progress of the fire. (00:38:56)
General notes: Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia. -- 5DN, Adelaide, SA. -- This oral
history includes an important item about the receipt of the Kennedy assassination story at 5DN.
[MEDWELL, JEFF : INTERVIEWED BY PAUL LINKSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 319341
Jeff Medwell talks about his work as a radio journalist, news editor and night time talk program
host from 1948 until 1983 on ABC regional station 2NB (Broken Hill) and 5DN (Adelaide).
[MERCHANT, NEVILLE : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 400611
Joined 2UW in 1934 as an office boy. Talks about John Pentis[?]and Myra Dempsey. 1936:
doing radio dramas on 2GB/2UE with Rod Taylor, Peter Finch, Jack Lumsdaine and others. Did
all the top rating radio shows before television came to Australia, but left radio in 1955 to go into
advertising for TV. Discusses radio station and studio design, station location and radio
technology. Remembers some humourous events. Talks about George Edwards, radio dramas
and community singing. Talks about Jack Davey and others. Asmus plays Jack Davey
interviewing Louis Armstrong and Sammy Davis Jnr. Talks about Burl Ives and other who came
on his radio shows: Len London, Roy Rene, Harry Griffiths and Jack Burgess. Ends by talking
about his broadcasting life doing television commercials and line fluffs by Marshall Crosby.
[MEREDITH, GWEN : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191354
Gwen Meredith, script writer, talks about her work writing for radio from the 1940s and radio
drama in general. She discusses her first involvement in scriptwriting, employment conditions,
competition amongst scriptwriters, the rationale behind her serial 'The Lawsons', script output,
ABC vs commercial scriptwriting style, her writing method, gender discrimination in radio
work, the role of ratings, recognition for scriptwriters, the effect of changes in technology on
scriptwriting, script accuracy, US script imports, social life, the Australian Authors Association's
achievements, BBC influence on the ABC, the future of drama on radio, her preference in
producers, cast size limits, writing for children, the role of her serials in society, script
characterisation, her financial arrangement with ABC radio, her preference and output in serials
vs other drama, script editing and dictaphone use in her writing. (01:07:00)
[MEREDITH, MAUD : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 222041
Maud Meredith discusses her life and career as a dance teacher, a vaudeville performer and her
work in radio. She talks of the shows for which she worked and the people she worked and
associated with, including her husband Si Meredith.
68
[MICHAEL, BARRY : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY
INTERVIEW]
Record No. - 272485
Barry Michael, radio announcer, discusses his career in radio. Michael recalls the many radio
stations he worked for during his career, including his first, 2PK Parkes, 2BS Bathurst, 2XL
Cooma, 2GB, 2AY, 6KY Perth, 3XY and 3AK. He tells how his national service disrupted his
career and talks about his gradual transition into television. (00:24:55)
[MILLER, BRUCE (PROFESSOR J.D.B.) : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225097
Bruce Miller starts this interview by telling Terry Colhoun how he became an ABC cadet
announcer and his evolution from announcer to journalist and overseas broadcaster. He then
talks about reporting during World War II and the reasons behind the movement of ABC's
national news team between Sydney and Canberra. Miller discusses politics in broadcasting and
reveals why he left the ABC in 1949, he also discusses his work after this time. The interview
finishes with Millers views on why ëbroadcasting is for young peopleí.
[MITCHELL, GAYNOR : INTERVIEWED BY MIKE BAILEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 237079
Gaynor Mitchell reflects on a career of 46 years with Radio 2GB, Sydney. She commenced her
radio career at the end of World War Two, when she became script typist for the production
Department of 2GB, following this she became the Script Editor's Secretary. Mitchell talks of the
way scripts and ideas came together; compares radio broadcasting during and immediately post
war; recalls live radio broadcasting, and talks of her own on air appearances with fill-in roles.
Mitchell recalls the pressure felt with the arrival of television in the mid-1950s: she considers its
impact on radio. The interview follows a chronological account of events: Mitchell describes
styles of programming from the 1950s to the 1980s. She enumerates an array of events,
experiences, and personal career developments. She recalls the many personalities
encountered: particular regard is given to Davey and Dyer. Mitchell concludes the interview with
reflections on radio as the great information medium.
[MITCHELL, IRENE : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272028
Irene Mitchell, actress, discusses her career in radio. Mitchell talks about her elocution studies
and how this helped her secure auditions for radio dramas. After acting in radio for several years
she was asked by Dave Worrall to help train people to audition standard. Mitchell recalls the
many people she worked with including Lorna Forbes, Beverley Dunn, Dorothy Crawford,
Morris West and Kenrick Hudson. Mitchell also talks about two special programmes she
was involved with, ëWomen At Warí and the ëWomen's Radio Clubí. (01:05:22)
[MOORE, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY BILL MUDIE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 323907
Bob Moore, radio announcer/interviewer, TV newsreader and singer, talks about his work from
1946 until early 1980's with Adelaide radio stations 5KA and ABC, Sydney stations 2CH and
2UE, ABC Radio Rabaul, Adelaide's TV Channel 7 and JC Williamson's touring companies.
69
[MOORE, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 312461
Moore, radio announcer and actor, talks about his broadcasting career. He talks about his work
with the ABC and 2CH as well as his subsequent acting career.
[MOORE, RICHARD : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304957
Moore, radio broadcaster, speaks about his twenty-five year career in commercial radio. He
recalls working for 7BU Burnie, the station he joined in 1971, and 7HO Hobart. Moore discusses
the career of his father, also in radio, the late John Moore who worked for 7HO and then for
ABC radio. (00:12:00)
[MOSELEY, NORMAN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY. PT 1 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 218119
Cassette (Side 2) ñ Part 1: Tape identification: Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle in Melbourne
on March 1st 1984 talking with Norman Moseley, who was at Adelaide Radio Station
5DN during the Savery era, about 1932, after leaving school at fourteen. (00:46:33)
[MOSELEY, NORMAN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY. PT 2 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 218185
Norman Moseley was originally the office boy with Savery's Pianos in 1932. (00:21:02)
[MOSES, SIR CHARLES : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 457916
Sir Charles Moses, the General Manager of the ABC from 1935 to 1965, interview.
[MOTT, GRAHAM : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307877
Graham Mott developed an interest in radio while still at school, when he used to go down to
2GB during the school holidays and watch the announcers (presenters) work. Barry Augustus
saw him there one time, asked him if he wanted a job and in February 1969 he started as a panel
operator for Brian White. He was the panel operator for many people, and he later became a
producer, then production manager before becoming operations manager for the station. He
left 2GB in 1976 to go to 2SM, and six months later he was back at 2GB. In April 1979, he
moved to 2NM (in Musnellbrook, Hunter Valley NSW) where he became an announcer as well
as working in production. In 1981, he moved to 2UW where he stayed for four years, working
first as the midnight to dawn announcer, then as a floater, and then as assistant to the program
director. He left to become program director for 2KY which he states was the hardest, "worst
time of [his] radio career" and six months later he moved to market research at Wesgo.
After short stints with 2WS and 3MP, he returned to 2WS as a program director and then general
manager. Then, after feeling ëboredí, he heard that Dave McDonald - the manager of 3AW - had
left, so he called Tony Bell for a job and got it. He reflects on his time in the industry and how
much he enjoys it, and mentions some of the ëpersonalitiesí he has worked with - John Pearce
(an operator), Gwen Plum, Allen Toohey, Dick Fair, Ron Casey, John Singleton - and his
gratitude to Barry Augustus for giving him his first job.
70
[MUDIE, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 318391
Bill Mudie, radio announcer and newreader, talks about his 37 years in radio work, beginning in
Adelaide in 1957 with stations 5DN and 5KA and, since 1960, with ABC radio stations in
Adelaide, Darwin, Newcastle and Christmas Island. (00:58:00)
[MULCAHY, KEN : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306865
Ken Mulcahy speaks of his early interest in radio. He describes the development of his career
from radio announcer to station manager. He mentions in particular the floods of 1974 while he
was working at 4IP. He describes the formatting and in particular involvement with sport
through sponsorship.
[MULLEY, DAVID : INTERVIEWED BY ANDY SIMPSON. PT 1 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 288191
David Mulley describes his career in radio. He discusses Newcastle broadcasting. (00:32:48)
[MULLEY, DAVID : INTERVIEWED BY ANDY SIMPSON. PT 2. : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 288904
David Mulley, broadcaster, describes his career in radio. He discusses Newcastle broadcasting.
[MURPHY, LYNNE : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE LEONARD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294040
Lynne Murphy recalls her career as a radio actor with the Macquarie Broadcasting Service. She
made her debut in radio with Peter Finch in 1947 in an adaptation of Tolstoy's ëRedemptioní,
forming part of the Macquarie network's ëSunday Night Playsí. She reminisces about working on
series such as ëDr Paulí (playing the character of Virginia), ëWhen A Girl Marriesí, ëBlue Hillsí
and ëLux Radio Theatreí produced by Harry Dearth. Murphy describes rehearsals and live
performances, and the sound effects used on various radio productions.
[NEELY, DON : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308385
Don Neely, Director of ëMedia Research Companyí talks about his experience in working with
the radio broadcasting industry. He talks about sports broadcasting and his career with radio
station 2UE. He discusses Australian radio and television, ratings and the ëAdvertising Clubí.
[NETTHEIM, DAVID : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191359
David Nettheim, radio actor, writer and producer, talks about radio drama in the 1940s-50s and
his involvement as actor and scriptwriter. He covers his first work in radio, conditions and pay,
his radio work as a child, live vs recorded serials, ABC vs commercial work, acting work
availability, getting acting contracts, lack of recognition for actors, job security, radio
drama scriptwriting and the effect of sponsorship, social life, gender discrimination, US radio
drama imports, Actors Equity, adaptations vs original script preferences, work on English radio,
script ownership rights, actors doubling up as script characters, sound effects, listening audience
perceptions, ratings, workers compensation, job satisfaction and the likelihood of a radio
drama revival. (01:42:00)
71
[NETTHEIM, DAVID : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277809
David Nettheim, radio announcer, recalls his career in radio. He tells of his early days in the
industry, and his involvement in in theatre, radio, television and film. He talks of his father's
radio involvement with 2GB in the early 1930s. He mentions the ëQuiz Kidsí show and ëYouth
Speaksí, and discusses his involvement in radio drama. Nettheim mentions early 2GB
personalities and others. (01:06:40)
[NICHOL, COLIN : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303678
[NICHOLAS, BILL : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN AND LINDSAY
MCCARTHY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304899
Nicholas, radio technician, started his career in the radio department at Findlays in 1930. He
recounts working at 7HO Hobart in the 1930s with Ron Hope, John Dodds and Bill Morrison.
Nicholas worked at 7HT in 1940 and was involved in setting up their new studios. Due to the
war, he explains, it was necessary to make some equipment themselves including turntables and
transcription arms. Nicholas left 7HT in 1951 to form Commonwealth Electronics with Ron
Hope, who managed the Sydney factory. (00:35:00)
[NICKS, RORY : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN : ORAL HISTORY ;
PORTEOUS, KIP : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN : ORAL HISTORY ;
WITHINGTON, SHANE : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN : ORAL HISTORY ;
BROOKBANKS, ANN : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273839
Rory Nicks discusses her history, job, roll, techniques, relationships, and career
development. Unidentified producer, director from ATN7 discusses programme
production, history and people involved. Mentions ëJonahí, ëWhiplashí, ëPick-a-Boxí, and
Shell Shows. Kip Porteous discusses the origins of television serials in the radio serials. Looks at
ABC radio production, methods, and people in the industry. Shane Withington discusses his
career and his start in ëA Country Practiceí. He also talks about the casting and direction. Ann
Brookbanks talks about her career as a television serial writer and her work for ëA Country
Practiceí.
[NICOL, BETH : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 253142
Beth Nicol, broadcaster, talks about her career as a radio broadcaster and actress. After
performing on stage with Gladys Moncrieff, among others, she entered radio almost by accident
as an announcer for 3SH Swan Hill (1945). She joined 3UZ Melbourne in 1947, and 2GB
Sydney, under Max Aronstein and Bert Button, in 1952. There, she became Australia's first
female newsreader. She also describes her activities after leaving 2GB (and radio) in 1962. Other
personalities mentioned include: Eric Lithgow, Charles Cousens, Gwen Plumb, John Hudson and
her brother, comedian Don Nicol.
72
[NOBLE, BUSTER : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 219746
Buster Noble discusses in detail his career in show business as a comedian, dancer and singer
which commenced professionally in 1931. He recounts the many shows in which he worked and
people he associated and worked with. He also talks about his work in the Army Entertainment
Unit during WWII.
[NOONAN, MICHAEL : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271233
Noonan, a radio and television writer, discusses his career.
[NORMAN, WALLY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 222775
Norman discusses his life and career as a professional trombonist (which he became in June
1939). He talks also of his work as an arranger, bandleader, and broadcaster. Recounts the people
with whom he worked and associated in Australia and overseas. Talks about different styles of
jazz and offers his opinions of current jazz literature. (01:30:00)
[O'CALLAGHAN, GARY : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273420
Gary O'Callaghan, announcer, discusses his career in radio. O'Callaghan recalls his start in radio
as an office boy for 2SM and how he gradually broke into announcing. O'Callaghan talks about
his 31 year stint as 2UE's breakfast announcer and about the creation of his popular children's
character Sammy Sparrow. (01:02:10)
[O'GORMAN, KEVIN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280870
Kevin O'Gorman talks about beginning his career as ventriloquist, Mal Verco and Ginger, and
later as Ali Slats in commercials. First radio job, 3KZ, but got initial training in broadcasting at
3AK. Began as breakfast announcer at 3KZ, later worked an 8-hour, day shift. Got involved with
daytime radio serials. Leaves 3KZ, 1988. (00:28:22)
[O'NEIL, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY BILL MUDIE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 320195
John O'Neil, racing broadcaster from 1950 to 1980's, talks about his race calling with 5DN and
ABC radio (Adelaide) and his participation in 3UZ's and 3DB's Turf Talk programs.
[OSWIN, JAMES : INTERVIEWED BY ANN BAYLIS AND RAY BEATTIE. PT 1 :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. ñ 155223
[OSWIN, JAMES : INTERVIEWED BY ANN BAYLIS AND RAY BEATTIE. PT 2 :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 155224
73
[OSWIN, JAMES : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 259330
James Oswin discusses his career in radio, which commenced after the war with 2GB, Sydney.
He talks of the radio personalities he encountered, including Jack Davey and Bob Dyer.
Following is an account of the progression of his career, including his move to ëArtransaí and his
later appointments as General Manager of 3AW Melbourne, Director of 3CW, and Australian
Ambassador to UNESCO.
[PALMER, RICK : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 226491
This interview starts with Rick's early years as a child in Australia during World War II and then
goes onto his radio career, from the 3rd of May 1954 when he became a junior control room
operator to joining VL5UV on the 26th of June 1972.
[PARAGREEN, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY MONTY MAIZELS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280383
In early 1940s he became interested in a musical career as a youth, but not radio. Went on ëRadio
Auditionsí with Margo Sheridan, 3AW, as a singer. Later appeared in other contests, Gilbert &
Sullivan and amateur opera companies - all in Melbourne. At 17-18 joined 3AW's junior
announcer club, the Microphone Club, under Sally Rickard. Got into a serial, ëNumber 7 Easter
Avenueí, in 1948.
[PARKER, DICK : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308371
Parker, executive or media representation company ëParPlaní, talks about his involvement in the
radio broadcasting industry.
[PARSONS, FRED: INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457981
Fred Parsons, scriptwriter (in particular for comedian, ëMoí) and author of ëA Man Called Moí,
interview.
[PARTRIDGE, NICHOLAS : INTERVIEWED BY H.G. CLEMENTS : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 298475
Nicholas Partridge, radio station broadcaster and manager, discusses his time with 6UV radio
station in Western Australia. He relays the frustration he felt in managing a radio station based in
a tertiary institution. In particular, he deplores the interventionist role taken by the University
Board in program decision-making.
[PATE, MICHAEL : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE LEONARD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294437
Michael Pate, actor, singer, writer and producer, describes the beginning of his career in
commercial radio in the late 1930s. He recounts the glamour of radio broadcasting and the
techniques used to learn accents for half-hour plays. Pate also reminisces about working with Joy
Nichols and Reg Johnston on 2GB Sydney's ëThe Youth Showí and his time in the Army
Entertainment Unit during World War II. Pate continues by describing his scriptwriting for ëLux
Radio Theatreí and work for Grace Gibson Productions on programs such as ëEscape Me Neverí
with Coral Lansbury.
74
[PATE, MICHAEL : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191348
Michael Pate was a freelance radio actor/writer. In this interview he answers a questionnaire
supplied by Diana Combe, and discusses his first involvement in radio at the ABC and other
drama production houses, the conditions and acquisition of work, the rates of pay for radio actors
and writers, travelling between production houses, changes in radio technology, the effect of
television on the economy of radio, involvement in radio serials, the advantage of working in
radio serials over other forms of drama, the 'star' system in Australian drama, the influence of the
US and BBC on Australian radio, a comparison between ABC and commercial radio drama, the
effect of sponsorship on radio serials, the effect of WWII on radio serials, stereotypes in radio
serials, actors interpretations of scripts, perception of listening audience, possibility of a revival
of radio serials, social life of actors, working for Grace Gibson, and involvement with Actors
Equity. (01:50:00)
[PATERSON, RIC : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304986
Paterson, radio broadcaster, recalls his early beginnings in commercial radio. He discusses his
first job at sixteen years of age in 1964 with 7HT as 'cub' announcer. Paterson remembers
working with Rex Waldron and covering the 1967 bush fires in Tasmania, where announcers
were on the air continuously for several days. (00:10:30)
[PAYNE, TOM : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN AND LINDSAY MCCARTHY :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304895
Payne, radio announcer and television newsreader, discusses his career. He recalls how he
commenced in radio as a panel operator at 7HO Hobart before leaving to work at 2UW and 2GZ
Orange. Payne spent time in Perth with 6RR as a disc jockey with Gary Meadows. He worked at
3KZ then returned to Tasmania to do breakfast announcing on 7HT. Payne currently reads the
news for Tasmanian television. (00:46:00)
[PEACH, ROBERT : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 269830
Robert Peach, radio actor, director and producer, recalls his career in radio. Peach tells how he
started working in radio in 1935 aged eleven, acting in children's drama. He recalls working in
many radio dramas and his growing involvement in radio documentaries including ëThe World
of J.K.í which presented the world of a young deaf boy and won the ABC's first Prix Italia for
a documentary. Peach provides detailed information on the technical side of producing radio, in
particular his lengths to create effective special effects and his early experiments with stereo on
Australian radio. He also provides recollections of the many people he worked with throughout
his career and his visits to Europe to further his knowledge of radio production.
[PEACH, ROBERT : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191358
Robert Peach, radio actor, producer and announcer, talks about radio drama and his involvement
from the 1940s. He covers his first association with radio drama production, setting up a
production unit, work conditions and pay, cooperation between production houses, radio industry
social life, Actors Equity, the future of Australian radio drama, Australian drama exports to
Germany, the sociology of radio serials, character role preferences, television vs radio
audience response, post-war public reaction to radio drama, sponsor influence, the demise of his
drama production house, radio acting technique, the dumping of US serials in Australia,
despatching serials to stations, the status of radio women and writing for radio. (01:59:00)
75
[PEARCE, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277807
John Pearce, radio announcer, discusses his career in radio. He tells how he began as an
announcer at 2KM, and recalls the live to air children's sessions. During his career he worked in
a number of stations, and recalls many people that he worked with including, Leo McKern,
Frank O'Halloran, Jack Murphy, Gordon Lewis, Beth Nicol, John Wyland, Harry Lithgow,
Bernard Q Walsh, Eric McCrae, Bert Button, Jim Dibble, Jack Davey, Bob Dyer and many
others. (01:07:23)
[PEARCE, SIR ERIC : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270540
Sir Eric Pearce, radio announcer and station manager, discusses his career in radio. Pearce tells
how upon his arrival in Australia from the U.K. he started announcing for 2CH and then moved
to 3XY and radio drama acting. After his WWII service he recalls becoming the chief announcer
for 3DB and compering for Crawford Productions. Pearce then tells how he moved to Adelaide
to become General Manager for 5AK. (00:14:28)
[PERRY, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271829
Jack Perry, comedian, discusses his career in radio. Perry recalls how his work as a comedian
and musician in Melbourne's coffee lounge cabaret scene led to live radio work, in particular
ëTye's Radio Revueí. Perry provides many memories and anecdotes about the band and comedy
scene in Melbourne and about live radio shows. (00:30:30)
[PETERS, LANCE : INTERVIEWED BY STUART GLOVER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 371935
Born in 1934, interview covers his career and various jobs including office boy at the Tivoli
Theatre, disc jockey at 2CH and 2GB in the 1950s. Started ëPlaybillí producing theatre
programmes. Began writing comedy for Don Lane, Barry Crocker and Mavis Bramston. Became
president of the Australia Writers Guild. Wrote some of Number 96 and other television from
1964 to 1971. Increasingly wrote novels and adapted them for film. (01:21:24)
[PETERSON, RALPH : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273884
Ralph Peterson, radio actor, discusses his career in radio. Peterson recalls how he started in radio
in 1935 and played Bottomley in ëYes, What?í He remembers being paid 2 shillings and
sixpence per episode and acting in ABC plays with Max Afford. (00:19:15)
[PETERSON, RALPH : INTERVIEWED BY GRAHAM SHIRLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 220335
Interview covering Ralph Peterson's career as a radio and television script writer and producer.
[PETTETT, ARTHUR : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273432
Arthur Pettett, radio actor, discusses his career in radio. Pettett talks about his start in radio plays
when he acted in a play for 2UE in 1932. He tells how this lead to a part in the Arthur Hemsley
series ëThe Adventures of the Philbutt Familyí and his involvement in some of radio's first
children's shows. Pettett recalls setting up a radio station during his war service and moving
into advertising after the war. (00:33:05)
76
[PETTETT, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 400610
John Pettett's first job in radio was as an office boy in engineering in 1934 at radio station 2UE
(Don Bradman worked at the station playing piano on a children's program). He went to school
for 6 years to learn radio engineering, then went into World War storytelling important
programming on 2UE in its early days. He discusses Captain Stevens, storyteller and other
storytellers who were on air. Discusses his 5 years in WWII in the Air Force (75th Squadron);
mostly in New Guinea. Returned to 2UE and started as a sound effects person (2 years), became
a presentation manger, then a studio manager, and finally producing - mainly quiz shows - until
television came to Australia. Discusses radio production studio design. Talks about Frank Scott
being a stutterer, but not on air; talks about other people involved with the program ëRumpus
Roomí. He talks about Lee Gordon, salaries for radio workers and his current activities.
[PICKOVER, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 288922
Peter Pickover discusses commercial broadcasting in Newcastle from its beginning. He mentions
the personalities involved, finances, programme content, news content and ownership. He
provides his personal feelings about broadcasting. (00:39:03)
[PIDDINGTON, SIDNEY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 219802
Sidney Piddington the vaudeville entertainer discusses the time he spent in the Changi prison
camp in Singapore, where he developed his renowned mindreading act. He recounts his career as
an illusionist in Australian theatre and radio after WWII. He tells how he came to have his own
BBC radio show featuring his mindreading act, his theatre work in England and the people with
which he worked and associated with.
[PIDDINGTON, SIDNEY : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 458198
Sidney Piddington, radio presenter of ëThe Piddington Showí based on ESP with wife, Lesley
Pope, interview.
[PLUMB, GWEN : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273452
Gwen Plumb, actress and announcer, discusses her career in radio. Plumb recalls her start as a
copywriter for 2CH and 2UE and gradually getting involved in production and research. She
talks about moving to 2GB to present Women's Week and Charlie Chuckle. She recalls going to
England to cover the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II for 2GB. Plumb talks about the many
entertainment and quiz shows that she was involved with. (01:06:24)
[PLUMB, GWEN : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458145
Gwen Plumb, Australian radio and television actor, interview.
77
[POLLARD, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294297
Bob Pollard, broadcaster, reminisces about his career in commercial radio, beginning in New
Zealand at 3ZB radio station. He recounts his move to Sydney in 1945 to work for 2GB, 2UE
and 2CH, where he broadcast programs such as ëStars of the Servicesí, ëStump the Expertsí and
ëAustralia's Choiceí. Pollard discusses radio personalities known to him like Jack Davey, Bob
Dyer and Del Cartwright, and the transition he made to television in 1956 working for Channel
Seven.
[PRIDER, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214711
Tape identification: Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle talking with Jack Prider. Made at the
end of March, 1984. Jack was an announcer with 5DN from 1939-1941. (00:55:20)
[PULLMAN, WYNNE : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270522
Wynne Pullman, radio drama casting director, discusses her career in radio. Pullman recalls how
she started in radio acting but started casting for Dorothy Crawford of Crawford's Productions.
Pullman provides much insight into the radio acting process, casting and auditions and valuable
insight into Dorothy Crawford and the workings of Crawford's Productions. (01:07:21)
[RAISIN, KARYN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307319
[RAISIN, KARYN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307290
Karyn Raisin talks about her career in commercial radio. She mentions working with Dean
Matters, Geraldine Doogue, Dennis O'Brien, Alan Jones. Raisin worked with 2WS, 2UE, 2SM,
3AK and 4BC. She comments on male/female opportunities in radio with emphasis on talent.
Challenges of the future and digital radio. Desire to be Women's session announcer. (0014:40)
[RANGER, SHORTY : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223028
Shorty Ranger was born Edwin Haberfield, at Nulla Nulla (Kempsey) on the 9th of October,
1925: schooling at Nulla Nulla; family on dairy farm; early exposure to hillbilly music on 78's
and radio; school mate of Gordon Kirkpatrick (Slim Dusty) with whom he worked musically for
many years; worked in many trades whilst composing and recording, he has cut some 17 LP
albums and composed more than 300 songs; a pioneer musician regarded as one of the
legends of the local area; excellent communicator with vast Country Music experience.
[RAYMOND, BETTY : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214829
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle opens with a description of Betty's working life at 5DN as
an announcer of Women's Programmes - a ësocial editoressí, as they were called - beginning in
the late 1940s. (00:58:54)
78
[RAYMOND, GLENDA : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271892
Glenda Raymond (Crawford), singer, discusses her career in radio. Raymond tells how she
started working in radio when Hector Crawford offered her a job as a full-time singer. Raymond
won the role of Dame Nellie Melba's singing voice in the hugely popular dramatisation of
Melba's life, ëMelbaí. Raymond talks about marrying Hector Crawford and provides excellent
information on the beginnings of Crawford Productions. She recalls many of the actors and
scriptwriters who worked for Crawfordís and laments the demise of Crawfordís as a production
house.
[RAYMOND, STEVE : INTERVIEWED BY MIKE BAILEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 252981
Steve Raymond, broadcaster, discusses his radio career, starting in 1960 as a panel operator for
John Laws on 2GB. A few years later, he joined the 2SM news service, and recalls some of the
stories of 2SM. He entered television almost by accident, working for Channel 10 (1968-72) and
Mike Willesee (1972-76). In 1976 he joined 2UE. He then details his time at 2WS (and the
development of Wesgo) under the late Keith Graham.
[RAYNES, GARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306925
Gary Raynes talks about his career in radio. He mentions many radio personalities including Reg
James, Dick Fair, Eric White, John Laws and others. He discusses program formatting and studio
problems. (00:16:30)
[REES, LESLIE : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191357
Leslie Rees, first Federal Drama Editor for ABC radio's Federal Department of Productions,
talks about radio drama at the ABC and his involvement from 1936. He discusses his move into
radio, ABC drama department staff, work conditions and pay, editor duties, budget, the talent
drain from smaller cities to Sydney and Melbourne, non-ABC work, ABC and commercial radio
relations, the historical serial ëAs Ye Sowí, anti-Australian bias in script writing, script
imports, measuring the success of drama productions, social responsibility, script accuracy,
Actors Equity and the ABC, the network's attitude to studio audiences, the effect of technology
changes on drama production, ABC drama exports, the role of serials, the star system and job
satisfaction. (01:18:00)
[REES, LESLIE : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458147
Leslie Rees, The ABCs first federal drama editor, 1936 - 1966 interview.
[RICHARDS-SMITH, VAN : INTERVIWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306775
Van Richards-Smith speaks about his family background and his interest in the technical side of
broadcasting. He mentions his experience of technical change during his career. He mentions the
role of digital audio in the future of broadcasting.
79
[RICHARDSON, LYAL : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE LEONARD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277433
Lyal Richardson discusses his career in radio. He recalls his days as compere of ëThe Toast of
the Towní a show on 2KY broadcast live from ëThe Celebrity Clubí nightclub. Here refers to
people including Jack Davey, Bert Button, Vernon Lisle, Alan Toohey, Ken Layton, Ron
Beattie, Leon Becker, Cecil Scott, Diana Barrymore, John Meillon. (01:53:43)
[ROBERTS, WYN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307908
Wyn Roberts began in radio over 50 years ago as an actor. He talks of the schools broadcasts,
serials and dramas, Crawford Productions and the ABC drama studios. He also discusses other
radio actors like Doug Kelly, Patricia Kennedy, Syd Conabere, Richard Davies, Campbell
Copelin and producers like John Cairns, Mary Dechaineaux, Dorothy Crawford, and others. Wyn
also talks of the demise of radio drama, and the prospects of television and film work.
RODGERS, RICK : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303614
[ROFE, STAN : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271831
Stan Rofe, radio announcer, recalls his career in radio. Rofe tells how after studying radio he
won his first job with 7AD Davenport and later was offered a job with 3AK, Melbourne's only
midnight to dawn station. He talks about the many stations he worked with and about becoming
the program director and music director for 3DB. (00:28:00)
[ROGERSON, BRUCE : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273863
Bruce Rogerson, radio announcer, discusses his career in radio. Rogerson recalls working for
2GN, 2BS, 2KO, 2UE, and 2CH. Rogerson talks about his commercial writing business and and
being involved in 2CH's programming changes, particularly the Good Music format and seeing
the station win the ratings. (00:52:18)
[ROLAND, BETTY : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191356
Betty Roland, scriptwriter, talks about radio drama and her work with ABC and commercial
radio during the 1930s and 40s. She covers her first involvement in radio, her work with 'The
Argonauts', script adaptation, ABC vs BBC vs commercial drama production, actor feedback on
scripts, her preferences in script subject matter, social conventions about serial content,
stereotyped characters, US script imports, Writers' Guild connections, lack of recognition for
scriptwriters and script accuracy. (01:03:00)
80
[ROMAIN, ABE : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 253133
Abe Romain, musician and band-leader, recalls his career, particularly his radio work. He recalls
how he got started as a musician and talks about some of his experiences while he was playing
and touring with different bands and personalities. He performed live on 2GB in 1927, and 2UE
throughout the 1930s, before becoming the record librarian there in 1943. At 2GB, he was Jack
Davey's musical director from 1946, and program manager from 1959. After losing his job at
2GB, he spent 11 years in the 2KY program department. Apart from the Davey, he talks about
such personalities as Des Tooley, Alan Toohey, Ron Randell, Nat King Cole, Anita Martell,
Louis Armstrong, Ken Sparkes and John Harper.
[ROWE, ALAN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270532
Alan Rowe discusses his career in radio. Rowe recalls how his success at impersonating screen
stars won him a contract on The Shell Show in 1948. He tells how he then worked doing voice
overs for advertisements and moved into radio drama in Melbourne. Rowe talks about his
transition into television variety shows.
[RUDD, NEIL : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304953
Rudd, Neil. Has been in radio since 1946. Radio Announcer, with stations including: 4MB, 4IP,
4BK, 4BH. Discusses technical changes, styles and presentations through the decades.
(00:28:00)
[RUSSELL, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307910
John Russell is a race caller whose interest in racing began when he was around 6 or 7 years old,
growing up in Warrnambool, Victoria. Inspired by Eric Welsh and Jim Carroll (Carol?), he
became the local commentator for football games. Bert Bryant on 3YB, who came to
Warrnambool to call the local races, was also an inspiration and when Bert took ill one time,
John filled in (January 1949). In 1953 John started as Bert's assistant. In 1977, Bert left work due
to illness, and John replaced him. In 1983, 3YB decided to drop sports from their format, and for
a year John did not work in the industry. In 1987 he got an opportunity at Sky Channel, and has
been there ever since. He talks of his early days, the need to ëknow your coloursí and favourite
horses and jockeys.
[RUTHERFORD, DOUG : INTERVIEWED BY DOUG RUTHERFORD : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 304388
Doug Rutherford speaks of the early years of commercial radio and early years at radio 6VA,
Albany.
[RUTHERFORD, GARVIN : INTERVIEWED BY JEFF RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308922
Rutherford, radio broadcasting executive talks about his career in radio in Australia. He talks
about his early career as an announcer at various regional stations in NSW. Discusses his career
as executive at 2NX and 2SM. He talks about his work on a number of committees including
FARB.
81
[RYAN, ART : INTERVIEWED BY JIM BOWTELL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 287741
Art Ryan describes early broadcasting in Newcastle. (00:04:35)
[RYAN, GEOFF : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY ]
Record No. - 294271
Geoff Ryan, broadcaster, recollects his days in commercial radio. Ryan worked for 4TO
Townsville in the late 1940s, broadcasting morning and evening programs. He was later involved
in broadcasting and production for 2LM Lismore. In particular, Ryan worked on programs such
as the comedy show ëKeep Off The Grassí and a very popular Saturday morning music session
called ëRadio Ranchí, influenced by country and western music.
[SALTER, DENBEIGH : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271767
Denbeigh Salter, movie critic, discusses his career in radio. Salter recalls how he made the
transition from the motion picture industry into radio. He tells how at 18 he became the all-night
announcer on 3AK and ran the first movie quiz on radio on Sunday nights. Salter recalls moving
to 3XY and becoming the popular 'Movie Roundsman'. He discusses how later in his career he
would drive around to country radio stations to promote upcoming movie events such as ëThe
Ten Commandmentsí. (00:21:37)
[SALTER, JUNE : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273533
June Salter, actress, discusses her career in radio. She talks about attending a radio academy for a
year where Rosalyn Kennerdale was her tutor and her first break when she won a role in ëNight
Beatí. Salter recalls many of the people she worked with including Queenie Ashton, Lyndall
Barbour, Dinah Shearing and her husband John Meillion. She talks about her involvement in the
radio drama ëWhite Cooliesí. Salter discusses what was required in a radio actor and what
earnings one could expect. (00:38:30)
[SANGSTON, RAY : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304937
Ray Sangston, radio broadcaster, speaks about his career in commercial radio. He recalls his first
radio job with 3MA in 1963 where he stayed for five years. Sangston describes moving to 7LA
Launceston and working with Rex McLean. In 1974, he joined ABC radio in Hobart, Tasmania.
(00:27:00)
[SAUNDERS, HAL : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS. PT 1 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 182115
Hal Saunders talks about his career in the radio and recording industries.
Record No. - 182117
Hal Saunders talks about his career in the radio and recording industries.
Record No. - 182118
Hal Saunders talks about his career in the radio and sound recording industries.
82
Record No. ñ 182119
Hal Saunders talks about his career in the radio and sound recording industries.
[SCHMIDT, TONY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307614
Tony Schmidt joined 4MB in 1956 as a cadet announcer. He continued his career at 2MW and
4GG Gold Coast where he remained for 22 years. He talks about his recollection of the early
broadcasting period. Tony recalls interviews with Bill Haley, Johnny O'Keefe and Wayne
Newton.
[SCHNEIDER, MARY AND SCHNEIDER, RITA : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER
: ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 309359
Schneider sisters Mary and Rita, singer/songwriters, talk about their involvement with radio in
Australia. They talk about their recording careers and their wartime tour of Korea. They also
discuss their involvement in television.
[SCOTT, BOB : INTERVIEWED BY JEFFREY RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294057
Bob Scott, radio broadcaster, describes the beginning of his career in commercial radio. From a
background in newspapers, he obtained a job as sports director at 2GB Gosford. Scott also
worked as station manager for 4GR Toowoomba during the 1970s. He discusses the general
working environment of a country radio station, particularly the improvisation and adaptability
needed from radio broadcasters at that time.
[SCOTT, NICK : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306780
Nick Scott talks about his first interest in radio in London in the 1960s, and when his family
moved to Tasmania his interest continued. He talks about the development of his career from an
amateur radio station at university in 1974 to management of FM stations on the Sunshine coast
in the 1990s.
[SCRIMGEOUR, COLIN : INTERVIEWED BY GRAHAM SHIRLEY : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 376312
Colin Scrimgeour talks about his career as a radio and film producer and personality in NZ and
Australia, 1930s-1960s.
[SCULLY, GARY: INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457977
Gary Scully, an ABC radio journalist from 1953 - 1957, interview.
83
[SHARRY, JOAN :INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277782
Joan Sharry, radio announcer and actor, discusses her career in radio. She tells how she began
her career as breakfast announcer at 6KG in 1945, at the age of 15. She mentions the technology
used at the station, and the introduction of wire recorders. She recalls many people that she
worked with during her career including, Arthur Taylor, Eileen Jack, Gordon Freeman, Lyle
Harris, Lloyd Lawson, Ron Casey, Bill Collins, Eric Welsh, Dave Worrell, Agnes Brown,
Neville Thompson and others. (00:42:09)
[SHEARING, DINAH : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE LEONARD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294324
Dinah Shearing, radio, stage, television and film actor, speaks about her prolific career. She
began acting on stage with the Metropolitan Theatre in 1946 and was noticed there by radio
producer Lawrence H. Cecil. Her first role for radio was with Peter Finch and Thelma Scott in
ëThe Marinersí for 2GB. Shearing recalls the camaraderie of radio actors, remembering
particularly Lyndall Barbour, Jack Davey, and Harry Dearth. She discusses many of her roles in
radio drama, including ëDr Paulí, the spy serial ëDossier on Dumetriusí and ëOffice Wifeí.
[SHIRLEY, PAUL : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 305119
Shirley, radio station manager, discusses his career in commercial radio and the entertainment
industry. He recalls forming his own pop group, called the 'Four Teens' in the late 1950s. After
touring Malaysia for three years, he returned to Tasmania and worked at Allans Music before
joining 7HO as a sales representative. In late 1979, Shirley recounts how he was offered the
position of manager of 7 HOFM radio station. (00:12:00)
[SHMID, GRAHAM : A TRIBUTE : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307615
Tribute to Graham Schmid, 1929-1994, broadcast on 4KZ, August 1994. Tributes are given by:
Jack Gleeson, Joe Oost, Ian Hill, Tom Crozier, Alan Rowbolt, Allan Young, Reg Harris, Dave
Prior and Terry Lee. They speak of Graham's career as a technician and his involvement in Radio
promotions.
[SHORT, BRUCE : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 307644
Bruce Short, announcer and copywriter, discusses personalities such as Noel McCormack,
Thelma Stay, Hunter Matthews, Ralph Taylor, Ken Woods, Des Mahon. He talks about studio
layout and associated problems, move to ABC where he has been for 36 years.
[SINCLAIR, CLARK : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280340
Clark Sinclair, radio announcer and broadcaster, wanted to do radio as a young student at
the Royal Victorian Institute for the Blind and began with the closed circuit radio station at the
Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital. Broadcaster at 3UZ, since 1950s, he was at 3AK (1956) and
3XY, as well as being a consultant to country radio stations. He set-up a closed-circuit radio
station, 3SA, in St. Kilda in 1960s and had a show with Bert Newton, ëSinclair Sizzlerí at 3UZ.
He was one of the first radio broadcasters to produce a show of ënostalgiaí music (1979).
84
[SMITH, GEORGE IVAN : INTERVIEWED BY JEAN WALKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223651
Interview covers his broadcasting career with 2WL, ABC and BBC from the mid 1920s to 1945
and his experiences as a broadcaster.
[SMITH, GRAHAM : INTERVIEWED BY JEFF RUSHTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308923
Graham Smith, radio broadcasting executive, talks about his career in Australian radio. He talks
about his start as a disc jockey in Brisbane before moving to Melbourne and Sydney. He talks
about his career as a program manager and a General Manager at stations including 3XY, FOX
FM and MMM.
[SMITH, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225911
In this oral history interview, Jack Smith provides information on Tasmania's broadcasting
history and his career and achievements in this industry. Jack has been connected with radio in
Tasmania for over 50 years and, in this interview, recalls the many changes he has seen. He has
(unofficially) recorded a great deal of Hobart music, including many local jazz performances.
This oral history includes descriptions of the artists on the recordings he provided. Jack Smith
produced for the ABC between 1972-1976.
[SMITH, JOAN : INTERVIEWED BY LEICESTER WARBURTON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294494
Joan Smith, radio executive secretary, discusses her time working for 2UE Sydney and 2GB
Sydney. She remembers the glamour of radio production during the 1950s and being in awe of a
number of radio actors. Particularly, she reminisces about Muriel Steinbeck, "Gwennie" Plumb,
Thelma Scott and Bob Dyer. Smith remembers employing Brian Bury as an office boy at
2UE. She also speaks about her involvement in the flood appeal for the Hunter Valley region in
the mid-1950s.
[SMITH, KEITH : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458251
Keith Smith, writer, actor of Australian radio comedy shows in the 1950s, interview.
[SMITH, KEITH : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277645
Keith Smith, compere, scriptwriter and interviewer, discusses his career in radio. He tells of his
earliest writing days, his war service and post war activities with Bob Dyer (American
comedian) and later with radio star Jack Davey. He discusses his radio and television childrens
interview programs, ëThe Pied Piperí and ëA Word from Childrení. He recalls people he worked
with during his career, including Bob Dyer, Jack Davey, George Foster, George Wallace and
others. (00:57:38)
[SMITH, LYNDON : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 318439
Lyndon Smith, radio copy writer and administrator, talks about his work at Adelaide radio
station 5KA from mid 1940s until his retirement in the 70s. He explains the only strike to have
occurred in radio in South Australia, at 5KA. (00:28:00)
85
[SMITH, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280854
Began as messenger boy at ABC Radio, Melbourne. Became an announcer for Radio Australia,
then with ABC Radio. Discusses various people he worked with who are now famous. Also
discusses commercial radio stations.
[SMYTH, PHIL AND CAMERON, BUB : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214753
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle recording in May 1984. She is talking to Phil Smyth,
advertising manager, and Bub Cameron. (Phil Smyth was very sick at this stage and Bub
Cameron helped interpret some of the questions). Phil joined 5DN in 1935. (00:43:21)
[SOPPA, NEV : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307632
Started with 4BU in the late 1950's and stayed for 21 years. Speaks of Alan Cook, Vern Johnson,
Ian Skippen, Bob Harding and Jim Fitzgerald. Memories of social and friends club, and
childrenís shows.
[SOUTHWELL, URSULA : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 225306
Ursula Southwell begins the interview telling how she joined the ABC in 1941 as a stenosecretary in Radio Australia (as Ursula Lynch). She refers to her various working positions up to
when she became an announcer and about the requirements of the job. Ursula then discusses
some of the many politicians she interviewed and gives relevant stories. Next she talks about her
marriage, family and rejoining the ABC She ends the interview reflecting on the changes she
observed in the ABC between the 40s and 70s.
[SPARGO, ROD : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304859
Spargo, radio announcer, producer and program manager, speaks about his career from the mid1960s to the 1990s. He discusses his first job at 7BU in Burnie, Tasmania, as an announcer in
1964 after having studied at the Lee Murray School of Radio. Spargo relates how he moved to
Newcastle to be a breakfast and drive-time announcer and later to 2UE Sydney as program
manager. He discusses working with John Laws, Ita Buttrose, Ken Sparkes, Rex Waldron and
interviewing ëThe Beatlesí. (00:36:36)
[SPARKES, KEN : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 260180
Ken Sparkes recalls his radio career that began compering a show when he was fifteen from a
tuberculosis hospital. Sparkes worked as a disc jockey at many radio stations, including 2DU
Dubbo, 2MG Mudgee, 2GB Sydney, 3UZ Melbourne, 4IP Ipswich, 6KY Perth, 5KA Adelaide
and worked as programme director for many of these stations. Sparkes worked as a disc jockey
in Hawaii and Los Angeles in the late 1960s; this exposed him to the different style of American
broadcasting. Sparkes set a precedent for successfully suing 5AD for wrongful dismissal.
86
[SPENCER, NORMAN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268734
Norman Spencer, one time program director for radio station 3DB, recalls his career in radio.
Spencer tells how his career started with 3KZ, until he got sacked for punching an announcer. He
talks about moving to 3DB for a brief period before his war service and upon his return staying
with the station for eighteen years. He worked his way up to program director and recalls the
success of his program ëThe Happy Gangí. Spencer discusses the personalities of the day and the
programs he worked on.
[SPRINGETT, JANN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 217177
Tape identification: Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle interviewing Jann Springett, radio
announcer, for Adelaide Radio Station 5DN from 1952-1984. Jann was a ësocial editoressí presenting shows of music and chat. (00:11:52)
[STAFFORD, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY. PT 1 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 217480
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle interviews John Stafford, Adelaide Radio Station 5DN
announcer and assistant to the manager from 1951-1956. (00:46:19)
[STAFFORD, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY. PT 2 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 218118
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle interviews John Stafford, Adelaide Radio Station 5DN
announcer and assistant to the manager from 1951-1956. (00:34:50)
[STARR, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225763
In this interview John Starr talks about his early years and how he started in radio. He also
discusses many of the problems within the ABC both present and past.
[STAY, THELMA : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307637
Worked as an announcer with 4BU from 1949-1966. Worked on ëThe Hospital Showí, ëForum
of the Airí. Memories of monthly ëLive Hallí show, showgrounds live broadcasts, and
predecessors Sylvia Brown, Allison Black, Wilga Walton.
[STEINBECK, MURIEL : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 458480
Muriel Steinbeck, Australian stage, radio, film and television actor, interview.
87
[STEPHENS, E.G : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214891
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle talking to Mr E.G. ("Titch") Stephens at St Lawrence's
Home Grange on Easter Day, 1984. Mr Stephens, in his capacity as Science Master at Scotch
College (1920s), encouraged Ern J. Hume, a boarder at Scotch College and the eldest of the
Hume sons, to set up a broadcast station. They attended broadcasting lectures together. Mr E.
Hume Snr. gave the school a wireless receiving set. This is widely accepted as the beginning
of the first radio broadcasting station in Australia: Radio 5DN Adelaide. At the time of
recording, Mr Stephens was aged 92. (00:06:12)
[STEVENS, A.K.G. : INTERVIEWED BY BRUCE ASMUS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 237208
Kieth Stevens recalls his career with radio 2GB. He was in the Accounts Department during the
1930s. He entered the Armed Services in World War Two: he mentions his capture and
subsequent imprisonment in Changi POW camp. Stevens returned to Australia after the War and
became Sales Manager at 2GB. He mentions working with Grace Gibson in the Transcription
Department, and also his work at 3AW in Melbourne. Stevens names many people that he came
into contact with during those years, and describes conditions in broadcasting in the early
days. He also gives examples of the cost of radio advertising in the early days; the cost to the
client; and the advent and change that took place when ratings became a measure of a station's
success. Although a number of on-air personnel are mentioned, the interview is mainly slanted to
the Sales Department, and the inter-relationship with other people on staff.
[STEVENS, BERYL : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303622
[STEVENSON, MURRAY : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273455
Murray Stevenson, engineer, discusses his pioneering involvement in Australian radio.
Stevenson recalls how he worked in his father's electrical shop where one of Australia's first
transmitters was set up in the years following WWI. In 1925 this became 2UE and they also
received a licence for their other frequency 2BL. Stevenson did not get involved in the
production side of radio, as he was purely interested in the engineering side. He talks about his
many broadcasting innovations and initiatives. Towards the end of the interview Stevenson
talks about his involvement with television and microwave transmission in Australia. (01:30:21)
[STEVENSON, MURRAY : INTERVIEWED BY RAY BEATTIE AND ANN BAYLIS :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 223795
Murray Stevenson recalls technical and other aspects from the early days of radio and television
in Australia.
88
[STONE, NORMAN : INTERVIEWED BY GWEN D'EMDEN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304905
Stone, radio technician, talks about his career in commercial radio. He recalls his cousin had a
crystal set which gave him an early interest and fascination with the 'wireless'. Stone recounts
being offered a job at 7HT in Tasmania and his involvement in setting up the studios at that
station. Colleagues, at that time, included Rex Waldron, Mary McCann, Wally Elliott, Bill
Nicholas and Bob Brundle. Stone left 7HT in 1962 and joined ABC television in Tasmania.
(01:00:02)
[STONE, PEGGY : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307809
Peggy Stone (Waddell) started in Record Library at 3AW before becoming John Master's
secretary, mentor and close friend from 1947 - 1948. When John left 3AW, she left soon after she worked in a book shop before going to ABC Program Department and then she married.
Most of the interview is spent reminiscing about John Masters and his style, both on and off air,
and his programs: ëTalk of the Hour of Charmí, ëChoice of the Peopleí, ëThe Lights of Londoní.
[STOREY, TWINK : INTERVIEWED BY BILL BARRINGTON. PT 1 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 287683
Twink Storey discusses her association with radio broadcasting, and mentions her late husband
Jim Storey, long time manager of 2HD Newcastle. She describes when he reopened the station
when the ALP acquired the licence after WW2. She mentions long term employees of the
station. (00:08:35)
[STOREY, TWINK : INTERVIEWED BY BILL BARRINGTON. PT 2 : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 287685
Twink Storey, broadcaster, discusses her association with radio broadcasting, and mentions her
late husband Jim Storey, long time manager of 2HD Newcastle. She describes when he reopened
the station when the ALP acquired the licence after WW2. She mentions long term employees of
the station. (00:30:40)
[STOTT, DORIS : INTERVIEWED BY BRYCE RADFORD : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 226327
This interview outlines Doris Stott's life before and during her employment as a telephonist with
the ABC and some of the people she encountered. She gives her views on radio, in particular the
ABC and some of the announcers and their pronunciations. She also relates some of the fun
times she had whilst working in the industry.
[STRONG, ROLAND : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268745
Roland Strong, radio actor and newsreader, recalls his career in radio. Strong tells how he started
his career by entering a radio drama competition with Dorothy Crawford and how this lead to
being a radio announcer for breakfast and comedy programmes and freelance radio acting for the
ABC. Strong recalls the freelance actors he worked with and the programmes of the day.
89
[STUCKEY, HUGH : INTERVIEWED BY ALBERT MORAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 271485
Stuckey, radio and television writer, discusses his work.
[SULLIVAN, RON : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191355
Ron Sullivan, radio producer and program coordinator, talks about radio drama, programming
and advertising and his involvement from 1932 on Melbourne and Adelaide radio. He discusses
his first association with radio, the beginning of Australian radio drama, Adelaide drama
production, US transcription imports, programme balance, competition between ABC and
commercial radio, sponsor influence in programming, state differences in advertising and
programming, network influence over individual stations, his own career progression,
radio serial costs, radio advertising techniques and the effect of war on advertising. (01:05:00)
[SULLIVAN, RON : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 214896
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle speaking to Ron Sullivan. Recorded at 5DN in March 1984.
Interview begins: Ron Sullivan was an announcer and producer with Adelaide Radio Station
5DN from 1936-1942. Ron reflects on the role of radio. (00:46:02)
[SULLIVAN, WALTER : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191347
Walter Sullivan, actor, talks about radio drama and his involvement from the 1930s. He
discusses his first association with radio, social life for its actors, the status of women, Actors
Equity, his preferred radio drama production houses, radio acting failures, US script imports,
radio's star system, listening audience perception, the move from radio into television drama,
radio vs television acting standards, the possibility of a radio drama revival, career regrets and
his involvement in writing radio serials. (01:13:00)
[SULLIVAN, WALTER : INTERVIEWED BY LEICESTER WARBURTON : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 308688
Sullivan, radio actor talks about his career as a radio, television and stage actor.
[SWANSON, NOEL : INTERVIEWED BY KEN BRENTNALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277759
Noel Swanson, panel operator, discusses his career in Australian Commercial Radio. He
mentions many of the people he worked with including, Bert Button, Benny Coombs, Stan
Clarke, Kevin Freeman, Pat Kennedy, Max Aronsten and many others. (00:59:04)
[SWEENEY, JIM : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307649
Jim Sweeney talks about his career in radio, which began in the early 1950s. Jim worked in radio
until the 1970s when he had a television job at channel 7 as well. He worked as a station
manager during the 1970s. In the 1980s he was an announcer on ABC and worked on local TV
until 1990 as a producer/presenter.
90
[TAPP, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308925
Tapp, horse racing broadcaster talks about his career as a race caller on radio and television. He
also mentions his career as a boxing commentator.
[TAPP, WARREN : INTERVIEWED BY GRAY CLARK : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306927
Warren Tapp talks about his career in radio. He compares the changes in radio with reference to
on-air sounds, formats and networks. He describes an incident with inside start discs.
[TAYLOR, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307879
John Taylor began his radio career as a trainee engineer in 1947. He went on to become an
announcer. He describes the stations he worked for and recalls many of the programs and duties.
He resigned in 1973 due to ill health.
[TAYLOR, RALPH : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 307636
Ralph Taylor, radio announcer and later sales person in the early 1950s, offers a tribute to Mac
(Noel McCormack). Speaks about station community involvement, country shows, radio serials,
advertisers. Memories of Chad Morgan (ëAustralian Amateur Hourí), Thelma Stay, Mac, Syd
Abrahams, Hunter Matthews, Bruce Short and Jack Davey.
[TAYLOR, RALPH : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306766
Ralph Taylor speaks about his career in commercial radio broadcasting in Queensland and later
in Canberra. He mentions the stations he worked for including 4BK, 4BH, 4KQ, 4AY, 4BU,
4NA and 4GG. His career spanned from the wireless of the 1930s to FM radio of the 1990s.
[TEALE, LEONARD : INTERVIEWED BY KEL RICHARDS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 312467
Leonard Teale, actor and announcer, talks about his career in radio. He talks about his word on
shows such as ëThe Bunkhouse Showí and ëSupermaní. He discusses the special vocal
techniques required for acting on radio. The interview contains excerpts from the following radio
shows: ëThe Bunkhouse Showí, 'Superman' and the radio play 'If I Were King'. (00:43:50)
[THOMAS, MERV : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 217230
Cassette1 (Side A): Tape identification: Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle interviews
Merv Thomas, long-time programme director of Adelaide Radio Station 5DN, member of the 25
year club, and radio transcription disc manager, in pre and post-war radio 5DN. Merv has spent
most of his working life at 5DN. Merv discusses pre and post war production history of Radio
Station 5DN. Memories of ëThe Lutheran Hourí, a long-running programme for National
transmission. (00:46:28)
Cassette 1 (Side B): Outside broadcasts: Merv talks about radio coverage of car races. He
describes the technical setup linking the racetrack with the studio. One of the regular outside
broadcasts that 5DN did was with the Gas company. (00:46:20)
91
Cassette 2 (Side A): Advertising - originally the ads were spoken live, then presented on disc,
finally being recorded on reel to reel, and then pre-recorded on cassette
Cassette 2 (Side B): Blank
General notes: Merv Thomas assisted Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle in her compilation of
the Radio Station 5DN archives. -- Transcript available at ScreenSound Australia. -- 5DN,
Adelaide, SA.
[THOMAS, MERVYN : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191353
Mervyn Thomas, program director, talks about radio drama and programming at 5DN. He
discusses his first involvement in radio, work conditions and pay, Actors Equity in Adelaide,
5DN and the Macquarie Network, radio acting opportunities in Adelaide, program selection
criteria, use of US programs, head of transcript department duties, competition between radio
stations, children's programs, the effect of television on programs, job satisfaction, social life,
talk back radio, the program selection process, finances of broadcasting stations, studio working
conditions and advertiser agency influence on programming. (01:04:00)
[THOMPSON, EDITH : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225425
Edith Thompson (nee Edith Pearn) begins this interview talking about her childhood in Tasmania
and how she decided whilst in school to pursue a career in radio, eventually gaining a job with
7BU at the age of nineteen. She discusses her first job on 7BU, which was to read her audition
script on air, it was an appeal for the Red Cross. Edith goes on to talk about her various jobs and
some of the people involved, including interviews she conducted, relating relevant stories. She
tells about arriving with her family in Canberra in October 1969 and her impressions. She gained
a job in the ABC in 1970 on the arts program ëSpotlightí. Edith finishes the interview talking
about the high quality of the arts in Canberra as compared to the low level of recognition.
[THOMPSON, GEOFF : INTERVIEWED BY CHRIS LONG : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 297530
Geoff Thompson, amateur radio broadcaster, journalist and film producer, discusses his early
interest in radio. He reveals the beginnings of his career as a copy boy with the Herald, where he
later wrote an article called ëWireless for Girlsí. This led to a position as a journalist with the
Listener In, a Herald publication. Thompson goes on to discuss his involvement in
film production with the Australian Sound Films Company during the 1930s.
[THOMSON, NEIL : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272413
Neil Thomson, radio announcer, recalls his career in radio. Thomson recalls how he first started
in radio, after attending the Vincent School of Broadcasting, he won his first announcing job at
Grafton, where he also specialised in outside broadcasts. Thomson talks about his subsequent
positions at 3GL, 3NE, 3BA, 3KZ, 3UZ and his role as news editor and being in charge of
ëCarols by Candlelightí. (00:30:06)
[THORPE, ANDY : INTERVIEWED BY ALEC MACASKILL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 319523
Andy Thorpe, radio presenter since the 1960s, talks about her work with 5AD and 5DN, with
Brian White in Sydney and her recent travel segments broadcast on ABC radio.
92
[TILEY, ROD : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 304926
Rod Tiley, radio broadcaster, talks about his career in commercial radio; he discusses joining
4BH, 4IP, 4MMM, 4BK, B105FM, 2MW, and 4AM. (00:50:30)
[TINGWELL, CHARLES : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268712
Charles ëBudí Tingwell recalls his career in radio that started as a schoolboy when he had a
leading role in a radio serial with Jack Davey. Tingwell talks about the radio shows he was
involved in, including ëHeart of the Territoryí ëHarp in the Southí and ëEllery Queení. He also
recalls his days as Australia's youngest radio announcer and as director of the radio serial
ëAmazing Mr Maloneí. Tingwell discusses technical aspects of live to air radio, American drama
and the many actors and directors that he worked with.
[TOCCHINI, DES : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 307628
Des Tocchini, announcer with 4BU from 1949-1953, speaks of personalities: Neville Pellett, Bill
Brown, Thelma Stay, and the ëPeterís Pen Pals Clubí live shows.
[TOOHEY, ALLAN : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458183
Allan Toohey, Australian radio announcer known as ëOld Smoothieí on Sydney Radio in the
1940s to the 60s, interview.
[TREMAIN, ROD : INTERVIEWED BY LEICESTER WARBURTON : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 294457
Rod Tremain, radio sales executive, recollects his first job as office boy at 2UW Sydney. He
describes a brief stint as an announcer and panel operater with 2UW before moving to 2GB
Sydney to help produce radio serials. Tremain worked for 2XL Cooma, then returned to 2GB
becoming a successful sales executive. He recounts anecdotes about various radio personalities
such as John Laws, Ken Sparks and John Dunn.
[TREVOR, MARIE : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 270484
Marie Trevor, radio actress and director, discusses her radio career. Trevor recalls her start
presenting music programmes on the radio in Brisbane and during WWII was asked to join the
announcing staff. She tells how on holiday in Sydney she won the lead in ëWhen A Girl
Marriesí, a role which she played for 10 years and talks about her part in ëBlue Hillsí. She recalls
how she met her husband, fellow radio actor, Allan Trevor on the productions ëAnne of a
Thousand Daysí and ëThe Harp in the Southí. Trevor talks about working as an
Australian actress with the BBC. Upon her return home Trevor discusses her transition
to directing for Crawfords Productions and winning the Colin Bednall Award for services to the
industry. (01:12:28)
93
[TURNER, VERNON : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457987
Reverend Vernon Turner, founder of the Christian Broadcasting Association in 1953, interview.
[TURNER, VERNON : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308927
Reverend Vernon Turner, Managing Director of 2CBA-FM and Uniting Church Minister talks
about his career in broadcasting. He discusses the running of a religious radio station.
[VERTIGAN, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280280
John Vertigan, radio broadcaster, announcer, and disc jockey, began in radio at 7BU, age 8, in a
children's program, ëThe Sunpolishersí, as one of ëPeter's Palsí and later, as one of the
ëOvalteeniesí. Family migrated to Victoria and became office boy at 3GL after leaving school.
Helped with children's shows, the afternoon program playing serials and records. Went to 3UL,
Warrigal for over 5 years. Left to work on radio in Hobart for 3 years, then back to Victoria and
stayed at 3UZ for 15 years.
[VIBART, IAN : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 294497
Ian Vibart, sound recording engineer, begins with some advice to recording engineers and mixers
today, including treating an enhancement ëlike a fine painter adding light and shade to a
masterworkí. He then describes his first job as a junior technician at 2UE Sydney, working on
the Colgate-Palmolive shows. Vibart discusses the problems involved in recording orchestras
and variety programs. He worked for Video Films and Radio Productions Pty Ltd as a
sound mixer and camera assistant to Ross Woods.
[VINE, VALERIE : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN. 1993 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268925
Valerie Vine (Hawes), production manager, recalls her career in radio. She tells how she
graduated from business college at seventeen and found her first job at Grace Gibson
Productions. Grace Gibson made Vine her production manager a year later. Vine discusses her
work and life long friendship with Grace and provides detailed biographical information about
Grace and her business. Vine notes that Grace liked women in key positions in her company and
recalls the many radio programmes and actors that she worked with.
[VINE, VALERIE : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN. 1994 : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272071
Valerie Vine, production manager for Grace Gibson Productions, further discusses her career in
radio in this interview. In this interview Vine provides more information about her production
role and about the various shows she worked on. She recalls a dramatisation of a murder that
the police requested Grace Gibson to produce in their search for clues, her association with the
Sunday Telegraph's, ëCharlie Chuckle Club ëand the ëEllery Queen Mystery Magazineí.
(00:54:38)
94
[WADE, JOHNNY : INTERVIEWED BY PETER BURGIS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 220209
Peter Burgis interviews Johnny Wade about his life as a singer and musician.
[WADE, JOHNNY : INTERVIEWED BY PRUE HEMMING : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 287465
Amateur recording of Johnny Wade's reminiscences at ëCelia's Lunchíon the 9th August, 1984.
[WALDEN, MAL : INTERVIEW ED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272489
Mal Walden, radio announcer, recalls his career in radio. Walden recalls how he started at 3YB
Warrnambool in 1961 and moved on to several other radio stations including 7EX, 7LA and
3DB. Walden recalls his transition into television news and his role in providing the first pictures
of Cyclone Tracy to Australian television. (00:23:49)
[WALKER, ALAN : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458020
Reverend Alan Walker, Christian minister and radio broadcaster, interview.
[WALKINGTON, RUSS : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306768
Russ Walkington speaks of his radio career from 1952. He mentions radio programs including
the ëHappy Go Lucky Hourí, ëRumpus Roomí, ëTeen Timeí and ëJunior Disc Jockeyí. He also
mentions many of the stations he worked at including: 2UE, 2KM (now 2MC), 5KA, 2CH,
2UW, 4AY, 4GG, 4BH and 4CRB community radio.
[WALSH, MIKE : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL HALDEMAN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 252459
Mike Walsh, broadcaster and announcer, discusses his radio career, beginning with his work for
Melbourne stations 3SR and 3XY (booked by the then sales manager, Alwyn Kurts). He later
became one of the 'Good Guys' on 2SM. He recalls his activities during the Beatles' tour of
Australia, then his TV appearances on Channel Ten and GTV-9. At the time of recording this
Oral History he owned the former Katoomba station 2KA, based in Penrith, NSW (This later
became an FM station known as ONE-FM.) Walsh subsequently sold the station in the late
1990s.
[WARBURTON, LEICESTER : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 253166
Leicester Warburton, broadcaster and journalist, talks about his career on radio. After doing a
small amount of work for 2UE, he became publicity manager for 2GB. Jack Davey , ëthe greatest
single talent ever in Australian radioí is discussed in detail. Warburton later had his own radio
show, ëThe Radio Ramblerí. He wrote advertisements c1960. Other personalities discussed
include Eric Baume and John Laws.
95
[WARD, MARY : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268116
Mary Ward recalls her radio career, that started as a freelance radio actress in Perth in the 1930s.
During World War II she became one of the first female announcers on the ABC and worked for
Radio Australia for many years as 'The Forces Sweetheart'. Ward worked for Crawford
Productions in their early days and recalls many of the shows and personalities of the time. She
also acted for many years on popular radio shows in the United Kingdom.
[WARD, STRATFORD : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 308929
Stratford Ward, radio station managing director, talks about his career in broadcasting. He talks
about his start in radio and his career as an announcer. He talks about managing 2NZ in Inverell
and 2GZ in Orange.
[WATERS, REVEREND KYLE AND MENZ, MORTON : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY
FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 213316
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle interviews Morton Menz and the Reverend Kyle Waters
together. References are made to the ëKipling Boys Clubí, an entertainment troupe. (01:09:20)
[WATTS, JOHN K : INTERVIEWED BY EARL REEVE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 303667
[WEBB, DAN : INTERVIEWED BY BOB HORSFALL : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 272414
Dan Webb, announcer, discusses his career in radio. Webb recalls how he tried to break into
radio journalism after serving in the Air Force during WWII and secured a job with the ABC in
Darwin. He soon moved to a scriptwriting position with Radio Australia and then won his longterm job as an announcer with 3DB. (00:27:20)
[WEBBER, BRUCE : INTERVIEWED BY NANCYE BRIDGES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 220077
Bruce Webber, announcer and features presenter, recalls his work for the ABC. He talks about
being a news reader at the time of the fall of Singapore and was called into the studio early in the
morning of 7 December, 1941 to read bulletins when Pearl Harbour was attacked by the
Japanese. Recalls his time, with the ABC at the end of the war as a sporting commentator,
announcer. As an outside broadcaster he covered such events as royal tours (the Queen's
first tour of Australia in 1954) and the funerals of Prime Ministers William Morris Hughes and J
B Chifley. He discusses in detail his association with Mike Connors and an anecdote about Jack
Davey. Following the oral history interview Babe Bridges recalls a humorous anecdote of Bruce
Webber's about a royal visit to Katoomba for which he was commentator and she repeats the
Jack Davey anecdote.
96
[WEBSTER, BRUCE : INTERVIEWED BY TERRY COLHOUN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 225463
Bruce Webster talks about growing up in Melbourne, being born there in 1927. He discusses
going to school and his interest in broadcasting. Bruce then tells how he came to enlist for World
War II, he wasn't called up. He then talks about becoming a Despatch Assistant in the ABC's
Melbourne office and how this position helped in his rise to becoming a radio
announcer, including stories about some former colleagues from this period. Next he talks about
meeting his wife whilst working in Hobart and how he came to work for the BBC Bruce also
tells about some of the jobs he gained, working on various Olympic and Commonwealth games
and a Royal Tour. He talks about returning to Sydney in 1959 and his various jobs in radio and
about some of the interviews he conducted for television. Bruce discusses a job he gained as
Senior Press Representative with Qantas and the problems it caused him at the ABC He tells
many stories about people he met whilst overseas and relates relevant stories. Bruce talks next
about returning to radio in Australia and his biggest assignment of his career, a television
coverage of the launch of Apollo 7. He tells about joining the Liberal Party, winning preselection and about life as a politician up until his resignation. Finally Bruce talks more about
working in radio and finishes the interview discussing the standard of the ABCs broadcasting
and the idea of it accepting ëjoint-venturingí and ëpartnershipsí to cover the cost of
major programs.
[WEINGOTT, OWEN : INTERVIEWED BY NIGEL GILES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 467457
Owen Weingott, actor, discusses his career in Australian television, radio and stage with Nigel
Giles. (08:00:00)
[WELCH, MELODY : 4BU 60TH ANNIVERSARY : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN :
ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307642
Melody Welch worked as a record librarian with 4BU during the 1950s. Speaks of personalities
such as Thelma Stay, Des Mahon, Bill Gates, David Hawkes, Bruce Short, Ralph Taylor, Hunter
Matthews. Talks of serials, on air shift, and her move to 4BH and later Channel 9 as newsreader.
[WENBAN, RON : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458381
Ron Wenban, ABC radio sound effects officer and panel operator, interview.
[WEST, MORRIS : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 252972
Morris West, author and radio producer, discusses his radio career. After writing his first novel
in 1942, he became publicity officer for 3DB. Around 1945, he started the ARP production
company, which recorded several plays and serials. He briefly discusses his activities as a
novelist after leaving radio in 1955, and finishes by saying that he has now retired from writing.
97
[WESTMORE, JOY : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307920
Joy Westmore (Grissold) first performed on radio at the age of three when she was invited to
sing on the ëC and G Minstrelí by Charlie Vaude (who lived across the road from her parents).
Her teacher, Elsie Holyoak, also encourageD her to do a childrens show at 3BD with Lexie
Dunstan. At 16 or 17, she went on ëChristies Radio Auditionsí - which she won. Later, she was
called up by Clemenger Advertising Agency to be the ëMiss Patolaneí commercial reader on
Sunday evenings. This job continued for four years, and she performed in ëAustralia's Amateur
Hourí (got to the 1956 finals) and was a finalist in the ëP and A Paradeí before she went to work
for Roly Barlee at ARP in the production office. Joy left the company (and radio) two years later
to pursue a career in theatre.
[WHITCOMB, DAVE : INTERVIEWER UNKNOWN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 307029
Dave Whitcomb describes his early days in radio. He mentions the technology involved from
powering the transmitter to studio arrangements with turntables and wire recorders. He recalls
the serials and feature programs on radio which were changed in 1956 with the advent of
television in NSW in 1956. He talks about Bob Dyer's successful changeover to TV and of Jack
Davey's failure.
[WHITE, BRIAN : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458200
Brian White, radio news reporter and journalist, interview.
[WHITE, JIMMY : INTERVIEWED BY RALPH TAYLOR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306801
Jimmy White speaks of his first radio role models, including Andy Stevens, Noel Horn and Allen
Brandt. He describes the development of his career and reflects upon technological change
during the 60s and 70s.
[WHITEMAN, JOY : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 260088
Joyce Whiteman (Stelzer) recalls her radio career. Joyce's parents worked in radio and her
mother, Mrs W.J. Stelzer, started 2GB's Happiness Club to raise money to build retirement
villages, the club had a membership of 30,000. Joyce started at 2GB with a junior position in the
music library and moved onto 'Uncle George's Music Parlour', a radio show for children. Joyce
worked on the 2GB switchboard in 1932 until the 1960s. Joyce recalls broadcasters Jack Davey,
Eric Baume, John Pearce and Charles Cousins.
[WHITEMAN, JOYCE : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 260088
Joyce Whiteman (Stelzer) recalls her radio career. Joyce's parents worked in radio and her
mother, Mrs W.J. Stelzer, started 2GB's Happiness Club to raise money to build retirement
villages, the club had a membership of 30,000. Joyce started at 2GB with a junior position in the
music library and moved onto 'Uncle George's Music Parlour', a radio show for children. Joyce
worked on the 2GB switchboard in 1932 until the 1960s. Joyce recalls broadcasters Jack Davey,
Eric Baume, John Pearce and Charles Cousins.
98
[WILLIAMSON, MIKE : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280279
Mike Williamson, radio actor, sports broadcaster (Australian Rules) and announcer. Began at
Vincent School of Broadcasting and then did radio plays at 3DB and 3XY. Began announcing at
3AK, then at 3AW. Currently working on a series of the history of football and a football
museum.
[WILLING, JUDY : INTERVIEWED BY MONTY MAIZELS : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280273
Judy Willing (Gould) wanted a stage career as a child, but father disapproved. Family had no
radio, but she began radio drama at age 15 and was soon on 3BO. Did work on 3TR and
programming at 3UZ during World War 2. Broadcast of women's issues and women's sports at
3AW. Stayed at 3AW from 1940 to 1950, married 1951 and moved to Tasmania to raise a
family. Returned to mainland, 1958 and started in TV at GTV9 and ABV2. Talks about
broadcasting friends and associates, through out.
[WILLSHIRE, THORA : INTERVIEWED BY NANCY FLANNERY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 217265
Nancy (Flannery) Robinson-Whittle speaks with Ms Thora (Billie) Willshire, recorded at the
home of Billie Willshire in Daw Park, Adelaide in April 1984. Ms Willshire contacted Nancy
Robinson Whittle after Nancy's article appeared in The Advertiser, to clarify the date of the
first broadcast. Billie was a singer in the opening broadcast with a group of others. (00:47:18)
[WING, ELIZABETH : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280266
Elizabeth Wing, radio actress, announcer and commentator, began at 3DB, joined the AWAS
during WWII and did occasional ëThe March of Timeí episodes. Returned to 3DB and was part
of several drama serials, as well as doing plays at 3KZ, commentary at AWA and ABC. Was
overseas in England, 1954-56.
[WITCOMBE, ELEANOR : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191352
Eleanor Witcombe, playwright, talks about radio drama and her involvement as scriptwriter for
ABC and commercial radio. She covers her first association with radio, Actors Equity, the
beginning of the Writers Guild, job security and pay rates for radio scriptwriters, writing
techniques, radio vs television scriptwriting, writing women characters and radio serials, serial
development from idea to production, sponsor influence, ABC vs BBC vs commercial
radio script standards, her preferred subject matter for scripts, her career difficulties, US script
imports, her involvement with the Writers Guild, listening audience, writers' social life and their
relationship with actors and her preferred production houses. (01:47:00)
99
[WITCOMBE, ELEANOR : INTERVIEWED BY STUART GLOVER : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 367326
Interview covers her life and career as an author, dramatist and adaptor for stage, radio, screen
and television. (01:45:00)
[WOODLAND, VAL : INTERVIEWED BY CEC WOODLAND : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 306803
Val Woodland's career is described by Cec Woodland. His career in broadcasting which began in
1926 at ABC/4QG Brisbane is described. He mentions early cricket broadcasts, crystal sets and
the studio piano. He mentions the arrival of Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith in 1930 and an
interview with Peter Dawson. He describes the restrictions brought about by World War Two.
He retired from radio in 1947. Cec Woodland (son of Val) describes his career in radio from the
1950s to 1990s. He mentions significant events during his career including the 1956 Melbourne
Olympic Games.
[WORKMAN, JAMES : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458185
James Workman, actor, radio and television scriptwriter, interview.
[WORKMAN, JAMES : INTERVIEWED BY STUART GLOVER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 374406
James Workman, born 2nd February 1902, follows his career as writer of paperbacks, radio
serials and television and as President of the Australian Writers Guild.
[WORTHY, JOHN : INTERVIEWED BY DENZIL HOWSON : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 280264
John Worthy began as office boy at 3AW, then goes to 3KZ, became an announcer at 3YB,
where he was the youngest announcer in Australia. He became ëThe Voice of the Nightí at 3AK.
He joins 3AK and establishes ëNews-Beatí before returning to 3AW. He enters TV at AMV4
(Albury) as a newsreader. Following this, he worked at 3DB, GLV (Taralgon), produced
overseas news documentaries, then to SBS News.
[WRIGHT, ERIC : INTERVIEWED BY LEON BECKER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 273538
Eric Wright, announcer, discusses his career in radio. Wright tells how he decided to become an
actor after travelling to England in 1934. He won a job at 2UE doing the night shift but was soon
to join the army during WWII, where he spent one and a half years doing a weekly show called
Army on Parade. He returned to 2UE and also worked at 2SM, 2KY and 2UW over the years.
Wright talks about the successful radio school that he ran. (01:22:23)
100
[WRIGHT, LEW : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 457841
Lew Wright, colleague of Australian radio and television presenter and personality, Jack Davey,
interview.
[WRIGHT, MILES : INTERVIEWED BY DIANA COMBE : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 191349
Miles Wright, radio drama producer/actor/director, journalist, and program manager. Associate
editor of ëRadio Recordí talks about radio drama. He discusses his first involvement in
Australian and New Zealand radio drama, the use of Australian and American radio scripts, the
effect of 'dumping' Australian radio serials, freelance acting and writing in Australian production
houses, duties of the program manager, children's programs, economics of radio drama, decline
in the use of radio serials, perception of the listening audience, the US influence on Australian
radio, sponsorship and casting of radio serials, the status of women, and the social responsibility
of producing radio serials. (01:19:34)
[WRITER, RUSSELL : INTERVIEWED BY PHIL CHARLEY : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 277814
Russell Writer, panel operator and serial writer, talks about his career in radio. He talks about his
early days in the industry as a panel operator. He mentions many of the people he worked with
including Jack Davey, George Wallace, Harry Dearth, E. Mason Wood, Walter Pym, Noel Judd,
Keith Walsh, Ross Higgins, Joy Nicholls, Charles Cousins, Richard Gaze, John Pearce, Clark
Mackay, John Hudson, Eric Parrant, Athol Coates, Keith Eadie and others. He describes how
he wrote an episode for ëGunsmokeí, and later writing the final 150 episodes. He also wrote
episodes of ëTarzaní, ëHop Harriganí, ëStrongladí, ëTime is the Catcherí, ëRiver of Destinyí.
(01:14:14)
[YELDHAM, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY JACQUELINE KENT : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 458117
Peter Yeldham, Australian radio and television scriptwriter, interview.
[YELDHAM, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY PAUL DAVIES : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 323575
Peter Yeldham talks about his early career in radio. He recalls his early days as a writer in
England. Peter mentions writing scripts for film and television in Australia. Television shows
discussed include ëGolden Soakí, ëSporting Chanceí, ëThe Timeless Landí. Films mentioned
include ëThe Liquidatorí.
General note:: An edited version of this interview appears in 'Cinema Papers' Issue 27, JuneJuly 1980, p177.
[YELDHAM, PETER : INTERVIEWED BY SUSAN LEVER : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 383816
101
[YOULDEN-CONNOR, JOY : INTERVIEWED BY BEVERLEY DUNN : ORAL
HISTORY]
Record No. - 307922
Joy Youlden-Connor started in radio at 17, when she filled in for an actor who did not turn up.
She was at 3AW waiting to have lunch with Virginia Uren (one of 3AW's first female
presenters) and Joy was asked to fill in (as she had been acting in the theatre since she was
child). She then continued to act in radio and theatre whilst attending University. During this
time she played the character ëCandy Peelí in the radio series ëOffice Wifeí. Of her later career
in radio (and the theatre), Joy recalls various anecdotes of John Hickling, Donovan Joyce, Louie
Dunn (her teacher), Mary Ward, and of her time with the ABC when she did a few early
episodes of ëBlue Hillsí and the producers there like John Cairns, Walter Pymm. She used a few
aliases in her career - Joy King, Joy Burns amongst a few - as she did moonlighting. Joy also
talks of Joy and George Nichols, Kitty and Gus Bluett, Viola Tait, Fifi Banvard, Lily Moore and
Joy's time with ëStepmotherí. In 1956/57, Joy began a two year contract with Channel (HSV) 7,
where she devised, produced and directed the one hour variety show ëBandwagoní. She talks of
the early days at the station, and its lack of facilities. Joy also briefly touches on the comparison
of radio and television presenters of the past with those of the present.
[YOUNG, JACK : INTERVIEWED BY CHRIS KERR : ORAL HISTORY]
Record No. - 268100
Jack Young, founder of 3YB Warrnambool, speaks on his career in radio. He tells that 3YB was
Australia's first mobile radio station as he wanted to take radio to outback Victoria. The station
first broadcast from trucks and then was donated the Duke of York's royal train carriage. Young
talks of the technical problems of the mobile station and setting 3YB up at its permanent location
in Warrnambool. (00:15:10)
102

Oral history: sound recordings: radio

Transcription

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