The immediacy of radio is still its greatest attribute: Colin Denovan

Colin Denovan accepted a redundancy from the ABC after 23 years. He shares his thoughts on retirement, radio news and his career.

During his time at ABC Radio, Denovan was acting editor, subeditor and afternoon newsreader on 774.

Before joining the ABC he worked in commercial radio and tv, beginning his career at 3MA and STV8 Mildura in 1969 and then taking on the role of news director at 3XY, 3DB and FOX FM.

Colin writes:

 

45 years is a long time in any industry, but more so in radio which can be turbulent at times to say the least. However, after beginning my career as an engineer, and then attending an announcing school before switching to radio, I must say I’ve enjoyed it and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

It’s an exciting, unpredictable, edgy industry, but the rewards are there for anyone who applies themselves and learns their craft.

It’s also an industry that has highly talented, interesting people and a few who I’ve worked with, and learnt from, are Graham Kennedy, Stan Rofe, Frank Avis, Doug Aiton at the ABC and that great programmer, Rod Muir.

The immediacy of radio is still its greatest attribute and it’s the quickest way to get breaking news to air – this is what I’ll miss the most.

Television tries hard, but is ponderous, while newspaper websites are having a crack but still can’t match the speed and accessibility of radio.

The latest round of cutbacks at the ABC came along just as I was thinking that it was time to pursue a more relaxed lifestyle and I felt that Aunty’s redundancy offer was too good to refuse. However, it’s my belief that the best way to stave off senility is to have an active mind and I won’t be completely severing ties with the industry.

I have plans to do some freelance editing, voice/over work, and I’m keen to help young people with their voice presentation skills, not to make money, but to pass on what I’ve learnt over a long career and hopefully help to improve the standard of the industry.

 

Good luck in your retirement Colin, we’re sure there will be plenty of people calling on that expertise you are offering.

 

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