Radio 2CC’s Drivetime Host Mike Welsh has produced a TV documentary that provides an insight into the people who have a passion to phone in to talkback radio programs.
Directed by 2GB Producer Michael Thompson, the 26 minute documentary delves into the lives of five passionate talkback callers.
At a recent launch at Teatro Vivaldi, Mike introduced Lon, Geoff, Betty, Samuel and Steve, who met each other and saw the documentary for the first time.
After 28 years in radio, Welsh felt he had an interesting story to tell about the people behind the voices that regularly call him.
“These people have opinions on all kinds of things. I wanted to bring out the characters and get an insight into why they call talkback”, says Welsh.
A crew of six spent a day and a half in their homes, which was a challenge in itself.
What’s evident from the documentary is the diversity of the group: Lon, who is so passionate about radio he wears one around his neck at all times; Steve—Bruce the Goose’s nephew—who loves to be silly and try to trick the talkback jock; 75 year old Betty who doesn’t pull any punches; Geoff, an ex toastmaster who lost his confidence when he experienced bipolar disorder, and shy 20 year old Samuel who is passionate about talkback radio.
“Talkback radio is a place where I can have my say; I generally don’t find music radio overly exciting”, says Samuel. “I find that listening to talkback radio is much more interesting and it seems natural for me to take part”.
Welsh says that we all probably yell at the radio from time to time, but we won’t ring as often as these people do.
“There is usually an issue of the day that is spiking them, getting them angry enough to call”, says Welsh.
What is evident is that these five have their own demons to deal with, whether it be eccentricity, depression, mental illness, bipolar disorder or Aspergher’s Syndrome.
Talkback radio provides a connection for these five (most live on their own) into the community. It keeps them engaged. And as Betty says:
“It’s my right to give my opinion on that day at that time”.
