A survey conducted to understand the role radio played during the Christchurch earthquakes and the immediate recovery period has revealed radio has the highest importance ranking compared with other media outlets. 77 per cent of respondents ranked radio as very important to them, a clear leader compared to others.

The results show there was reliance on radio across all respondents for it to provide Christchurch residents with up-to-date relevant information with 60 per cent selecting radio as their primary source of information with television 25 per cent.

Bill Francis, Chief Executive of the Radio Broadcasters Association says, ‘part of the role radio played was one of providing information and awareness. It also played a role in providing information about what facilities were available and where to go for emergency supplies’.

The survey also showed that homes holding emergency kits had increased from 48 per cent before the February earthquake to 70 per cent now.

This function was also pivotal in disseminating Civil Defence information with 82 per cent of respondents getting Civil Defence information through the radio and only 16 per cent getting information directly from Civil Defence, either through their web-site or from Civil Defence staff in person or by phone.

Bill Francis says, ‘the radio industry has always had a good understanding of its ability to provide information as well as comfort in these sorts of situations and this significant survey confirms that’.

The survey was conducted by Research International in Christchurch towards the end of 2011 – with 1,076 respondents completing questionnaires.

Further Information:

Bill Francis

Chief Executive

Radio Broadcasters Association

Mob: 0274 729-847, bill@rba.co.nz

 

Radio has lost one of its best known sporting commentators, after the death of Graeme Moody while surfing in New South Wales.

The Radio Broadcasters Association Chief Executive Bill Francis says Moody’s exciting and unerringly accurate radio commentaries placed him alongside Bob Irvine, John Howson and John McBeth in a line-up of outstanding commentators to cover All Black rugby.

Moody also covered many other major sporting events including a succession of Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Bill Francis says while Moody was always a favourite with his audience he also won the respect of the people he commentated on because they knew he understood the game and treated them with fairness and balance.

Graeme Moody won the New Zealand Radio Awards Best Sports Commentator Category in both 1991 and 2007 and was also part of winning teams from Newstalk ZB & Radio Sport for coverage at major sporting events.

A just released Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA) report on Talkback Radio has confirmed its popularity with New Zealanders.

Radio Broadcasters Association Chief Executive Bill Francis says he’s not surprised by the research in the report that shows one in three New Zealanders is a listener to talkback radio with the audience attracted by "the stimulating discussions". Listeners and callers alike value the different perspectives and range of opinions presented.

The BSA research confirms that audiences understand and value the robust talk environment where strict adherence to broadcast standards is not expected. Francis says the only reservation expressed was where hosts were rude or insulting to callers. "Listeners and callers expect boundaries to be pushed and aren’t easily shocked by discussions as a result – they know and understand the dynamics".

Further Information:

Bill Francis

Chief Executive

Radio Broadcasters Association

Mob: 0274 729-847, bill@rba.co.nz

He helped change the way sport on radio was perceived. Commenting on the recent passing of radio talkback host Geoff Sinclair, Radio Broadcasters Association Chief Executive Bill Francis says, "the combination of Sinclair and Tim Bickerstaff on Radio 'I's' Sportsline, was a must listen in the 1970's – full of cheek, outrageous behaviour and a constant questioning of players, and most of all the way sport was administered".  Francis, says, "Gone were the days of radio sport‟s hosts acting as cheer–leaders". But he adds that Sinclair had a huge empathy for the 'under-dog' and this often tempered the more outlandish Bickerstaff.

Francis says that much of this side of Sinclair was later heard on night-time talkback on Radio Pacific where he garnered a loyal following, based on his facility to make talkback listening, a place for a good yarn. Nevertheless Francis says Sinclair could see cant or falseness a mile off and was quick to rebuke a caller if they displayed those characteristics.

Francis says Geoff Sinclair understood better than most that the art of good talk radio communication was based on openness, being yourself and not being afraid to back your opinion. "Sinclair did it better than most".

Other Geoff Sinclair details:

• A quiz kid at 1ZB in the 1930‟

• A school teacher

• One of ten children and brother of the late Sir Keith Sinclair

• For many years Sunday News Columnist

• Mobil Radio Awards – The People‟ Choice Announcer 1991

Further Information:

Bill Francis

Chief Executive

Radio Broadcasters Association

Mob: 0274 729-847, bill@rba.co.nz