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COMMENTS
This is where you can provide feedback on Don’t Touch That Dial and aspects of the website. Feel free to ask questions and I'll do my best to provide answers when time permits.
To submit your comment, simply scroll down to the bottom of this page. You'll find a text box there.
This comments page shows that DTTD, and indeed the site itself, has been
well received from a wide ranging readership. My sincere thanks to all
who have bought the book, especially to those who provided the generous
lashings of feedback below.
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| Comment from David Hardwick |
| Posted 01 Mar 2008 |
I can now say I have completed reading your book I would like to say it was FANTACTIC I fully enjoyed it.
I would like to thank you personally for the time and effort you put into compiling this magnificent collection of the history of radio across Australia in a time that will never be repeated. These years were precious with Top 40 and good old rock n’ roll music along with fantastic personalities on radio that we will always remember.
Once again thank you. Regards, David.
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| Comment from Chris Johnson |
| Posted 18 Jan 2008 |
Wow! This website's been a wonderful find and I'm out to get your book this weekend. Love the pix and comments - can't believe the number of names from the past.
What a fabulous industry radio is. I can't grasp the stories documenting its demise - nor comprehend sitting in a car without someone on radio TALKING TO ME!!! It's so personal...too intimate to lose.
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| Comment from Mark Hughes |
| Posted 15 Jan 2008 |
| I was saddend to hear of the passing of Jim Angel, as a young guy listening to 2SM, it was Jim who gave me an interest in the news,not so much the news, but Jim's voice, I can still hear his voice in my head as if it never went away. RIP Jim,you made a difference. |
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| Comment from David Hardwick |
| Posted 09 Jan 2008 |
Wayne, I am writing to say thank you for such total enjoyment with your book. I am really thrilled with this - a Christmas present from my wife.
Back in the late '50s and the '60s this was me. I was as a teenage fully switched onto radio, actually back then I knew the Top 40 backwards plus all the disc jockeys on Sydney radio. To me this WAS Radio.
Unfortunately, in my opinion today, Radio has lost the personalities, also the music has changed. Here in Brisbane I listen to 4BC and 4KQ when living in Perth I listened to 6PR and 6IX. In Sydney it was a range of stations in the '60s: 2SM, 2UW, 2UE, 2GB. Once again thank you.
Regards, David. |
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| Comment from John Graska |
| Posted 06 Jan 2008 |
Hi Wayne, your piece on the passing of Jimmy angel was excellent. I was saddened and very much shocked to hear the news. Jim's authoritive voice never seemed to change and I just assumed that it would go on and on informing (and entertaining) us for years to come whether it be on commercial or community Radio.
I met Jim several times at the old Journalists Club at Central when I was 18 years old. I was a student at Max Rowley's Radio School and it was 1972. After our class we used to go to the "Journo's" for a few beers. After the formalities of borrowing a necktie from reception and signing-in we proceeded to the bar. As I was a bit of a 2SM "groupie" at the time, speaking to Jim Angel at the "Journo's", who was part of the 2SM team, left me in awe, and I couldn't wait to tell my friends at school the next day.
Whenever I saw Jim there, he appeared to be the life of the party, and would always say hello. Since then over the years he has been part of the household, just like Brian Henderson was for the TV News.
I'm sure Jim's family, as well as all of us close to the Sydney Radio industry agree, we've been robbed too early of a nice guy who was a true professional (minus the ego) who had many many more years to give. |
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| Comment from Jamie Sims |
| Posted 05 Jan 2008 |
As a former 2SM junkie during my teenage years Jim Angel's voice (with the echo of course!) was, as you say, probably more familiar than some of the jocks. "Sydney's weather ahead of More Music with... " was probably the one phrase on radio I will never forget. Nobody read the news quite like Jimmy, and I was sad to hear of his passing.
Your collection of audio of Jim is absolute gold. Thank you for producing it. |
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| Comment from MAC |
| Posted 03 Jan 2008 |
Following is a report I wrote for www.radioinfo.com.au after the funeral service of Jim Angel. I’ve decided to reproduce it here for the interest of visitors who may not be able to access the Radioinfo site. And while I’m at it, thanks to Graham, Yvonne, Jason, Richard, Ian and Chris for your postings about Jim. I’ll pass these on to his family.
Popular radio broadcaster Jim Angel attended mass at St Michael's Catholic Church in Mittagong on Christmas Eve. Earlier that day he signed off from the breakfast show on 107.1 Highland FM wishing listeners well for the holiday break ahead, a break that he and his family also planned to enjoy. However, these were his last public appearances. Late on Christmas Eve Jim suffered a massive stroke and passed away within hours. So suddenly and unexpected, one of the most distinctive voices ever to grace the Australian airwave was silenced.
Jim's lengthy broadcasting career took him though a remarkable 24 years in radio news at 2SM. His voice on the former pop music juggernaut was arguably more recognisable than some of the jocks who surrounded him. In 1988 it was over to 2UE where he appeared along side Alan Jones and John Laws. Jim ended his days in commercial radio in the early 2000s with Macquarie National News 2GB/2CH chalking up the claim of the longest serving newsreader on Sydney commercial radio.
But Jim could not stay away from the mic in retirement when he moved the Southern Highlands of NSW. Radio, after all, was in his blood. His father Don Angel was a former war correspondent and the founding News Director of Radio 2UE. As part of assimilating into his new life Jim signed on as a volunteer with 2WKT (Highland FM). Before long he was regularly back 'in the chair and on the air' much to the delight of the local community – many of whom had no doubt heard that razor sharp voice somewhere before.
On Wednesday 2 January 2008 Jim, a devout family man, returned to St Michaels to be farewelled. Hundreds of mourners packed the church with many others remaining in the grounds to hear the formal Catholic service piped outside though a PA system. Had the one-time voice of radio news been walking in the street alongside the church he might have said to himself, "Er, so what have got here. Looks like a crowd big enough to make news. I better phone this one into base". Fortunately others in attendance called it in. In doing so they showed deep respect to the memory of a fallen comrade. A report on the service led the midday bulletins on three of Jim's former stations: 2UE, 2GB and 2CH.
Among the formalities of the service came a number of brighter moments deflecting the obvious grief and sadness. The Eulogy was made in two parts; first by Jim's 18 year son David, himself a part-time broadcaster on Highland FM. David's father and grandfather would have been proud as Angel, the younger, gave a confident delivery of memories about 'the private' Jim: the father, the husband, the grandfather, the loyal friend. Add ‘teacher’ to that list, for it was Jim who guided David through his presentation work with the radio station and in a range of sporting activities.
The second part of the Eulogy, spoken with tremendous warmth and good humour by 2UE Program Director Greg Byrnes gave insight to Jim the radio man: behind the scenes. Greg recalled first meeting a track suit clad Jim in the 2UE men's room. The scene: Jim’s diminutive frame hovering over the hand basin while inhaling steam. He peered out from the towel draped over his head and in that unmistakable voice explained to Greg how it helped clear ‘the pipes’ before going on air. Another memory concerned Jim's uncomfortable relationship with technology. Greg recapped the time Jim spilt pea and ham soup into a tape bulk eraser. Sometime later the electronic device – once a staple in all radio stations – was seen smoking in the corner of the newsroom. A tech rushed in, opened it up, only to find more soup causing problems. There was Jim closely sipping his soup like nothing happened. He apparently turned to the grumbling tech and said incredulously, "I thought I wiped it all up".
Stories like these – so many of which Jim tended to be the butt of the joke – were recalled later during a Wake at the Hilltop Memorial Hall. At the urging of a former colleague I took over the stage in an attempt to bring others with me. I spent a moment addressing younger members of the audience as to why Jim's name is often heard in the same reverent tones alongside 2SM. It was brief history lesson pointing out the 2SM Jim was part of is a very different beast than it is today. Not a moment too soon I was rescued by Jason Morrison of 2GB who eloquently explained the notion of Jim being: ‘the newsreader's newsreader’ and how contemporary reporters can be inspired by his consistently of style and the discipline of approaching a bulletin, e.g. pre-reading out loud.
Former 2SM newsmen Lloyd Jones and Terry Mabb shared their memories, likewise Graham Moir, Manager of Highland FM and a number of speakers young and old from the private side of Jim's life. Each regaled the gathering with tales of their dear friend, mentor and workmate. Lloyd shed light on the origins of the now-famous "Winchester Cathedral" performances. Apparently Jim's earliest foray into 'vocalising under the influence' date back to the early/mid '70s at the Observer Hotel in Sydney’s Rocks. One night Jim saw a paddy wagon pull up outside and was so spooked he thought they’d come for him!
Jim's son-in-law Sean, spoke of his admiration for Jimmy with a hilarious tale of nervously asking for his daughter's hand in marriage only to be told by Jim, "yeah, yeah, mate – that's all fine, great, but what about a drink?" Shaun later confided in liking Jim so much, that he and his mates have Jim Angel ring-tones on their mobile phones. Just imagine the Nokia springing to life with: "Good morning it's 10 o'clock – I'm Jim Angel".
In a delightfully innocent moment, reminiscent of "Kid's Say the Darndest Things" Shaun was joined by his four year old daughter Emma who said shyly that she'll miss her Grandfather because was "such a chatterbox". Oh that he was.
It seems the predominant memory of Jim will be – apart from his often imitated but never replicated voice – of a likeable, easy-to-be-around character with a deep commitment to his profession, family and his faith. Jim was a no-frills bloke who got on with the job and did it in a way that others noticed even if he didn't.
Humble? For sure, as this story goes: he was at home listening to John Laws' final 2UE broadcast in November ’07. Just before signing off to retirement, Lawsie played a 15 minute tribute package of his long career. Among the highlights was the day Laws asked Jim to sing "Winchester Cathedral" complete with vocal refrain. Naturally Jim obliged. However, upon hearing this recording in the context of a farewell to Laws, Jimmy just sat and wept and said to wife Annette something like, "Well fancy that, John including ME in his last few minutes on air!" A more humble man among the big egos of radio you wouldn't meet. Just ask any of his former 2SM colleagues. They'll tell you that quite often it was Jim who nipped down the local sandwich bar in North Sydney to pick up the lunch orders for the news team.
For all the fun memories of Jim Angel it was noted in the speeches by friends that if Jim saw wrong he'd do what he could to right it. The case is point concerns the venue of the Wake. The hall needs restoration and was once under treat of demolition. Jim used his public profile, being elected President of the Friends of Hilltop War Memorials Committee and worked tirelessly in their endeavours and in several other capacities in his beloved community in the Southern Highlands.
There are a significant proportion of people in our business who have enjoyed much success in their particular sphere. Yet for all of them, precious few can be considered part of radio folklore due to either a professional contribution or the ‘Shenanigans’ they were part of. I think it's fair to say that Jim will be long-remembered on both counts; and always with a smile.
Jim Angel was 67 and is survived by wife Annette and son David. Daughter Sheridan is from his marriage to Maureen (dec). Granddaughters are Emma and Claire. Messages of condolence can be addressed to: The Angel family 9 Samuel St Hilltop NSW 2575
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| Comment from Graham Hasler |
| Posted 02 Jan 2008 |
| It was good to join the small contingent of former 2SM news guys who attended today's service for Jim Angel, (along with some 2UE and 2GB staff too.) From the many reminiscences shared, it's obvious he was the cause of many fun times, the victim of many practical jokes and the centre of classic stories that have now passed into radio folklore - but also genuinely loved by those of us who were able to work with him. I must also say that, having grown up listening to his voice, once I met 'Jim Angel!' I stopped trying to imagine what radio people looked like. (But like everything else that surrounded him, Jim would've been amused by that too!) |
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| Comment from Yvonne Butcher |
| Posted 02 Jan 2008 |
| I was surprised to hear of Jim Angel's death on Sydney radio today.
I'd lived in the Southern Highlands for 5 yrs until recently, and although I only met Jim early last year on opening day at the new shopping centre, I've known his wife for most of those 5 years.
He was the voice of the Highlands and if not already, he will be sadly missed by the community.
My condolances and best wishes to the Family.
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| Comment from JASON FROM BORONIA VICTORIA |
| Posted 30 Dec 2007 |
G'day Wayne,
Please pass on my sympathies to Jim Angel's family, friends and those who worked with him at 2CH, 2GB, 2SM & 2UE in Sydney. From what I've read Jim had iconic Status in Sydney Radio. Rest in peace Jim Angel, JB. |
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| Comment from Richard Saunders |
| Posted 29 Dec 2007 |
Hi Wayne.
Jim Angel: God rest him!
I learned with sorrow the death of Jim. I then downloaded several tracks featuring his newsreading voice from your 'Jingles' page. The 1972 track took me back to when I was a teenager living in Muswellbrook - 2NM was linked with 2SM then. As well to play it back - the news item concerning the 1972 Federal election - has provided a kind of perspective in certain matters. All the best, Richard Saunders. |
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| Comment from Eddie Moses (former 'Teen Time' and '6 O'Clock Rock' performer; made records for |
| Posted 28 Dec 2007 |
| Hi Wayne, you have done an absolultly supurb and untoppable piece of work here. Oh how the memories come flooding back! I remember when I released my 3rd single on HMV, "Plain Girl" with The Delltones, I heard it being played on the 2UE prediction lists by Angel. Pity the predictions were all wrong, of the 6 singles I released none of them made the top 40! By I'd love to congratulate you on this fine book and I am just about to order one of myself after reading my mates copy.
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year for 2008.
God Bless,
Eddie Moses |
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| Comment from IAN WRIGHT |
| Posted 26 Dec 2007 |
| Wayne, so sad to hear of the death of Jim Angel at the young age of 67. Looking back at the early comments on the launch of "Don't Touch That Dial", I note I made reference on January 21 '06 to you scoring Jim's talent to voice the news intro. of the book's launch.
As a young, radio junkie living in Cabramatta, Jim Angel reading the 2SM News 'in the echo chamber' is as fresh in my audio repository now as it sounded in 1963, the year I fell for radio as it was.
I believe my mum worked with his dad, Don, during the war and I had the pleasure of meeting Jim once, during his latter 2UE News days. A great guy and radio news man was Jim Angel and his presence will obviously be missed by his family & friends, including those millions of listeners who knew him, but never met him.
Regards,
IAN. Cruise1323 Adelaide. |
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| Comment from Chris McLenaghan |
| Posted 26 Dec 2007 |
| Wayne, I woke today to the very sad news of the sudden passing of Jim Angel. It was marvellous to hear Jim's "2SM News update" here on the release of your book a while back. I heard Jim on Highland FM in the NSW Southern Highlands earlier this year as well. The beauty of radio is that while the years pass by, the voice was still the same. We have lost two great 2SM voices this year, Jim and Frank Hyde. Two great people from the great days of "The Sacred Station". Regards, Chris McLenaghan. |
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| Comment from David Logan |
| Posted 25 Dec 2007 |
| Hey Wayne, I recieved your autographed book for christmas and was over the moon, many thanks. I was wondering if there are any jingles from 780/1480 2KA treasure trove of jingles. I spent around 4 1\2 years training there and would dearly love to hear them again, Thanking you kindly, David Logan |
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| Comment from Mike McDonald |
| Posted 20 Dec 2007 |
| Hi Wayne
I worked in radio in Canberra for 10 years some 10 years ago and had the pleasure of working with you for 2 months at 2CN.
I still have the radio buzz in my veins and my heart (everytime I am stressed I have the dream of 'dead air') and want to thank you for your efforts and rememberance of what we all feel of the industry.
BTW...where's Mobsy? |
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| Comment from Adrian Bradley |
| Posted 11 Dec 2007 |
Great site! I'd just like to mention my father, Geoff Bradley, who died in 1979 in Perth. Geoff was on 6PM, 6IX, 6KY, and before that with 4BK and 4BH.
I note your site has a couple of jingles from 4BH in the '60s. There was another Oz radio site a few years ago that has since disappeared that had Geoff's signature ident from '68 or '69, it was a take on The Beatles "Birthday" ..... 'Listen to Bradley'. If anyone knows where I can find this I will say nice things about them for a very long time.
Adrian
adrian@thirdperson.net.au |
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| Comment from John Tingle |
| Posted 01 Dec 2007 |
Hi Wayne, I've been meaning to order your book for about eighteen months, and have finally got around to it after misplacing the order form. I hope it's been a big success for you, mate.
I also watched the first episode of "Thanks for Listening" on the History Channel on Sunday night, and the thought came to me that your book is not only timely, but hugely collectable, because radio's not the same any more. Too many stations. Too many bean counters running them, and the syndicating and networking taking all the individuality out of it. So good on you! Regards, John. |
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| Comment from Steve Pritchard |
| Posted 01 Dec 2007 |
Attention ex 4MK people:
I would like to get in touch with following announcers for Private Research project:
*Reg Mowat [former 100.3 FM HOTFM Mackay Breakfast Announcer]
*Former Male and female breakfast announcers [98.7 SEA FM Mackay from 1999 – 2004]
*John Henry [former 1026AM/101.9FM 4MK Mackay Talkback Host]
*And the radio announcer or announcers [Announcer or announcers Names Unknown] who presented Breakfast on 1026AM 4MK Mackay either finishing in late 1996 or early 1997.
If you are any of the following people could you please email Steven Pritchard on 86stevo@tpg.com.au |
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| Comment from John Tingle |
| Posted 22 Nov 2007 |
| Gday mate. I just found the brochure/order form you gave me at the Talkback 40th anniversary lunch, so after all this time, I've got around to ordering the book. Looking forward to it, because all I hear about it is great. Shep originally alerted me to it.
Regards John |
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| Comment from CRAIG WHATLEY |
| Posted 27 Oct 2007 |
Would love to hear 2SM jingles from 1975/76 Summer Magic and 2UW 1977/78 We Love You Sydney promo. Never here 2SM from this period had the best line up in Sydney. Whatever happened to Gordon Oburne.
WM says: Googie O'Byrne is in Perth at 6IX. |
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| Comment from Chris Monger |
| Posted 01 Oct 2007 |
Any memories of the late Tony Winters(sic)on Melbourne Radio? Who later went to England and worked on 'Wonderful Radio London' under the name Tony Windsor. He was an instant hit there and soon became Britain's Number One DJ. A Great Aussie who's greatly missed. Best regards, Chris Monger, Goolwa Beach.
WM says: Hey Chris, maybe you know something I don't. As far as I know, Tony WITHERS worked only in Sydney not Melbourne. His stations in Sydney were 2SM, 2UE and 2GB. He left Aust in 1962 as discussed in "DTTD".
The ex Melbourne announcer who did very well in the UK was Allan Freeman formerly of 3KZ. Allan, or 'Fluff' as he was known, moved over to the UK in around 1956-57 and, like Withers, never returned home. He died in 2006. |
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| Comment from Bob McKean |
| Posted 18 Sep 2007 |
Discovering your website was one of the nicest things that's happened to me in the past 70 years. Being one of the really old school, from way back in 'steam radio' days of 1950, you've already bought back lots of lovely memories.
AND ..your "Jingles" are brilliant - wow what a goldmine of rare sounds!!!
AND .. scrolling down names on your "Comments" page, is like a "Radio Who's, Who"
AND .. all that's happened even before reading DTTD, which I hope to do ASAP.
By way of a quick intro: Name, Bob McKean, born 1937, lived SE Asia past 19 yrs. (Sailed from Oz 1988, presently in Malaysia, on tropical island called Langkawi).
Age 13, 1950, first job 3KZ record library, then TT operator, recording engineer aboard ships for John Ford's "Voice Of The Voyager."
Age 18, 1955, 3UZ panel op along with Graham Kennedy and others, for Bob Horsfall,
Bob Cornish, Dick Heming, Geoff Haynes, Lloyd Lawson, John Worthy etc, etc.
Age 19, 1956, sound effects man for Stan Freberg during tour with Frank Sinatra.
Age 21, 1958, ABV-2 Grams Op, floor mgr, Ass. Producer Light Entertainment Dept.
Age 24, 1961, Festival Records, PR Mgr, Co-promo with Don Lunn of rock concerts.
Age 27, 1964, Clemenger Advt. Acct Exec. Darrods, IMT "The Wheel" and so on....
Mate...if you want to know a bit more - have a quick look at my website., which is my selling tool for an e-book I've just finished at:
www.e-books-download.net
If you take a minute and go to 2nd and 3rd page on the site, you can see and hear the
sound clips that are there. The ebook has a lot of radio sounds, "from way back when".
Nice chatting with you, but "I see the clock on the wall says it's time to go".
Cheers, Bob.
WM says: Thanks Bob for taking the time to write. I checked out your website and hope that others will do same. I've also purchased your e-book all in the name of 'support your fellow self-publisher'.
I'm grateful receiving your correspondence knowing that you served time as an ABC Grams Officer. For the uninitiated, that was one of the quaint job titles from the ABC of yesteryear. Wasn't it their version of a turntable operator?
Grams Officer? It's always had a pharmacutical ring in my ear...a kind of technocrat whose task was to weigh the dope. When I joined ABC radio in 1989 I was introduced to a bloke known as a ROPO (pron rope-oh). After my first week of digesting that term I then met a TOPO...and on it went. However Bob, you're the first Grams Officer I've had on the show. Good to know you.
I now expect a flood of emails from ABC bretheren with tales of ROPOs and TOPOs. |
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| Comment from Michael Coles |
| Posted 07 Sep 2007 |
| Hi..just been listening to all the packages whilst I have been at work..good stuff. Any chance you have some jingles of FM104, 4IP and Stereo 10 stuff from the Eighties, and possibly the Funtastic 2UW/4BC sets from the '70s? |
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| Comment from Matthew Gibbins |
| Posted 22 Aug 2007 |
I've just come across your website and wanted to say how wonderful it is. I really do love commercial radio... and it's been great hearing some of the radio station sound files you have on your website. I am too young to remember stations like 3DB and 3XY, but hearing the snippets you have online was good to understand what those stations were all about. The news themes were interesting too... some I vaguely remember from years ago - others not so, but still... it's all very interesting!
Was wondering though, do you have any jingles or news themes (in particular) from 3TT / 101.1 TTFM from Melbourne at all? That was the main station I always listened to ever since it moved to the FM dial. To me, it was one of the best FM stations that always rated well... (to me) they had great presenters and a good format back then... but everything really seemed to changed just prior to the station being rebranded to MIX 101. I know that most people probably ask you for the jingles of the good old days like 3DB, 3XY and 3KZ, but for me, I suppose because I am younger, 3TT/TTFM is the station I would consider to be like those mentioned, and it would be great to hear some of their snippets/themes if you had any at all.
Kind regards, Matthew.
WM says: Hi Matthew, thanks for writing. You mention 3TT, co-incidently my radio mate David Dalkin (the original PD of 3TT)emailed me the other day and reckons he's found an old tape with the Classic Hits 3TT theme on it. He's busy, like we all are, so we'll have to wait for him to find some time, and find a reel-to-reel machine to transfer the recording to digital. So stay tuned and let's see what turns up in coming months.
I should add that don't have any TT packages in my collection. But did you check out News Theme medley #4 on the Jingles page? It contains the first 3TT news theme from 1988. It was originally done for 2CC Canberra in '84 by Les Gock. The melody is based on the Thompson Twins hit "Doctor Doctor". TT's news theme mix didn't have the same intro piece - they started it from the drums and with a cold v/o...3 Double T. |
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| Comment from Ron Sterrenburg |
| Posted 18 Aug 2007 |
Hi Wayne, Wow, the delivery of "DTTD" to The Netherlands was ultra quick. Thank you.
Your book is amazing. I own many books on radio, but this is something else. So much information and so many rare photos and special things. It's the BEST radio book I've ever seen! It hasn't left me for the past days... I keep reading. |
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| Comment from Peter Cashman |
| Posted 18 Aug 2007 |
Wayne, great to hear the Color Radio package - especially the jock intros as I ended up working with most of them. But just who was Mr X!
That old 2SM/2HD news intro we remember so well from the '60s was from the famed Brit duo of Eric Siday and 'Ginger' Johnson. They were doing work for BBC Radio when they were poached by NBC in the 1930's and would set up a pioneering jingle/commercial shop in New York!
In 1957 they were commissioned by ABC TV/Radio(US) for a package which included that news sounder. It was based on the first seven notes of a Chappell Mood Music number called "Merry Weathers."
Warner Records acquired Chappell in more recent years and that historic library appears never to have been effectively 're-purposed' unlike KPM etc.
Pete |
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| Comment from Jason From Boronia Victoria |
| Posted 18 Aug 2007 |
| G'day Wayne, I recieved your book today from Mum and Dad for my birthday. Thank you very much for the kind words you signed inside. I will have a good day. JB. |
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| Comment from IAN WRIGHT |
| Posted 11 Aug 2007 |
Wayne, thanks for the latest jingle inclusions.
The 'DB Music' variations are most appreciated. In my early years on air I worked for 3LK Horsham (now 3WM) in 1972-'73. We were owned by Melbourne's Herald Sun newspaper and prior to going 'local' the station was largely a relay from Melbourne, branded as 3DB-LK. I can't recall combined DB-LK jingles as such, but I stand to be corrected, as that was prior to my joining the station. 3LK certainly had a jingle package, which I think may have come out of Melbourne featuring Linda George as lead vocalist.
The rest of the August jingle updates are uniquely GREAT. I just LOVE hearing that 2SM News intro, with the 6 pips surgically inserted into the gap! Those - what I call 'small boat horn' pips - always fascinated me AND still do. To me, they always sounded so AM warm compared to 2UE's high pitched variety. To this day those 2SM pips ALWAYS remind me of Jim Angel with the news and the great Frank Hyde about to let rip with his Rugby League match of the day call!
MAC. Great, great memories all round, thanks to your continued dedication to keeping the dream alive. Regards, IAN, Cruise1323 Adelaide.
WM says: Always a pleasure to hear from you in SA Ian. Don't know about keeping the dream alive, but thanks just the same. I hear some other bloke has been using that phrase for a while. I wonder who'll pick it up when he retires (grin).
First to your 3DB comments. Yes, they used a US package around '73-74, mostly short cuts, the main theme being '103 Melbourne is 3DB'. The package features some 3LK cuts but never in the same breath, i.e. 3DB-LK. I'll look at preparing a montage of this particular package in the next few months. Don't want to 'OD' on DB this month! There's so much other stuff from elsewhere still to come.
Now to 2SM; where would we be without this once great station? As a Cathlolic mate of mine calls them - The Sacred Station. Those 'boat horn pips' you mentioned (or 'fat pips' as I like to call them) are described in "DTTD" by the engineer who helped create them, Rein Van Poecke. Check page 128.
I agree, they're a unique sound in Aust radio, one which is instantly recognisable to those of us who worked/listened thoughout that era. I'd like to hear them running on a station now but I guess I'm being a tad sentimental and one thing radio ain't, these days, is sentimental, eh?
Fortunately I have a clean set of 2SM fat pips on a scrap of old tape. One night in 1978 at 2CC I was airchecking SM down the network line and left the tape running across the hour when their air prog dropped out for the news..."Start network news theme 55 seconds from now." and later "Start network theme 10 from NOW, no futher call".
What the ....? You had to be there.
It was this set of old pips I overlayed on the jingle montage to display how it was done. Of course the lads at SM back in 79/80 had to do it for real. As we know, that took a bit of skill. No queezing or expanding the automation in those days. Only one chance, you either hit it or not. If it was the later, expect a hotline call from the PD...Ha!
Well Ian, enough sentimentality for the moment. I can feel a Jim Angel time call coming on. Iiiit's three minutes past ten. |
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| Comment from Barry Heath |
| Posted 05 Aug 2007 |
I really enjoy your website Wayne, keep up the great work! I would like to know what ever happened to David Jones who worked on 2NX and 2KO for many years. Do you have any info on him? He was a icon in Newcastle radio for many years and is sorely missed by all his fans. He has many. Thanks and best regards, Barry Heath.
WM says: DJ is still with us in Newcastle. We've had some communication of late so I'll pass on your good wishes to him. He'll be thrilled to know he has one fan. (grin!)I guess when we think of his great time on air, Newcastle immediately springs to mind. However, it was at this time 30 years ago DJ was doing quite nicely in breakfast and in the PDs chair at 3XY. He also did later Melbourne stints in the '80s at 3KZ and 3UZ. |
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| Comment from Ron Sterrenburg |
| Posted 04 Aug 2007 |
I came across your website and was thrilled to see that there's a book about Australian radio!
I was born in Melbourne and as a child used to listen to the popular AM stations (especially, 3UZ) until my parents decided to move back to The Netherlands in 1968. My older brothers stayed in Australia until the early '80s and regularly sent me cassette tapes of stations. I still have them and sometimes listen to them.
My favorites in the seventies were 3DB (great jingles in the late seventies... never found out who made them... "DB Music") and 3XY.
I really need your book and will contact you elsewhere about that. In the meantime perhaps you'd like to visit my website: www.ronsterrenburg.com I've been working in radio professionally now for nearly twenty years. Music and radio have always been and will always remain my passions. Best regards, Ron Sterrenburg.
WM says: Hey Ron, nice to have you 'tuned in' from so far away. The DB Music jingles were made in late '75 to lunch the format and they remained on air for the best part of three years. A few other stations had them including 2GZ, 5AD and 6PR. According top the tape box they were done at W&G in Melbourne. There are two main vocalists though most of the cuts were female. The fem being Chelsea Brown, of TV and night club fame - even had a role in Number 96 if my memory serves me well.
Just lately there seems to be some interest in the old sounds of DB Music from the '70s so I've put them on the priority list for a future montage on the Mac jingle page.
Thanks again Ron and let's plug your website one more time www.ronsterrenburg.com |
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| Comment from Michael Smith |
| Posted 31 Jul 2007 |
I've just found your website - congratulations! I had found the JingleShrine website in about 1999 (now archived, and in old Real Player formats), and was glad to find this current and active site.
I grew up in Geelong, and first came to Top 40 radio in the mid to late 60s at the Greater 3UZ - DJs like Sam Anglesey, Allan Lappan, and others. I then moved to 3AK, where Gary Mac (any relation?), Mike and Gary Nichols, Baby John Burgess and others reigned. I then followed my sisters to 3XY, and love all the DJs in the custom package on your site - Peter Harrison, John O'Donnell, Ric Melbourne, Laurie Bennett, Joe Miller and others.
At boarding school in the Victoria Alps in 1973, we could pick up not only 3XY, but also 2SM, 2NX, 2NM, and realised that there was a family of More Music stations. Loved the More Music jingles. Was sad that they dropped them in 1974, but soon loved the subsequent jingles that I've learned from you were made by Digamae.
In 1976, I tried 3MP and liked the 3MP Bay City Radio jingles. Then off to 3DB for the DB Music era. Ric Melbourne was back, along with Ted Bull and others. They headed off en mass to 3KZ, I seem to recall, and they created a good format. DB then changed to their Rhythm of the City - 100 3DB.
In the 80s I seemed to drift to the ABC - 3LO - I think it was something to do with growing older, and going away from 'music only'. Also, found 3XY going off the boil as their talent migrated to the FM band.
It would be great if you dig out any more from 3UZ, 3AK, 3XY, DB Music, 3KZ Playing the Hits, etc from that time that was so formative for me - 1967 to 1977.
Wayne, thanks again. Its been such a buzz to hear these jingles. Cheers, Michael Smith.
WM says:Thanks for your story Michael. I guess yours is a familiar scenario for any of us who grew up listening during the peak years of music radio. The jingles certainly added some sparkle and momentum to the presentation styles of the time.
It's quite a wish-list you have there. Over time I will try to add many of your selections to the site. You mentioned those from the 100 DB Music era circa 79/80. These are probably not that well remembered but the package is a beauty. Sounds very swish. I'm fortunate to have a DB station dub of them on reel-to-reel from AAV in Melb and they still sound fresh.
Unfortunatley I'm unable to help with the KZ "Playin' the Hits" set. They were the ones done by the Moir Sisters; high pitched acapellas. I remember them just as well as I do Ric Melbourne's Wake Up calls during that period, but it's one of a few KZ packages which made it to the dumpster before I could grab a copy. A pity.
You mention Gary Mac and asked are we related - no. He is Mac, short for MacArthur where as I am Mac shortened from McCardell. |
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| Comment from Stephen Boardman |
| Posted 26 Jul 2007 |
Hi Wayne, Great site. I've been searching for the 2GB news theme from the late 80s for a long time - finally found it thanks to your site!
Would you have, or know where I could find, the opening theme for the John Laws show? What is this tune called? I'd like the version with his 'Hello world this is John Laws' greeting too. Any info would be appreciated.
WM says: As noted on pg 264 of "DTTD" there are details of Lawsie's theme...even a photograph of the record it came from! The tune is "El Presidente" by Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass. It was released as a single in Aust by Festival Records in 1964 but was not a chart hit. I guess you could find the recording somewhere among the Alpert back catalogue.
At the risk of sounding like the big man himself - why not contact my very good friend Brian Harris at Songland 'Home of the Hard to Find'. He'll get it for you. His details are on my links page.
If however, you want the tune complete with 'Hello World...' why not simply aircheck it from 2UE and/or the network of stations he goes out on. Seems like you have until November to do that.
Keep in mind that the version he plays each day has been fiddled with. Back in the 2UW days, the fanfare intro was actually phased and then somewhere in the mists of time it was later given the kind of 'flanged' treatment we now hear. Digitally no doubt.
Anyway Stephen it's a fascinating piece of Aust radio memorablia having been the centerpiece of JL's prog since before talkback started in 1967. It's probably been played(or heard) more often than most classic Top 40 hits. P.S. Hands up those who can remember when he used to say "Hello world, this is Long John?" |
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| Comment from John Patkin |
| Posted 24 Jul 2007 |
Hi Wayne, Mum brought the book to me here in Hong Kong. It's a real slice of Australian radio life - thanks. I wanted it as part of my research library for an MA I am doing in Media.
I started in commercial broadcasting in Australia but now work part-time for Radio Television Hong Kong's English language AM station "Radio 3". It's a bit like the ABC Metro stations in Aust.
You might be interested to know I was in the AFTS's first intake in 1983...before it added its 'R.' Thanks again. John Patkin. |
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| Comment from Aaron Anderson |
| Posted 23 Jul 2007 |
Hi Wayne, Had a short listen to the Summer Jingles packages and noticed that some of them were the same as some used on a local radio station in Whakatane, Bay Of Plenty, New Zealand - One Double X (1XX) or Coastline 124 (as it was on 1240kHz) as it was also known around 1976/1977. I wonder how many other NZ stations used the same packages as Aussie stations in the mid-late 1970s?
- - www.1xx.co.nz - -
WM says: I'd say quite a few Aaron. I know that at least one of Ian Mason's packages (the big sounding 'City Rhythm') was heard on Radio Windy 89 in the late '70s. Ditto for 3ZM.
One of Les Gock's packages from 1980 (originally designed for 'Sydney 1270 2SM') and which I had re-sung the following year when I was at 2CC. Les said he had it going across to an NZ station. 'Might have been 1XX come to think of it cos it worked well with the 'Double' call sign. |
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| Comment from Justin Drexall |
| Posted 23 Jul 2007 |
Wayne, the site is awesome, and the book is even better, but i was wondering if we can get sme old EON stuff on your jingle page? Drex.
WM says: A top suggestion on EON. They had some rockin' good stuff back in the day. The pick for me was "The Rock of Ages" package by Andy Wiltshire. Anyhow Drex, I'll put EON on the list for next month's batch - perhaps a few others from the early days of FM. Just have to see what I can find in coming weeks. Thanks for your interest, glad you like the book. |
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| Comment from JASON FROM BORONIA VICTORIA |
| Posted 19 Jul 2007 |
| G'day Wayne,
Love your website.
I recommended your book for my mum to give me for my birthday. I have been a fan of talkback radio since I can remember. JB |
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| Comment from Ian Mason |
| Posted 13 Jul 2007 |
G'day Wayne, I did send you a congratulations email on your book some time back but let me say again how much I enjoyed it. I've got it sitting up here alongside another wonderful book about Rock 'n' Roll Collectables.
As much as I like your work, let me correct you about something on page 184 in the jingles chapter. I wasn't 'dropped' in favour of Les Gock in 1980. In fact I was approached to do some later packages for 3XY, 4IP and others but I'd just moved up from Melbourne to take over the Music Farm at Byron Bay and was too busy to do much jingle stuff at the time. Basically then I dropped myself out of the commercial music scene and started making records.
Anyhow that's all in the past, and now here I am being asked to do some more new jingles! Who would have thought? Will keep you posted. And thanks for digging my old radio stuff out of the rubbish bin. If not for you those tapes would be lost forever.
WM says: My sincere apologies to Ian for conveying the wrong impression about him being 'dropped' by 2SM in that chapter. Great news to hear that he may be back in the saddle working on some new radio jingles. When the details are sorted I'll report on it here. I'm off to call him now to grovel some more. In the meantime check out some of Ian's work which appears on the JINGLES page. |
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| Comment from Len Carter |
| Posted 10 Jul 2007 |
| Just checked out your web site and heard the latest jingles. I was truly blown away. Thank you so much for the great 2UE "Listen to Your City" jingles and, wow, that 2SM "In the City of the Sun" package was outstanding. I just can't get enough of those amazing acapellas, they certainly knew how to harmonise and such great tunes to boot. Again, I thank you for your wonderful knowledge on the subject and for your kindness in taking the time put these together. You are a true gentleman. Regards, Len. |
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| Comment from Peter Bruce |
| Posted 09 Jul 2007 |
Wayne, I've listened to just about all the audio on your jingle page and I would like to know how you get such a consistent level of sound. I hope you don't mind me asking, but what compression tools do you use?
WM says: Ah, the jig is up. I wondered how long it would take a keen set of ears to catch me out.
The audio is compressed in the way it used to be done on AM radio, i.e. pump it and squeeze it so that there's very little dynamic range left. When mixing, the VU keeps fairly still ranging from only -2 to + 1db. This is achieved this not though digital computing tools but though good old fashion broadcast processing gear.
Once I sequence the cuts for a jingle medley - and that work is done on a computer - I run an unprocessed mix down to CD. I then play that disc through a conventional audio mixer with the sound passing through a CRL Spectral Energy processor and an RME automatic gain control unit.
That final 'processed' mix is recorded direct to another audio CD. The last step is converting the WAV audio from the CD to an MP3 file @ 128kbps and uploading it to the website.
So there, my trade secret is out. What can I say? I'm a compression whore! Most of us who did time on AM radio in the '70s and '80s enjoyed the 'feel' of a well-compressed station. Of course the purists from FM hated it. I remember Lee Simon (when as PD of EON) on a TV report about radio in the '80s sinking the boot into AM stations for sounding overly compressed when compared to the clarity of FM.
And why do I go to that trouble? Well, that's the way we heard these things on radio in the first place. I'm all for authentic sound if possible. Thanks for your interest Peter. |
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| Comment from Karen Treloar |
| Posted 18 Jun 2007 |
| Hey Mac, what's the hack? Still reading your fantastic book. Thanks for trip down memory lane and for all the good times at 2CC. What a legend you are. Our love to Jan and the kids. Best of luck for the next book!!! |
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| Comment from MAC |
| Posted 16 Jun 2007 |
On stage at The NFSA.
The good folk at The National Film & Sound Archive (sponsors of mine!!) invited me to join their main man of radio, Nick Weare, for a live appearance in their theatre in Canberra. Nick quized me and the audience about radio of the Top 40 era. We played some audio from my collection and showed some archival promo films from some of the big stations of the past along with a display of radio station memorabilia.
The program, held on 14 June, was very well attended and I'd like to thank all those who braved a blustery Canberra evening to make the show a success. Word has it that The NFSA may put on another similar in the warmer months. Stay tuned! |
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| Comment from Errol |
| Posted 07 Jun 2007 |
| Thanks Wayne for the jingles. For next month can we hear some more 2SM, 3XY and 2UW? Also 3KZ and 4IP from the late 70s and 80s would be good. Do you have any more 7EX and 7HO for us Taswegians? OK then, back to reading your wonderful book. |
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| Comment from Steve Bilokin |
| Posted 06 Jun 2007 |
Hello Wayne, just noticed Peter Watkins comments (further down this page on 15 April 2006) about working with Laurie Henry in Albury at 2AY. One of Laurie's two sons was Beckette Henry who got his start in radio at B104.9 (later STAR FM) and actually did brekkie for Young from the Albury HUB studios in the early days of networking. These days he's married and living in Newcastle - not working in radio - but I know his ambition is to buy and work on his own radio station just like the Torv brothers on the Gold Coast.
You know Wayne, I'm still re-reading "DTTD" and always find something new. Dave Rogerson from QMS challeneged me to find his 'radio' name and thanks to your book I did! |
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| Comment from Steve Sugden |
| Posted 03 Jun 2007 |
| Stumbled on your site following a link from a Google search. Very interesting – thank you for making it available. Do you have any of the jingles from The NEWUW Sydney, mid-late 60s, e.g., “Even granny tunes her tranny to The NEWUW”? DJs Jeff Hall, Tony McLaren, Rod Christopher, Ward Austin, etc. I used to love that stuff while growing up in Sydney. Jeff's Dial-a-Hit on Sat night was my favourite, with the Spotnick’s "Moonshot" theme. I managed to find that one on Napster a few years ago. Thanks again, Steve Sugden. |
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| Comment from Len Carter |
| Posted 02 Jun 2007 |
Dear Wayne, I want to congratulate you on the latest batch of jingles on your website. I can't tell you how fantastic it is to hear these great sounds again.
There are, of course, so many great jingles and packages, however, I would really like to hear the the ones with the line "in the city of the sun". I can remember them on 2SM, 2KO, 4BH in the late sixties? They still go round and round in my head from time to time but I haven't heard any of them since those days.
Also, prior to that on 2KO and 4BH there was a set that said "...the modern sound of music on Radio 2KO", not to mention the "Twin City Nightwatch Show" jingles on 2UE and 2KO. Oops, too many memories, I 'd better stop. Oh, and anything from 2UE in the 60s and 70s, was fantastic, not to mention the first jingle packages played on 2Day FM in 1980. My God, there were so many wonderful jingles!
Thanks for the opportunity for at least letting my mind wander back to these great, and unfortunately, generally unappreciated, pieces of radio history. Kind regards, Len Carter. |
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| Comment from Jamie Sims |
| Posted 01 Jun 2007 |
Thanks Wayne for your fantastic jingles packages. So many, many, memories. They soundeded so super cool and sophisticated way back then. Now they sound really...well, a bit corny. Great memories just the same but.
Being an ex 2SM junkie, I would appreciate any 2SM packages you can find. I remember they had a 'Sydney Weather' jingle for years, but one of my favourites which reminds me of endless summers at the beach was the mid/late '70s Kerrie Biddell track, the one that goes, dah,dah,dah,dah,yeah,yeah,yeah,yeah....2SM
Keep up the great work. I've seen your book. Borrowed it from Kate who I work with and who I believe is a good friend of yours. What a masterpiece. Best Wishes, Jamie Sims. |
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| Comment from Peter Ferguson |
| Posted 29 May 2007 |
I received the book today and all I can say is CONGRATULATIONS!!! It is fan-bloody-tastic. A superb effort indeed.
The photographs you have included are really ‘worth more than 1000 words’. I was instantly transported back to my teenage years when I saw that photo on p.50 of The Big ‘O’ being interviewed by Ward Pally. It was really terrific to see those pictures of DJ’s I remember listening to on The NEWUW. John Melouney’s program used to finish with a jingle that included “The John Melouney show, Melouney show. We think you will agree it was a go-go show..” sung to the tune of “The Alvin Show” . And there was dear old Tony McLaren: “Here comes the fella who swings with a ring -a-ding, ding!”
TM sailed away on a yacht in 1967 never to be seen again. I remember it was big news at the time when he just suddenly disappeared and, despite a big search, no trace of him was ever found. Very sad as he was one of Sydney’s best disc jockeys at the time. I also have strong memories of seeing Tony Withers host a T.V. show, Juke Box Jury, at the height of his fame.
Your book , which I have only had a chance to quickly flip through, has brought back a flood of memories. What a great and creative group of DJ’s and announcers we had back then. Great to see and read about Jon Royce too. I actually got a chance to participate in his radio afternoon show 'Club-a-Go-Go' on 2SM in 1965. I remember this quite clearly as he used to have a program where school kids were invited into the studios and we were asked to bring our favourite Top 40 discs in at the time where, with a bit of luck, they would be played on air. I brought in three discs and they were promptly 'nicked' by some other kid in the studio. I was so upset (after all, $3 was a princely sum for a working class kid from Sydney’s west to have to pay at the time) that I remember telling Jon about it before I left. Lo and behold, about a week later I received in the mail those three 45’s, totally replaced by the management of 2SM – real “Good Guys”. I also remember that a few of us spied Mike Walsh coming out a studio door and we rushed up to him asking him all sorts of questions, since he was a pretty big-shot DJ at the time. I remember him being very nice and accommodating to all of us.
It was also a thrill to see your reproduction of a listener’s Mike Walsh’s Televiewer’s Anonymous Club Certificate. I used to listen to Walsh religiously (seeing that he was on 2SM!) during 1963/4 and I can remember him playing comedian Stan Freberg’s record “Tele-vee- shun” on air. I always thought it was really paradoxical that Mike made most of his money from TV later on!
It was also fantastic to see a photo of Jeff Hall from 2UW . He had the “Dial A Hit” every Saturday night and I always thought he was a real professional. I was not aware , until I read it in your book, that 2UW only changed over from broadcasting serials to a Top 40 format in 1964. I remember reading a comment in Column 8 of The Sydney Morning Herald at the time stating “My, hasn’t 2UW changed!”
Thanks again Wayne for your prompt despatch of "DTTD". I will read this book with relish and am sure I will be delighted with all its contents.
Congratulations once again. You have filled a great void in the history of Australian radio and I am sure "DTTD" will continue to bring much pleasure to its readers and be the quintessential reference book on Australian Radio for years to come.
Sincerely and best wishes, Peter Ferguson. |
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| Comment from Shane walker |
| Posted 18 May 2007 |
| What a wonderful publication you have produced! congrats to you Wayne on the hundreds of hours spent researching to make 'Dont touch that dial" the best overview of radio in this country.
Just a quick question,will you submit some more jingles on this website? 2sm ,3xy , 2uw etc..... |
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| Comment from MAC |
| Posted 17 Apr 2007 |
Well, here we are on the 17th April 2007 marking the day 40 years ago that Talkback Radio officially began in Australia. Some called it Openline, to others it was Two-Way Radio. Whatever you call it I expect that all things 'talkback' will occupy greater space in any follow-up book to "DTTD". In the past 15 years or so Talkback has become arguably the dominant force of contemporary radio...certainly in AM radio.
Happy 40th to Talkback on the Australian airwaves. Now, what will be radio's next major celebration? Watch this space. |
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| Comment from Des Deighton |
| Posted 29 Mar 2007 |
| A belated congratulations on the book. I ordered it for Christmas and once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. As someone who first remembers listening to radio in the late '60s in Brisbane, the names and memories came flooding back. Congratulations – thanks for your contribution to ensuring our radio history lives on. Cheers, Des. |
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| Comment from University of QLD |
| Posted 15 Mar 2007 |
“DTTD” is reviewed in the Feb 2007 edition of Media International Australia (MIA), a quarterly publication issued by the School of English, Media Studies and Art History, in association with the Centre for Critical and Cultural Studies, The University of Queensland.
The review is reproduced here with the permission of MIA.
Wayne Mac’s self-published A4 size coffee table-style book is written by a passionate commercial radio insider for other industry insiders. The book covers three decades from 1958 to 1988, stopping before deregulation further diversified the market in the 1990s. In his introduction, Mac defines his target audience as radio fans, industry people, researchers and media students. I suspect that most will be industry based, and that the first thing they will do is flip to the index and check to see if their name is included. Few who worked in metropolitan commercial radio, and even some who worked in the regions, will be disappointed. Indeed, if every person mentioned buys a copy of the book, Wayne Mac’s fortune will be made.
The former announcer and program director attributes his motivation in writing the book to a dearth of information on Australian commercial radio in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, and he is right. The field deserves more attention as a daily cultural practice that engages and influences more than 80 per cent of Australians for 20 or more hours each week and generates approximately $550 million per annum in advertising revenue.
Mac’s book is a fond look at the ‘personalities’ and major format changes of the era including the introduction of Top 40 programming, breakfast and drive time, the development of the ‘disc jockey’ and FM broadcasting. Dozens of black and white publicity photographs record well-known commercial radio announcers, events, outside broadcasts and stunts. One 92-page section titled ‘The Stations/The Players’ provides an exhaustive list of the logos and announcing staff of commercial stations in metropolitan and major regional markets. While this level of detail is of little interest to anyone other than those concerned, it does provide compelling evidence that commercial radio announcing was (and arguably still is) very much a man’s world.
While the organisation of material is generally shambolic, Mac’s book is a goldmine of primary sources across many core aspects of the industry. The anecdotes Mac gleaned from hundreds of interviews with commercial industry staff provide useful material. Individuals recall in explicit detail how they adopted American format practices to segment audiences, interacted with the music industry, developed news radio, used their industry association to lobby for policy change, adopted new technologies, responded to ratings surveys, and interacted with advertising sales staff.
Mac’s record of industry responses to successive federal governments’ faltering and often confused approach to the roll-out of FM broadcasting and his chapter on the influence exerted by owners provides insights into behind-the-scenes power plays and cross-media interests. For example, Mac reports that, at the height of the anti-Vietnam war protests the Herald & Weekly Times newspaper group also owned Melbourne radio station 3DB and HSV Channel 7. On the day of the Moratorium rally in Melbourne, deflated attendance figures were issued for publication across the media group. One young drive-time announcer who had attended the rally estimated the
crowd to be three times the reported size. He defied the corporate line and was taken off the air on the day, and subsequently lost his job. While Don’t Touch that Dial requires some wading through the dross to get at the gold, it is a ‘must have’ for anyone with a research interest in commercial radio.
Liz Manning, Australian Studies Research Centre,
University of Queensland.
MIA (incorporating Culture and Policy) publishes new scholarly and applied research on the media, telecommunications, and the cultural industries, and the policy regimes within which they operate. See www.emsah.uq.edu.au/mia/about.html
Liz Manning is working on a research project focusing on commercial radio in Mackay over a 50 year period from 1945 to 2005(mostly 4MK) If you have any anecdotes on 4MK Liz will welcome them on liz.manning@uq.edu.au |
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| Comment from Cathy Eades |
| Posted 23 Feb 2007 |
| Wow... I must have been living under a mushroom. I can't wait to read "DTTD". Congratulations Wayne! My ears pricked up as I was driving down the Kwinana Freeway and heard your name mentioned today on 6PR. There can't be more than one Wayne Mac! I was delighted to read of your monumental achievement. All the best, Cathy Eades ex 8DN, 2CA, 2CC |
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| Comment from IAN WRIGHT |
| Posted 19 Feb 2007 |
Wayne, I've got a few days off work after some minor knee surgery AND today I went scrounging in my study. I came across your letter to me dated September 1998 and my February 23rd, 1999 fax to you, detailing many of the Adelaide radio line-ups covering the '70s & '80s.
If anybody thinks putting a publication like "DTTD" together is a piece of cake, using one's network of contacts, they should think again. Nearly 10 years in the making my friend...now THAT is a long pregnancy, without drugs.
Regards to yourself & Jan and a shorter labour (IF there is a) next time around !?!
IAN, Cruise1323 Adelaide.
WM says: Thanks Ian, hope your knee is on the mend. As you remind me of those old emails it only confirms to me (and Jan) that perhaps I was a little crazy taking on the huge task that was "DTTD". And yes, it was time well-spent as evidenced by the positive feedback on this page. I'm flattered that you and others suggest that I might do a follow-up volume to "DTTD" - God knows there's enough material left over to fill several more! However, I can't really justify the enormous commitment of time and resources to produce another book of this kind. Perhaps an ambitious and/or go-ahead publisher might have other ideas...but I'm not holding my breath. Keep well ol' mate. |
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| Comment from Colin Bridge |
| Posted 15 Jan 2007 |
Wayne, you have really come up with something very special. I think “DTTD” is an astonishingly brilliant publication. I have enjoyed reading about some of the fine people with whom I worked. There is much enjoyment about various aspects of radio life – some of which I was unaware despite having worked in it for a long period.
I believe one of my former 2SM colleagues described your book as a ‘keeper’. He is spot on! Within an hour of “DTTD” arriving I said to my wife, “It must never leave the premises unless I am with it”.
Until its arrival I had not seen the photograph of the large group of us who covered the Australia wide Papal tour of 1970. The photo holds a lot of pleasant memories for me as I expect it will for others who took part in that momentous four-day news bulletin. It was a wonderful radio experience as was the pleasure of calling the great Ali-Frazier fight in Manila in 1975.
The best days of radio appear to be behind us in my opinion. A lot of what is served up now is what I call ‘whinge radio’ – people complaining and moaning – the presenters pontificating and demanding that someone resign or that the government be kicked out.
So, thank you Wayne for reminding us of what we once had. It was a golden period for me…for many of us. You put that reality on our bookshelves for posterity. “DTTD” is a credit to you as you are to the radio business. If anyone has the right to be called a real ‘Good Guy’ of radio it is Wayne Mac. Best wishes, Colin Bridge. |
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| Comment from David Kennedy |
| Posted 14 Jan 2007 |
G’day Wayne, Your wonderful work has arrived – can’t put it down. Very peeved that I have to go back to work on Monday. Would rather sit and just reminisce about those halcyon radio days I love and remember so well.
Thanks so much for the book of the century, Wayne! David Kennedy, ABC Goldfields-Esperance, ex 6KG/HOT FM – 1985/2002. |
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| Comment from Terry Allen |
| Posted 13 Jan 2007 |
Have received my copy of your excellent book Wayne. The presentation and detail contained within is exemplary.
It will take some time to read all of the book, but the contents so far bring back so many happy memories, particularly from WA radio. I had forgotten a few of the announcers way back in Perth radio history.
However, people such as Gordon O'Byrne, Brian Lehman, Steve Nikola, Peter Newman, Johnny Young and others mentioned in your amazing book continue to entertain us here in Perth.
Well done Wayne, I hope that you sell many, many copies of "DTTD". Best wishes, Terry Allen, radio listener tragic. |
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| Comment from Colin Tyrus |
| Posted 11 Jan 2007 |
| Congratulations Wayne on doing something that many of us talked about, but did not follow through! Regards, Colin
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| Comment from Sue Barrett, "Rhythms" magazine |
| Posted 10 Jan 2007 |
BEST MUSIC BOOK for 2006
Hi Wayne, I've snail-mailed you a copy of "Rhythms" - Australia's Roots Music Monthly. Please note the pages where each writer on the magazine nominates their Best of for 2006; concerts, pub gigs, music festivals, albums, DVDs etc.
I thought that your website readers would like to know that I nominated "DTTD" as Best Music Book for '06.
Best wishes and continued success with "DTTD" in 2007, Sue Barrett, www.rhythms.com.au |
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| Comment from Mark Thyme |
| Posted 10 Jan 2007 |
Enjoyed your book Wayne. I think I’ll read it again. You’ve had some pretty good fan mail by the look of it. Here’s a few more ideas if you’re going to do another one. I hope you do.
When I was reading the chapter about fake DJ names I thought of some more I’ve heard over the years. Don’t know if anyone ever used them. Maybe in America. Have you heard of these? Dusty Rhodes, Ray Zorr, Art Gallery, John Quill, Al Fresco, Rowan Dent, (Ro Dent) Ken Tuckey, Bob Sled, Sandy Beach, Walter Wall, Dan D. Lion. I guess there’d be heaps more.
Thanks for doing DTTD. I’ve not seen anything like this. It was a great Christmas present for me, a real surprise. Regards, MT.
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| Comment from Paul Konik |
| Posted 04 Jan 2007 |
I’m another lucky one who scored a copy of “DTTD” as a Christmas gift. It’s so entertaining and informative. I’ll treasure it forever. I’m amazed with its quality. It must have cost a small fortune to have it produced. You’re very brave to have published something like this on your own.
Wayne, you’ve captured so many memories of my long years on radio. I could take over your whole website and fill it with all sorts of stories. Here’s a few tales for you:
I remember listening to Stan Rofe (3KZ) and Geoff Haynes (3UZ) in the early days of rock ’n’ roll on radio. I used to ring them up and discuss artists, records labels, etc. Each of them later very kindly invited me into their stations for a look around.
What a great thrill – even more so – seeing that I worked at both these great Melbourne stations later in my career. My first all night gig on UZ was the 8th of Feb 1965. This was the same day Don Lunn took over breakfast from Jimmy Wood. People used to say: “You can’t have a DJ playing Top 40 at breakfast – it’s bullshit – it’ll never work.” Ha!
What an amazing place UZ was. We had a staff off 88 when I was there back at Bourke St. Often there was too many people and they had nowhere to put them. It’s amusing to recall that when Stan was sacked from KZ, we got the news in the middle of a jocks meeting headed by John McMahon, who was UZ’s PD. John put an urgent call through to Lewis Bennett (GM) urging him to grab Stan. Bennett just said, calmly: “It’s OK John, I’ve acquired that property”. It didn’t matter that there was no shift for Stan – it was about UZ ensuring that no one else in the market could have him. Stan was such a big star in those days.
Great days Wayne and you packaged them all here in such a wonderful design. I’ll contact you soon about coming on my breakfast program for a quick chat about “DTTD”. I’d urge other announcers to get you on their shows to help spread the word on this important historic radio book. I’m glad I’ve got mine before it sells out. Good luck and best wishes, Paul Konik. |
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| Comment from Chris Joscelyne |
| Posted 03 Jan 2007 |
Happy New Year Wayne,
My business partner surprised me with a copy of "DTTD" as a Christmas gift.
You have captured the real essence of commercial radio during the "baby boomer" years in an immensely enjoyable book.
You are forgiven for the variations in your spelling of "Joscelyne" in the text. Spelling of my family name was a challenge for most broadcasters from my first day at 7EX in 1965. That pesky little "e" on the end has always been a trap! 7EX fixed the problem with my "CJ the DJ" name which, unfortunately, stuck with me well beyond its "use by" date.
Congratulations on your splendid research and authorship. You have achieved a wonderful balance of useful information and entertainment.
Kind regards, Chris Joscelyne. |
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| Comment from Brian Lamprell |
| Posted 02 Jan 2007 |
Hi Wayne, happy New Year to you. Love the book - it's a top read - excellent. Well done! Cheers, Brian.
Lamprell Corporate Communications. |
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| Comment from MAC |
| Posted 31 Dec 2006 |
| Well, that's about it for 2006. Thanks to you all for being a very special part of it. May 2007 be all you want it to be...and more. I hope to exchange emails and/or calls with you during the new year. With all our good wishes, Wayne and Jan. |
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| Comment from Terry Neeson |
| Posted 31 Dec 2006 |
| Wayne, thank you very much for your exceptionally prompt service. The book arrived in time for me to put it under the tree (for myself of course). What an absolutely marvellous piece of work. Congratulations and well done. Hope you had a very good Christmas and best wishes for a happy safe and successful new year. All the best, Terry Neeson. |
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| Comment from Alex Palmer |
| Posted 09 Dec 2006 |
I really enjoy "DTTD". It is the best ever book on Australian radio. My favourite chapters are 10 and 11, Music Goes Round My Head and Sound of the Seventies. All the photos in the book are excellent, and I've still got a long way to go yet.
Whilst on the '70s, I have in my collection a 2UE and 2UW Top 40 Chart (from the Sunday Telegraph and Sunday Mirror) both dated April 30, 1972 listing the top songs of the week: "Without You" by Nilsson and "Most People I Know Think That I'm Crazy" by Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs. Regards, Alex. |
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| Comment from David Jones |
| Posted 06 Dec 2006 |
To say I got a surprise when the mail arrived today would be a massive understatement. It's huge!! This book is absolutely BLOODY MAGNIFICENT Wayne... and thanks for including my ugly mug in one of the incredible array of historic photographs.
My contribution seems minute compared with when I thumb through the pages and see what some of our other great broadcasters have achieved. Thanks again Wayne and Christmas greetings from Newcastle. Warm regards D.J. |
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| Comment from gene bradley fisk |
| Posted 30 Nov 2006 |
Great book Wayne, and I was pleased with your coverage of all the main facets of the radio game during those fantastic years. It brought back lots of memories of the times and people I worked with. I was also pleased to see Tom Needle became a Supa jock in Perth, as I showed him the ropes of broadcasting on Radio Butterworth Malaya in 1962. You gave Laurie Bennett a good go too. I worked with Lobo at 3HA in 1967 before he became a legend.
Noel Carter, who was in the Airforce with me at Radio RAAF Butterworth, and was our chief announcer, we both attended Lee Murrays radio school in 1963 til about 1966 when we started applying for jobs in commercial radio. He went north to a station at Ayr Qld, We haven't communicated since.
I worked too with the late Don Lunn at 3GL and he was a special fella with great charisma. He told me once that he was an Airforce Nasho, trained as a pilot and eventually flew a Mustang. He wasn't in the airforce long and got into radio after this (I think). I wonder if he might have been having me on! ! ! Don remains - in my opinion - the greatest Australian disc jockey ever, as I see even Bob Rogers is in agreement.
I worked with Bob at 3UZ as you know. By the way thanks for the mention, I appreciate being a part of your book. I think it will be the one that future jocks and other radio people will refer to if they want to know what it was about in our radio era. Laws, Rogers, Vertigan, McGowan... now there's some names to roll from "the tip of the tongue my boy", and they are all great survivors because they are great talents.
And speaking of survivors, Leon Byner has to get some award as I bet he has worked at more radio stations than anyone,(except maybe Keith Ashton)
Good luck with the book Wayne, I finally read it from cover to cover and it was hard to put down. |
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| Comment from Pete Smith |
| Posted 27 Nov 2006 |
Hi Wayne,
This is a very belated response to the publication of "Don't Touch That Dial". I can only guess at the obstacles confronting the work and hard yards that obviously went into this book.
It really does stand out as the best tribute to that most marvellous of mediums and highlights your deep affection for the business we all love so much. Blokes of my era sometimes run the risk of being regarded as dinosaurs when we start gabbing on about "the good old days of radio", so sadly I haven't been including much of that time in the regular talks I'm called on to do. But your marvellous work has prompted me to re-think my routine. You've encouraged me through, your terrific book, to revive a few stories and such from the 'steam wireless' era.
So thanks for that... and for a job well done. You know, long after we're gone, someone somewhere will pick up "DTTD" and re-live the days when radio was really something special.
An old friend and associate kindly suprised me with a copy of "DTTD" as a gift; my friend has a big rave for you and your work and along with a lot of other radio folk - who may never make contact personally - we salute you. "DTTD" will have pride of place in my collection.
Congratulations and with kind regards, Pete Smith.
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| Comment from Phil Shanahan |
| Posted 17 Nov 2006 |
Hi again Wayne,
Great to see the raves still coming in for THE BOOK. Heard you last weekend with Glenn Wheeler on UE - very entertaining segment.
I note your congrats message for 2CA turning 75. On the subject of station anniversaries - check out 2GB's website - it has an excellent section about them "Celebrating 80 years of broadcasting" with a stack of old photos and station adverts. GB should run a competition to see who can name all of the many faces in the old happy snaps!! It is a great pictorial history of the old dame 2GB.
Anyway Wayne, keep up the great work and catch you again soon. Cheers from Phil S. |
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| Comment from Jane Holmes |
| Posted 14 Nov 2006 |
Dear Wayne,
It was my birthday on the weekend and I was finally able to open my present ..... THANK YOU SO VERY VERY MUCH!!!! Not only was the book perfectly packed and seemed to enjoy it's little flight down to Melbourne, .... but I was absolutely blown away with your thoughtful and more-than-generous dedication in the front. To think that I was hoping for a mere author's squiggle ... and got something that touched my little ol' heart. What a lovely inscription. I will definitely treasure your book always, and admire and appreciate the blood, sweat, tears and love of radio that drove you to give us all such a lasting gift.
I'm looking forward to many many happy evenings of reading. With love to you and Jan. Miss jane xxx.
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| Comment from MAC |
| Posted 14 Nov 2006 |
| Happy Birthday 2CA. The old girl turns 75 today. Nice to have been a small part of those years. |
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| Comment from Jennifer Wakeling |
| Posted 13 Nov 2006 |
Just wanted to let you know we received the book the day after you sent me the e-mail (saying it was on its way). It looks great and I've started to read it. It's a great book, congratulations.
Could you put me on your list for any Australian radio books you may write in the future? Thanks again, Jenny. |
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| Comment from Peter Nicoll |
| Posted 02 Nov 2006 |
I received a copy of "DTTD" earlier this year and can only say what a really wonderful book it is. I spent a short time at 3YB in Warrnambool and never lost the love of the industry as you have not. I am still an avid listener to all types of radio, but the one singular love is the '60s in both Sydney and Melbourne, thus your writings bring it all back to life.
Scott Newman was a favourite of mine on 2UE in the '60s and I still hear him today on voice-overs especially on the History Channel. Can you tell me what is Scott's real name, I did hear it once and can't remember.
Once again congratultions on the book, it is simply wonderful. Kind regards, Peter Nicoll.
WM says: Thanks for your note Peter. The issue of 'outing' Scott Newman's real name came up in discussions I had with him while researching "DTTD". His preference was that I not make direct reference between Scott, the DJ of yesteryear, and his later career in voiceovers under his real name. I honoured that commitment in "DTTD" however, if you're keen to re-read page 130 all will be revealed.
I was privileged to host a v/o session with the man some time ago. In my PD days he did some corporate promo scripts for 2CC and 2CA when they jointly launched AM Stereo in Canberra in 1985. Nice bloke and what a pro! How about all those radio spots he did in the 60s and 70s? So many! He also posted a comment on this website back in May reflecting upon his relationship with 2UE.
So there it is Peter I've remained good to my word by not using his identities in the one sentence. Glad you liked the book and I appreciate you taking the time to write. |
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| Comment from Paul Weitzner |
| Posted 28 Oct 2006 |
Although I have never had any involvement in the Australian radio industry (aside from two weeks school Work Experience in 1984 at 2SER Sydney), I have to say that I have been totally engrosed in "DTTD" since receiving it around a month ago.
Thank you Wayne, for reminding me about how wonderful it was as a child growing up in Sydney during the '70s and '80s, listening to 2UW and 2SM during their 'heydays' and all the colourful characters that they broadcast. As for your website, I must say that my favourite part is the 'Jingles' page. Do you have any old commercials that you could include here? Cheers, Paul Weitzner.
WM says: Nice idea Paul and thanks. Yes I do have a few good ol' ads tucked away. Might have time over the Christmas/NY break to dust them off and resurrect some here in a selection of ad medleys. Meantime, my mind is ticking over on what goodies I can piece together come December to mark 75 years of 2SM. This could be the longest jingle medley ever! Stay tuned for updates later. |
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| Comment from Greg King |
| Posted 24 Oct 2006 |
| Hi Wayne, Picked up a copy of your book on Friday. Had about 4 late nights so far reading it and checking out the old pics. I'm most impressed and there is a lot of scope dare I say it for a follow-up. Well done Wayne. Cheers, Greg King, Fremantle WA.
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| Comment from caila |
| Posted 09 Oct 2006 |
What a rad website!! Must be a cool author!
WM says: A-ha, the simplistic words of approval from a loving daughter. Here's to Generation Next! Thanks darling, glad you like it.
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| Comment from James Yelland, Operations Mgr 2SM |
| Posted 27 Sep 2006 |
Hi Wayne,
Thank you for your prompt delivery of "DTTD". The book was awaiting collection at my local post office the next day.
The timing couldn't have been better, I took a week's leave around the time I received the book and let me say the book took my attention from the moment I opened it to the moment my holidays finished. I hope the younger generation coming thru the ranks grab a copy so they can fully appreciate this truly wonderful industry and the long history behind it. I - due to my age was merely a listener - but memories came flooding back when I read about FM 104 and 4IP Brisbane, two truly great radio stations of their time.
Wayne, once again congratulations, a truly remarkable effort! Regards, James. |
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| Comment from Mark Slater |
| Posted 14 Sep 2006 |
| All the names, the good times, the uncertain future and not a mobile phone or internet anywhere. That's how I remember my seven years in Oz Radio. And just reading the comments on your site, Wayne, I'm gonna put my order in real soon. And getting money outta me is like squeezing sweat from a cricket ball! So hi to all the others I flew past in the '70s and can't wait to see what Wayne said about you in the book. All the best, Slatzy |
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| Comment from Warren Koglin |
| Posted 08 Sep 2006 |
Great book Mac! You've truly captured some amazing moments in the history of this great medium. I started in 1988 and thought I knew a lot about radio prior to that... I was wrong! I've spend many an hour reading the book over and over again, discovering more amazing facts about "the good old days".
I'm now reflecting on the sections which mention the now late Don Lunn (RIP). Again, well done Mac, it was worth getting the folks to lug it from Oz all the way to South Africa for me to take back to the UK (my new home) with me. Here's hoping you get around to Volume 2!
Warren (former Aussie radio man and current radio junkie) |
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| Comment from Brian James |
| Posted 03 Sep 2006 |
Hi Wayne, We've all heard the old chestnut about there being nothing new in radio. I'm feeling that the same might be said about my feedback here! What can I say that hasn't already been said? Even how I received my copy of DTTD, as a birthday present from my daughter, has been done before (refer to comment down the page from Ray Veldre)!
Like many others, I found spending what seemed like just a few minutes looking through the book was actually a few hours, as I was transported back through the ol' "Time Tunnel - ell- ell" to relive some great memories, from the perspective of both a listener and also of someone who was a part of the industry.
Wayne, sincere congratulations on a great book. By the way, heard you on air at 2CA with the Breakfast Boys before the recent book signing - you were sounding good old son - Cap cit jock material! Cheers, BJ. |
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| Comment from Andrew Wiltshire |
| Posted 23 Aug 2006 |
Dear Wayne, I'm so glad I saw that newspaper article in the SMH about your project during 2005. You've brought back so many memories to me of great times and some great people with this book. It's just a fantastic and devoted effort you've put in and I hope it sells shitloads of copies because you deserve it.
Do you know anyone who can write the advertising industry version of your book? - the golden years of the 70s and 80s in advertising would make a great read.
Regards, Andrew Wiltshire ex panel operator 3KZ, 3AK and sometime musician. |
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| Comment from David Halliday |
| Posted 15 Aug 2006 |
Gee, a quick scan through some of the comments has dragged up some names from the past, people I thought would have been long gone. How have Trevor Sinclair and Mike Webb managed to make it through to 2006!!!
As a 17 year old jock at 4LG Longreach I remember the resonant tones of Allen Brandt... he was totally scary!
Hi to all the crew of 4GR Toowoomba in the late '70s: Graham Healy, Shawn Cosgrove, Frank Fursey and heap of others. Life Station 2CA Canberra with Dave Gosper, Milt Barlow etc and I did two stints with Mike Webb at 2WS, Cameron Syrett and other desperates. Also 4KQ in the early '80s with Clarkie, Skippy and John Laird. I've got some fantastic photos to send!!! Looking forward to reading the book. |
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| Comment from Ray Veldre |
| Posted 11 Aug 2006 |
My daughter gave me my birthday gift last night. A great present indeed. Even though you'd mentioned it to me, I had no idea of the extent of this book.
Here are some memories to share with visitors to your website.
My first paid radio job was at 2XL and they had only one cart machine. I think it was an early Spotmaster. We had to take it out of the on air studio between ad breaks when we were dubbing commercials and then bring it back for the next break.
Live reads of supermarket specials for Permewan's grocery stores involved playing an opener and closer from cart with the ‘live’ read in between. The opener nearly always 'wowed' in, as the clapped-out motor struggled to get up to speed, clunking to a halt at the stop pulse and idling with a noise something like a washing machine in a spin cycle as we read the specials. The tape in the carts themselves was so old, the oxide had worn off in a neat line about as wide as the pinch wheel. At 'XL you could always hear when the jock flicked the mic on, because there'd be an almighty clatter and din from the cart machine and the ancient air conditioning unit which didn't do much other than circulate the exhaust fumes from the Chinese cafe on the ground floor.
After struggling with the primitive gear at XL, when I got a chance to operate my first state of the art RME panel at 2LT with four cart machines and three turntables, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! There was an even bigger step up when I 'crossed over' into news and went to 2GB. Barrie Freedman showed me how to fly that panel and reading news for John Pearce at night was a great pleasure. Despite Pearce's on air persona, I found him the kindest, most generous of men. He did what we all did: started off in the bush (2KM) and worked his way up. Despite his legendary status in the business, I found him a very down to earth human being who always had time to help youngsters on the way up. In fact he gave me some sound advice about the broadcasting industry that's stayed with me. ‘Be nice to people on the way up, because you may meet them again on the way down'.
I particularly enjoyed that shot of the old 2PK studios. Parkes was my home town, and 'PK was where I was bitten by the radio bug. I spent countless unpaid hours there as a teenager soaking up everything I could about the way radio worked. That experience stood me in good stead and seeing the old place again brought back a lot of memories. Ditto for the shots of Brenno and 2SM circa 1970 where I also made a nuisance of myself trying to get a job.
Anyway, congratulations on your achievement Wayne. I hope “DTTD” does well for you. |
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| Comment from Brett Cameron |
| Posted 03 Aug 2006 |
Thanks Wayne for putting up some news themes on your site. After listening to them I can't help but think the best one of all was the 2SM theme from the early '70s. I doubt anything could top that for originality... today or yesterday.
WM says: Agreed Brett. It's one of my faves too. The theme in question comes from a custom-made package produced by PAMS of Dallas in late 1969. The package was called 'Sound of the 70s'. In its raw form the theme has no tympani drum roll - SM added that. Muir had a thing for 'tymps'. The original version had a short punchy tymp roll while the later version (introduced in 1972) was lighter and longer. Also, you can hear the way the melody spells out 'More Music 2SM, 2SM, 2SM'....
It's a well-used theme that turned up in a few places over the years. 3XY used it from '71 to '73 while 2CC and 2GO had it on air in the mid to late '70s when they took national news feeds from SM. |
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| Comment from Wayne Geddes |
| Posted 02 Aug 2006 |
Wayne Mac you have done it again! What a grand package of the news themes from radio stations across the country. Hearing some of them for the first time in more than 20 years brings back nervous memories of
sitting in the news studio, counting down the seconds before the theme celebrated the start of another 3 or 4 minutes of news bulletin. Check the copy, check the carts. There go the time pips, seven seconds
of theme. Whoops! Right intro - wrong cart. Damn! There's no one in the newsroom to fetch the right tape. Make it up and hope that no one notices. Oh, the adrenalin of a live news read.
More great memories. |
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| Comment from Phil Hunter |
| Posted 27 Jul 2006 |
The book is BLOODY MARVELLOUS!!!
When we first discussed you doing this book - and it must be nearly ten years ago - little did I, or any of us, realise what the outcome would be. I’m still discovering anecdotal gems that I glossed over when I read the book earlier this year.
Wayne, this is a remarkable book, way beyond what I could have ever imagined. Having spent over thirty years in radio, and a participating DJ in the ‘60s and ‘70s rock/pop era, I must say you have really captured the time and events and the general feel of that period.
I’m sure most would agree that this book is one of the most (if not THE most) significant contribution to the history of radio at that time.
I sincerely hope the radio industry recognises you and your magnificent contribution at the next annual awards. On behalf of us who were there, thanks for the hits and the memories. Phil Hunter, “Hunter Territory”.
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| Comment from Michael Casley |
| Posted 26 Jul 2006 |
Wayne, I have received DTTD - and it is just wonderful. The work and research that you've put in for many years is obvious. It was tailor made for me as a wonderful present for my big 50th year. Thanks for the inscription and signature too. A book to treasure.
Michael Casley
Carrum Downs
Victoria |
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| Comment from Allen Brandt |
| Posted 25 Jul 2006 |
WM says: Last night I received a call from Allen Brandt of Qld. For those who don’t know of ‘AB’, he was giant of radio in the Sunshine State for many decades; first on air and then in management. In the later role he is best remembered for his time as Executive Director of Color Radio 4IP during their heyday. Allen had some terrific compliments to make about “DTTD” and did so in his powerful trademark voice which has not dimmed even at the age of 86.
Among his points: as a Queenslander he felt that “DTTD” widened his knowledge of what happened in other radio markets, e.g. Adelaide and Perth. He said: “It must have been tempting just to write about the big boys in Sydney and Melbourne. I’m pleased you cast the net as widely as possible in your research”.
He went on, “It’s a wonderful book that preserves a very exciting and productive period of radio. As a former member of the FARB Executive Council I’d hope that the radio industry of today will be right behind you on this project. It’s all very worthwhile. I’m up for my second reading now…just in case I missed something”.
Thanks AB and to others who have taken the time to write or call in recent months. Appreciate it.
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| Comment from Jude |
| Posted 24 Jul 2006 |
| I have vivid memories of studying for my Intermediate Certificate while listening to Bob Rogers play the Top 40 - checking my chart and racing out to get next week's chart to see if I was right. I have ordered my copy of your book and can't wait to read it. Sounds like a lot of great memories will come back. Thanks, Jude. |
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| Comment from Leigh Kenworthy |
| Posted 21 Jul 2006 |
Dear Wayne, as pointed out by each and everyone here, the book is truly magnificent, together with this website. And just on that, when time permits is there any way you could do a 3XY/2SM jingle montage in the same vein as the 3MP ones you currently have? The MP montages are fantastic. Keep up the great work Wayne and thanks.
WM says: Leigh, I have something in mind for 2SM material later in year as a celebration of their 75th anniversary in December: I'm thinking a live 'Mac' webcast starring Bill Caralis! No, no, sorry, a poor attempt at humour there.
I could perhaps do some XY montages around November as a warm-up to any SM celebrations. BTW, no prizes for guessing what I have planned for (R)October. Bound to be a few old XY/SM connections then.
Coming up in August I'll replace the 3MP material with several batches of news themes from all over the country. I've had so many requests to do this but my time has been limited due to promoting and distributing the book. Four 'newsy' montages are now being mixed; something for everyone I hope. Even some singing news themes! And you thought Triple M were the first to do that.
Thanks Leigh for your continued interest in the Hits 'n' Memories of Australian Radio. |
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| Comment from Max Rowley |
| Posted 19 Jul 2006 |
| Wayne, I received your excellent book. Thank you. What a wonderful publication it is ... and the information!. An amazing job of research. This is the best of its kind I have had the pleasure of reading. An outstanding effort. Regards, Max Rowley.
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| Comment from Greg Willmette |
| Posted 18 Jul 2006 |
Wayne, congratulations on "DTTD". Growing up in the '70s and '80s listening to Sydney radio eventually led me into commercial radio in the '90s. If only things today were the same. These days radio is so much networked.
Great to see some radio idols in their heyday in "DTTD" but if you consider doing the next generation of radio, i.e. 1989 onwards, I've got some memorabillia of 4LG and 2LF where I am today. I, like you, have kept scrap books of my radio past. "DTTD" is a huge effort by you and one that must make you proud. |
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| Comment from John Simmons (aka John Scott) |
| Posted 13 Jul 2006 |
| TV at night is the loser now because I have been glued to your book ever since it arrived. Sensational production. Thanks Wayne. |
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| Comment from MAC update |
| Posted 09 Jul 2006 |
Had some fun yesterday with Ted's Memories on 101 FM Logan City (Bris) and later on 2UE with Mike Williams and special mystery guest which turned out to be none other than Ian MacRae. Naturally we talked about his iconic promotional stunt of Rocktober 1978: the Jumbo under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Earlier, Ted and I strolled among the memories of Brisbane radio for the best part of an hour. Thanks to Mike and Ted for having me on your programs and to Macca for calling in.
P.S. I made a remark during Ted's show about how you never know who is 'out there' listening. The emails and calls I received soon after confirmed that comment. Thanks to you people too. |
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| Comment from Ian Armstrong |
| Posted 05 Jul 2006 |
I have my copy of "DTTD" and heard your recent interview with Phil and Bruce on 3AW. I would like to thank you for your efforts in remembering and recording our fast-fading radio history.
In my work as a valuer I've been doing some work valuing the heritage collection of the National Film & Sound Archive. The people I've worked with there were all aware of you and your fine work. Thanks again. Best wishes, Ian Armstrong OAM JP. |
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| Comment from Bruce Mansfield |
| Posted 29 Jun 2006 |
| Thanks Wayne for producing this book and for coming on our Sunday Show at 3AW, but more - for your love of the greatest medium of them all...RADIO! |
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| Comment from Gary Stewart |
| Posted 28 Jun 2006 |
| Wayne - such an excellent book, and a must for everybody conn | |
