• Gee, the ABC Radio National has played and still does, a vital role in unifying Australians as Australia. It has been the one and only voice since the inception of radio, that has been able to be heard no matter where you are in Australia. It has connected the rural and the urban listeners, it has provided thought provoking programmes on health, science, music, art, literature, technology, religion, opera, language, the list is endless. Most importantly it has provided hundreds of different types of educational programmes over the years. Many of us can remember when the ABC broadcast singing programmes into our primary schools, imagine that, all the state primary students in Australia singing the same songs at the same time. They had a wonderful children's club for all Australians to join. The ABC is the organisation we turn to in times of war and disaster, only it has the gravitas needed. The ABC in later years has provided innovative programmes where farmers give a field of their crop and urban listeners select how that crop will be treated, when to fertilise, pay insurance, feed, water, reap. Again we see the great way the ABC unites the country and allows listeners to understand each other over the rural/urban divide. The ABC consistently has interesting, confronting, innovative interviews with people who make you think. The ABC broadcasts throughout Asia, fostering greater understanding throughout the region. Greater understanding can only lead to better trade, human rights, mutual respect and sharing of common goals. The ABC encourages local talent in all areas, something rarely seen on commercial radio/TV. So tell me where is the bias, what percentage of the programmes have a bias, what sort of bias is it, political or other? Here is an organisation that has united a very young country, a federation of states that have held together and together developed a common social ethos and a pride in our culture. This is no parasite it is in fact the host from which we all feed. - sue Bell
  • Capisco. However, after getting a major (not kidding) allergy which has eventuated in my frequent-flyership at the gynaecologists (best friends now!) - I can (as a total nobody - but a somebody to my gynaecologist) - thoroughly and wholeheartedly endorse LUX SOAP. I wash clothes, dishes, and me with it - and have never looked back. If it makes me look like Ma Kettle - so be it. Bring it on!! (really not joking about this one). Cheers, Carmen 50 Shades of Unemployment at http://50shadesofunemployment.blogspot.com.au - Carmen
  • Oh Mrs. Woog - your before shot is so much better than the after. However lately I've become a closet watcher of that TVSN channel (non stop advertising). I've just seen Dimitri of Hollywood, advertising his "uber quality" product range. If I had the money, due to Dimitri's infectious advertising approach, I would buy every product. But it all went sadly wrong, this morning - during the live model makeover, when he accidently knocked the model's hair-piece - causing it to fall off - no kidding! Hilarious. And there I was with the credit card, about to hand over my money for his product that would give me "Hollywood celebrity bee-stung lips!" On the topic of makoevers, makeunders etc. some readers may find this post a worth read: "The Hazards of Faking It" http://50shadesofunemployment.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/the-hazards-of-faking-it.html Cheers, Carmen - Carmen
  • @Sally. It has everything to do with religion! All the "great monotheistic faiths" i.e. Christianity, Judaism and Islam are the greatest blights ever to afflict mankind. Obviously you have never read the bible that absolutely luxuriates in tales of ethnic cleansing, murder, pillage, slavery, oppression and war-mongering. The Koran is even worse! Obviously you have never studied history or current affairs either. Have you ever heard of the Islamic conquest of North Africa and southern Europe? Have you ever heard of the Crusades? Have you ever heard of the "Dark Ages" when the pope and his henchmen ran Europe and eagerly burned alive heretic, blasphemers, adulterers, apostates, and witches - even "witches" as young as 4 year-old girls? Just remember the biblical edict "thou shalt not suffer a witch to live". Have you ever heard of the Thirty Years War? How the oppression and slaughter of the Huguenots? How about the English Civil War and Cromwell's war against the Irish? What about Northern Ireland today? Have you ever heard of the "Lateran Pact" between Mussolini and the Catholic Church? How about Hitler's "Concordat" with the Vatican and the later establishment of the "rat line" that allowed the likes of Eichmann and Menngele to escape to Catholic South America? Have you ever heard of the "Armenian Genocide" where the muslim Turks slaughtered around 2 million Armenian Christians - forced mostly women and children to walk from Turkey to Syria and then left the survivors to die of starvation and thirst in the desert - after pack raping the pretty ones first? What do you think is happening in Syria, Iraq, and Lebanon today? What do you think is the cause? Everywhere you look for the last 3,000 years, the one constant in every war, massacre, holocaust and blood bath has been stinking bloody RELIGION! There's no Eastern solution either as the Hindus, Buddhists, and Shinto also have a long history of slaughter and oppression equal to that of the West. There will never be peace or progress in this world until the last Rabbi and Imam are strangled with the guts of the last priest! - Jack Richards
  • Yes Matilda. Muslims do condone paedophilia - unless you think it's appropriate for girls aged 9 to marry? That's the age at which girls can be married off in Iran and other Islamic countries. The Prophet Muhammad married Aisha when she was 5 but waited till she was all grown up at 9 before he consummated the relationship. It is quite common for pre-pubescent girls to be married off in places like Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Mali and Ethiopia and to have the first of their dozen children at 12 or 13. That's why an Australian surgeon has been in Ethiopia for half a century running the only clinic repairing urinary and rectal fistulas in that part of Africa. - Jack Richards
  • Oops, predictive text gone rogue, Klaus. And I'm not a contributor to Akerman's blog. I do read it and the comments, just as I read the Drum website, New Matilda, Quadrant, Reporters without Borders, International Socialist, the UN and CSIRO websites, overseas newspapers and a hundred others. I don't like being told how to think by our lefty media. Try it. - Gee
  • Q. All these headlines related to his budget reply speech in one media outlet: “Abbott's budget reply delivers a perfect political score” “Abbott 'honest, competent' budget reply” “Abbott's budget reply has the sweet smell of success” “Abbott vows to tackle 'budget emergency'” “Abbott: budget all about lost trust” “Opposition targets Swan over debt and deficit” Which one? (a) Rupert Murdoch’s News Limited (b) Fairfax, now controlled by Gina Reinhart (c) The ABC (d) The Institute of Public Affairs A. (c) The ABC. Explain that? - Möbius Ecko
  • 'Alberscreechie', Gee? What are you, twelve? I know Piers Akerman is on leave at the moment, but there must be a stack of other extremist blogs you can join in the interim. Thanks for the article, Emma. Great read. - Klaus
  • Two does not balance make, Janet G. It's time to privatise or shut it down. It's a parasite. - Gee
  • No, I didn't say that there are NO jobs that you can't take your children to or interrupt your schedule for. Your bile must have made your eyes blurry. - Gee
 
36
Categories:  News and Opinion

I’M AN AM RADIO TALKBACK ADDICT

By Mrs Woog
September 4, 2012

I think it is safe to say that by admitting that you listen to commercial talkback radio, you are also confessing that you are somewhat of a dimwit.

To me, listening to talkback is a bit like sticking your tongue on the bottom of a battery, watching a train wreck or trying on a pair of pants at Myer that are too small, but you just want to see by how much.  And as you lie there on the floor of the changing room, struggling to do up the fly, you realise that you are ready to admit defeat and accept the fact that you are not a size 14 anymore.

I am addicted to listening to talkback radio. So there.

My addiction began a few years ago, when I was at home with babies and was slowly going insane with a need to hear an adult conversation. There were only so many door-to-door salesmen that I could converse with about the benefits of their particular mobile carrier and/or energy provider, so I turned on the radio in the vain hope of feeling connected again.

And that is when I first met John Laws, he of the Golden Tonsils. Or was it testicles…

 

Hello World indeed! A new world to me, at least. A world filled with Valvoline and Oral B and Being Kind to Each Other.

On the flip side, it was a world full of raging loonies who would call into complain about absolutely everything. In particular dole bludgers, Boat People, Politicians and my favourite… THE SNIVEL LIBERTARIAN!

I suppose I was a Snivel Libertarian at this point, as I would yell at the radio “RACIST!” followed by “SEXIST ASSHOLE!” and then “Oh what a sweet old lady… John, send her a clock…” and then “MORON!”

But I never, ever rang in. The type of people that rang in where either serial callers that John knew because they had called in everyday for 12 years, or nervous old people that would inevitably begin the conversation with:

“Hi John. Long time listener, first time caller. I am a bit nervous…”

 And then John would assure them that they were doing well, before the caller would launch into a long and rambling attack on a minority group. A call that would then spark call, after call of people ringing in to agree.  And I would fly into an anonymous and ineffective rage in the confines of my kitchen.

I was listening to this? Yes, I am afraid I was.

I would listen until either Mr Woog would come home and yank the radio from the wall or a mate would pop over and flick it off, telling me that I was far to opinionated as it was. So my talkback addiction had to go underground.

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36 Responses to this article

  1. Janine September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Yes mrs woog I’m with you! I have just recently started to listen to radio national in the car much to the children’s disgust & over the Xmas period after a late shift would listen to Tim (but wait there’s more) Shaws late night talk back show,some of those truckies & taxi drivers have some interesting points to make! In my defence I still podcast hamish & andy,so that makes me cool right? Right?

     
  2. Carolyn September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I think it speaks more of your tolerance level. I could not listen to the moronic uninformed AM douchebags or their bigoted listeners for a few minutes let alone a few years without having an aneurism.

     
  3. Erica September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Don’t know why you feel the need to justify your listening to these stations. If you want to tune in, just do it.

     
    • Mrs Woog September 4, 2012 Reply
       
       

      To be honest Erica, I don’t know why I do most the things I do! xx

       
  4. the*sparrow September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I listen to ABC 702, I guess they could be described as middle aged white men (mostly) with left leanings. I like to think of it as intelligent talk back. I stopped listening to all forms of commercial radio when I was in my late twenties, when the ads started to do my head in and all of the announcers started to sound like kindergarten kids.

     
  5. divert September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Yes I made the switch from JJJ to ABC and now to commercial 3aw here in Melbourne. I like to feel in tune with the oldies – that’s my excuse.

     
  6. Gabriele Niklaus September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    No no no. Both my ex partners did. I hate it with a passion!

     
  7. Cate Pearce September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Since I was a kid (yes, we had the radio way back in those days) I have always used radio to provide a musical backdrop to my life, and nothing more. As soon as I hear a voice speak at all, let alone ask for callers, I change the station or whack on a CD. I get enough conversation from the voices in my head.

     
  8. SawHole September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I listen to Sky News all day. I am high brow, babe. :)

     
  9. dramaqueen75 September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    My mum used to listen to Allan Jones so she could hear “what the right wing nut jobs” are talking about. In my mum’s opinion it was important to know one’s enemy and understand the fear and bigotry of the presenter and the callers.

    Me? I can not tolerate one moment of those programs. I sometimes watch morning TV as i get dressed for work and for the life of me can not understand why the TV stations get these guys on to sprout their vitriol and fear mongering.

    I flick between JJJ, ABC 702 and FBI radio in the car. I love JJJ but switch when there is rap or RandB music. I listen to 702 as I get a good mix of news and balanced current affairs. FBI has all the new music (a bit like JJJ used to be back in the 80′s and 90′s)

    I could not bear to let commercial radio stations with their erectile disfunction ads and over hyped presenters into my listening space. Nor can I tolerate the AM radio misogynists

    I prefer to do my own thing and #destroythejoint ;-)

     
    • DeeDee September 4, 2012 Reply
       
       

      “My mum used to listen to Allan Jones so she could hear “what the right wing nut jobs” are talking about. In my mum’s opinion it was important to know one’s enemy and understand the fear and bigotry of the presenter and the callers.”

      That’s why I still look at the Daily Telegraph on line, especially the reader comments – hilarious!

       
    • Matt September 4, 2012 Reply
       
       

      Your username on this site seem very, very appropriate

       
  10. Airdre September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    my daytime TY crush is Judge Judy. Love her. I was home sick one day and discovered her. I also found out that daytime TV is full of advertisements for funeral insurance plans. Whole new world.

     
  11. Bettina September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    You can listen to am radio shock jocks all you like; I’m sure it’s fascinating to hear how some people view the world. But since you sound in two minds about it, why not try, as an experiment, listening to Radio National say, for one week and see how you feel? You may be pleasantly surprised that you can still do your housework, be really well informed and inspired, AND keep your blood pressure nice and low at the same time!

     
  12. sam September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    For some reason I have always hated listening to the radio, I think it is a left over from staying for long boring holidays with relatives with no TV. I especially hate it when you get into a cab and are forced to listen to all those bigoted people calling in and being whipped into a frenzy by the shock jocks. Mind you Sleepless in Seatle is one of my favorite RomComs:)

     
  13. pauline w September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I used to listen to 2GB but before any election I had to turn off because of the right wing bias. Now the ads are dreadful and I’ve made the switch to 702. Love James Valentine and am slowly getting used to Linda Motram. Conversations with Richard Fiedler can be fascinating.

    Come on over Mrs Woog.

     
  14. mel September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Waleed Aly on radio national

    We adore him and hes a smart man!!

    Great brain food thats good for you!!

    If u want a bit of take-away every now and then listen to commercial radio and shock jocks

    Its nasty and greasy

     
  15. Kris September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I just cannot listen to Alan Jones or his ilk – they drive me batsh!t & I end up all cranky & yelling at the radio. I listen to 702. It’s good to have on in the background at work & if I want music, I just pop the ipod on.

     
  16. Julie September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I grew up with talkback radio on at home all the time. Now I’m back at home with my dad who is now retired and leaves every radio in the house on 3AW. This going no stop and with Mum watching the telly in the family room and my son watching the telly in the lounge room, makes for an awful lot of goddamn noise! About the only time I would take notice of what was being said on radio was when Derryn Hinch was on. I’m going to miss what he has to say.

     
  17. sue bell September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Radio National, why would you listen to anything else? I have heard programmes I would never have chose to listen to, and been fascinated. RN is a 24 hour a day festival of ideas and chokkas with information. RN stretches my imagination, brings me interesting music, makes me question and improve my ethics and brings people from all over the world into my home.Try it, you might like it
    In a cab, you have the right to ask the driver to turn off the radio, or you can just annoy him by commenting and taking the piss out of the shock jocks when in conversation with him. A taxi is at your service not the drivers, you can even request they stop answering their mobile phones while reading a street directory and driving to fast.

     
  18. mel September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Sue

    i do that all the time !!

    always ask the drivers for my preferred station

    Its a service that u pay for

    spot on!!
    ;)

     
  19. tattoomummy September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I had a very old ute that only got talkback radio.
    One night, on my way home I was so sick of the racist slur I listened to on a daily basis, I called him up to tell him a little bit about the history of Catholicism and the things this religion had done in the “Name of God” and the bastard hung up on me!

     
  20. Matt September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    You probably tune in to AM radio for the same reason I come onto this website, “To hear first hand what the other side are saying” which I think is a good thing to do. Yes it raises the blood pressure at times but I feel both left and right sides of politics could benefit from a little exposure to the other side of the fence.
    I get plenty of that on here believe me. For every Alan Jones rant about Gillard or Oakeshott I’ll show you yet another article about Abbott as the devil incarnate. Politics is fun!!

     
  21. Mrs Woog September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I totally agree with you Matt. If you are not informed about both sides, how are you ever going to learn! x

     
  22. Pauline September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    JJJ pre kids, ABC 774 post kids…what is with that? Now that they are getting older, I listen occasionally to an oldies Melbourne music station so that they can hear some music! Other half listens to SEN which makes me want to call in and abuse people!!!

     
  23. Sue September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Glad to see that others do what I do and listen to hear the views of those you mainly disagree with. For this reason I read the Australian, which for all its bias, does have some very good writers. It makes it so much easier to debate issues when you know where the other side is coming from.
    But for the best thinking around you can’t go past RN, particularly Late Night Live and the Science Show. I am also a fan of Margaret Throsby’s midday interview, and today listened to both her and Phillip Adams’ interview with Anthony Beevor. I buy most of my books based on authors I have heard on these programs. Although I am currently based in Thailand, I am able to listen tothe best programs through Tune In Radio on my trusty iPad. And if I miss it live, I listen to podcasts through itunes.Was speaking to a Kiwi today who also is addicted to ABC radio.. We are SO lucky to have it.

     
  24. Ro. Watson September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I confess I reguarly sleep with ABC radio…

     
  25. Trish September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Long John tonsils is still broadcasting , we get him two hours a day here. I confess I love listening to him too , though I didn’t listen in Sydney . He was off air for a while and I was listening to his rival.
    Did you know John only travels first cla$$ …a good reason to dust off the golden microphone.
    PS I met my husband through talkback radio .

     
  26. Kirrily Frigo September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    The best talk back ever is Bruce and Phil 3AW in Melbourne in the early evenings! Lol and clever I say!

     
  27. Jenny September 4, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I listen to ABC radio when I listen to any. They have some good programs going like Conversations, they have interviews, talkback, the odd competition, regular news broadcasts, and some mainstream music. A bit of variety, with NO shock jocks thank you!

     
  28. Jennie September 5, 2012 Reply
     
     

    I can’t listen to it because it makes me so mad that there are so few women on mainstream radio.

    I know my little protest goes unnoticed, but at least I feel better in not supporting the advertisers of these completely misogynistic stations. And one or two women announcers, as the odd station has, is tokenistic. It should be 50 percent.

    Please turn off and listen to a CD or iPod until the gender balance is fairer .. it might work if there were lots of us doing it!

     
  29. bubbalish September 5, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Two words Mrs Woog..Richard Fidler. 702,11am. Not angry purple faced splutterers but inspiring humans.

     
  30. Rhoda September 7, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Shock jock radio isn’t right wing, left wing – it’s just drivel. The news isn’t much better. It’s the same old every night and if you can remember what you heard after 5 minutes I’d be surprised.

    The internet is a wonderful thing.

     
  31. caroline October 11, 2012 Reply
     
     

    With all those comments, Iam feeling very boring, I have listened to Lawsie for years and still love love it.
    Now Iam a big fan of Meryl Swanson, So my day is pretty well covered as far as entertain goes! Must say this all goes on at my desk.

     
  32. Dimpzee October 24, 2012 Reply
     
     

    Mrs Woog, do yourself a favour & tune into ABC 702 in the afternoon. Richard Glover is the thinking woman’s bit of crumpet :-) ))).

    Sadly yes, during the day my radio is tuned to talk-back. Actually I rescind my **sadly**. I grew up with talk back & confess I LOVE it.

     

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Comments

  • sue Bell: Gee, the ABC Radio National has played and still does, a vital role in unifying Australians as Australia. It has been th...

    Reply|Read all

  • Carmen: Capisco. However, after getting a major (not kidding) allergy which has eventuated in my frequent-flyership at the gynae...

    Reply|Read all

  • Carmen: Oh Mrs. Woog - your before shot is so much better than the after. However lately I've become a closet watcher of tha...

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  • Jack Richards: @Sally. It has everything to do with religion! All the "great monotheistic faiths" i.e. Christianity, Judaism and Isl...

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