TIM BLACKWELL
Tim Blackwell is a game changer. He has been a constant presence on Nova since 2001. He played a key role in the launch of Nova Melbourne and Nova Perth, anchoring breakfast shows in both markets. In 2011 he moved into the national drive slot with Mishel Laurie and Marty Sheargold. In 2017 (at the time of this interview), he hosts NOVA's national drive show Kate, Tim & Marty with Kate Ritchie and (once again) Marty Sheargold.
READ THE SHOW NOTES
2:43 Craig Bruce introducing Tim Blackwell as one of the most admired music announcers in the country
4:21 Explaining how the program comes together on air
6:35 Recalling his interest in radio from 6 years of age
7:33 Sharing his first experience in commercial radio in Tasmania
10:10 Explaining how he came co-host of breakfast while he was in year 10 at school
12:39 Describing his education leading to radio
13:29 Craig recalling that Tim and Chris Page would share a ride to their AFTRS course
14:12 Remembering the talent who have influenced him, especially from 2DayFM
14:59 Listening to tapes of Jamie Angel
16:01 Craig describing Nova as the last 'cool' FM brand
17:22 Explaining the role AFTRS plays in connecting radio people
19:08 Moving to Albury while waiting for Nova to start
20:19 Going to Perth for Red Hot Chilli Peppers and launching Nova Perth
22:45 Craig noting there are few announcers in radio who genuinely love music
24:15 Craig musing on the future of radio as young people find the talk on radio toxic
26:50 Advising that keeping in touch with talent is the way to get ahead
28:17 Craig suggesting that listeners who ask for advice from presenters to be specific and prepare questions
30:14 Earning his role as an anchor with Hughesy and Kate
32:16 Being moved on from a show and getting over it
33:43 Craig talking about the importance of resilience in radio
34:34 Moving to Brisbane for the start of what became Meshel, Tim and Marty
36:33 Craig noting that Marty Sheargold has a good influence on you when you work with him on air
37:17 Explaining the influence Marty has had on him over time
38:35 Sharing advice to young radio announcers
39:09 Craig asking how you learn to be an anchor who enhances the product without getting in the way
40:05 Explaining how he still panels while anchoring
42:37 Talking through the change from Meshel Laurie to Kate Ritchie and becoming Kate, Tim and Marty
45:27 Knowing your roles before you go on air and how to put a program together
48:05 Acknowledging that callers can ruin a segment
51:20 Craig reflecting on how the Games Changers know what they will not do
52:38 Explaining how you have to start out doing what you are asked to do before you get to reject the format and the rules
55:03 Theorising that the role of 'the interview' doesn’t mean anything to the audience anymore
58:16 Offering advice for young players – ask questions, do the work, move and be a good employee off air as well.