Talkback has something for everyone. Listeners relish hearing themselves (and people like them) on the radio. Politicians appreciate direct access to voters, while high-profile presenters bask in the attention. However, it wasn't always a radio staple; for years, it was illegal. In Episode Four of Who Listens to the Radio?, radio legends Wendy Harmer and Dr. Sally Cockburn (AKA Dr. Feelgood) delve into talkback's fascinating role – a space for venting, advice, creating connections among friends, lovers, neighbours, and strangers alike – and a vital tool in shaping public discourse.

Who Listens to the Radio? was produced by Audiocraft for the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia.

Narrated by Patrick McIntyre, with guests Wendy Harmer, Sally Cockburn, Bonnie Leigh-Dodds, Tom Hogan, our science correspondent Andy Trieu, and our NFSA Curators Chris Arneil and Amy Butterfield.

Credits:

‘AWA Carnaby Group Advertisement’ courtesy of Amalgamated Wireless Australasia Pty Ltd

‘Beatles Arrival Essendon Airport 1964’ courtesy of RSN Racing & Sport

‘Take 40 Australia’ courtesy of Southern Cross Austereo

‘Martin/Molloy – New National Anthem’ courtesy of Tony Martin and Mick Molloy

‘Who Listens to the Radio?’ theme music written by A. Pendlebury (Mushroom Music) and S. Cummings (Warner Chappell Pty Ltd) (APRA). Performed by The Substrates, and recorded at Schlam Studio Canberra with Jodie Boarder and Alexis Mallard (vocals), Danny Roberts and Gerard O’Niell (guitar), Andy Ryan (bass) and Glenn Elliott (drums). Recording and mixing by engineer Danny Roberts and arrangement by Andy Ryan and Alexis Mallard.

Writing and research by Patrick McIntyre, Kate Scott, Ute Junker, Stephanie Van Schilt and Caris Bizzaca.

Find Who Listens to the Radio? at the National Film and Sound Archive website, nfsa.gov.au/podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. This podcast is part of NFSA’s Radio 100 celebrations.

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