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RNZ News
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
The Mixtape: Matthew Crawley
This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions. The inimitable Matt Crawley joins Tony Stamp for The RNZ Mixtape. Matthew Crawley at alternative 95bFM, where he does the Monday Drive show. Photo: Aneeka Moheed A promoter, DJ and musician, Crawley cut his teeth on the Aotearoa music scene when he started volunteering at Auckland alternative radio station 95bFM as a teenager. Crawley began Strange News Touring in 2005 with Rueben Bonner. The company has hosted names such as Lucy Dacus, Wednesday, MJ Lenderman, Jessica Pratt and Ichiko Aoba, among many others. He was the manager of Auckland's Flying Out Records until 2022, when he left to immerse himself in the promotion side of things. Before that, he was the entertainment manager of legendary bar Golden Dawn. Crawley is also the brains behind comedy punk quartet Thee Golden Geese. The Smashing Pumpkins – Whir PJ Harvey – C'mon Billy
Irish Times
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Joe Duffy's last Liveline: A rare acerbic shot at the Taoiseach, then the fabled phone-in show goes full end-of-pier
With its controversial subjects, unpredictable callers and – not least – outspoken host, Liveline (RTÉ Radio 1, weekdays) has occasionally resembled an on-air circus during Joe Duffy 's stewardship. But as the broadcaster presents his final edition of the fabled phone-in programme on Friday afternoon, the atmosphere evokes light entertainment of a different kind: a variety show. Though broadcasting in front of a studio audience at Montrose's radio centre, Duffy sounds as if he should be MCing a cabaret night in the Braemor Rooms, circa 1978, as a succession of stand-ups, impressionists and musicians take to the stage to perform skits, impressions and classic songs. 'I recognise a lot of faces from Crimecall,' Duffy jokes, surveying the crowd. The only thing missing is the crash of a cymbal. The proceedings are opened by Camembert Quartet, the comic lounge act – 'back together at very little expense' – who have been a familiar fixture on Liveline's regular Funny Friday specials. It sets the tone for the show. Duffy, who remarks that he wasn't allowed into the studio until a couple of minutes before airtime, is then joined by his RTÉ colleague Brenda Donohue, who ebulliently introduces callers who have highlighted issues on the show in the past, from cuts to grants for breast-cancer survivors to menopause awareness. READ MORE Liveline: Joe Duffy presenting his farewell show in studio 1 at RTÉ Radio Centre. Photograph: Andres Poveda Taoiseach Micheál Martin phones in to thank Duffy for passing on tips when he was a student activist. 'You forgot them quick enough,' the broadcaster shoots back, introducing a rare acerbic note to the occasion. It's only a fleeting bump, however, with Duffy displaying his emotional awareness by remembering his encounters with the Taoiseach's late daughter, Léana. At this point the celebrations go full end-of-pier. The comedian June Rodgers delivers a string of corny one-liners in her guise as Oliver Bond, greeted by chuckles from Duffy and deafening silence from everyone else. This is followed by comic impersonations from Al Foran, Pakie O'Callaghan and – in recorded form – Duffy's fellow Radio 1 presenter Oliver Callan . The latter's gentle mockery of Duffy's on-air delivery is as witty as it is brief, a lesson not learned by all his comic peers. [ 'Dublin city centre is turning into an unadulterated kip': Joe Duffy's Liveline highlights Opens in new window ] The musical contributions are similarly eclectic. The Eurovision winner Paul Harrington performs a song by Leonard Cohen, one of Duffy's favourite musicians (which may help explain the presenter's often lugubrious demeanour). The participation of Dublin Fire Brigade Pipe Band speaks to Duffy's tireless championing of the emergency services – 'When we're having our worst day, you have to have your best day,' he comments – even if the band's massed drones probably sound more stirring at a street parade than on the radio. By the time Harrington delivers a spirited rendition of Wichita Lineman it's time to go, in every sense. While it was unlikely that Duffy would spend his last day fielding calls from the public, an afternoon of broad comedy and crowd-pleasing songs seems like an oddly prosaic and even bathetic way to bid farewell to a broadcaster famed for revealing the hidden secrets of Irish life. [ 'Love you all, it's been a privilege': Joe Duffy presents last Liveline as he retires from RTÉ Opens in new window ] But then finales are more about marking the occasion than breaking new ground – and Duffy has always been in tune with popular opinion rather than critical approval, whether tackling injustice or laughing his way through Funny Friday. In that sense it's an apposite way to bid goodbye. Talk will now inevitably turn to who will succeed him. Duffy reminds the audience that 'the Liveline will remain open', with Philip Boucher-Hayes assuming presenting duties next week. But in terms of pedigree, Duffy's regular stand-in Katie Hannon would seem to be the obvious candidate as permanent replacement. (Callan jokes to this effect in his skit.) That Hannon is departing her current-affairs TV show, Upfront, will surely cause her odds to shorten further. Equally, however, RTÉ recently advertised an 'expressions of interest' process for presenting jobs on Radio 1, suggests that the station might try to cast its net beyond the Montrose talent pool. [ Micheál Martin: 'You will always say you have the kids you lost' Opens in new window ] As for the man himself, Duffy is vague about his post-Liveline plans. But with a vacancy soon arising in Áras an Uachtaráin, his name has been mentioned as a potential presidential candidate. Speaking to Áine Lawlor on Morning Ireland earlier, Duffy brushes away the suggestion without quite categorically denying it: 'I will not lose the run of myself.' Even so, it seems fitting that his final show should end with his station colleague Shay Byrne reading out a letter from President Michael D Higgins , who commends Duffy for his empathy and commitment to giving voice to ordinary people. With the show running over time, Duffy himself doesn't get the opportunity for a long goodbye. But for the first time all afternoon, his succinct farewell greeting carries an authentically emotional charge. 'Love you all. It's been a privilege.' And with that the great ringmaster of Irish radio is gone.
News.com.au
a day ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘That was... interesting': Veteran radio host Ron Wilson axed after from 2SM Breakfast show after just six months
A veteran radio broadcaster has been axed from his new job after just six months in the role, it's been revealed. Ron Wilson took to social media on Thursday to revealed that he has been dropped from his Super Radio Network's 2SM Breakfast show. Wilson shared the news with his fans and followers on Facebook on Thursday night, writing: 'thanks for the ride 2SM. It was … interesting … while it lasted.' Discussing his axing he later told Daily Telegraph that despite being dropped by the network he 'didn't want to upset anyone' by revealing further details on the decision. ' … I'm limited on what I can say because I've just got a few little loose ends tie up with 2SM yet, so I don't want to upset anyone in that area,' Wilson told Sydney Confidential. 'They had an option on the contract just to give it a try out for six months, and that's exactly what happened. 'It wasn't quite what they were looking for. 'So we decided that it is probably best we leave it where it is for the time being and we will both go on our merry way. 'It is a very very difficult time in electronic media at the moment, so they are going to make little cuts where they can and I am assuming I am part of that. 'We have left on a handshake and it's all good. The industry is too small to burn bridges, so I won't be doing any of that,' he added. His axing comes just six months after he was heavily advertised by the network as their latest hire. At the time, co-owner of the 2SM Super Radio Network George Caralis said Wilson was the perfect fit for the relaunch of 2SM, and that they were, 'hiring top talent instead of letting them go.' For six months he presented from 2SM's Pyrmont studios from 5.30am weekday, going up against Sydney talk radio competitors Ben Fordham and Craig Reucassel.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Iconic radio host is dramatically AXED from his well-known show - as he gives scathing one-word parting shot
A veteran broadcaster has been axed from his radio program after just six months in the job. Ron Wilson's stint as 2SM breakfast presenter came to a sudden end this week. He had only joined the station in January after a decade-long stint as a newsreader on Smooth FM. 'Thanks for the ride 2SM. It while it lasted,' Wilson posted to Facebook on Thursday night Despite the parting shot, Wilson, 70, insisted he left the station on good terms. 'They had an option on the contract just to give it a try out for six months, and that's exactly what happened. It wasn't quite what they were looking for,' he told the Daily Telegraph. 'So we decided that it is probably best we leave it where it is for the time being.' His photo and bio have already been removed from the radio station's website. Wilson has worked in the media industry for five decades, including 33 years with Channel Ten, where he was best known as an evening newsreader. Wilson has worked in the media industry for five decades, including 33 years with Channel Ten. He was inundated with messages of support from shocked industry colleagues on Thursday night. 'What the?' radio presenter Trevor Sinclair commented. Ian Rogerson added: 'Their loss Ron.' The Wiggles' Anthony Field wrote: 'Hang on……????? I certainly hope not Ron!
Irish Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Times
Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman excel at jaded on-air grumbling
It's a tried-and-trusted routine, one that has grown familiar to listeners down the years. The despairing observation that the country is going to the dogs, accompanied by a weary sigh and an invitation for those tuning in to share their views on the matter. In a week when Joe Duffy , that great conductor of complaints, exits the airwaves, radio aficionados of an Eeyore-ish disposition will be reassured that Newstalk Breakfast (weekdays) still serves as a reliable source for jaded grumbling. It's a tribute of sorts to Duffy that it takes two people to match his prowess in this department, with the morning show's presenters, Shane Coleman and Ciara Kelly, acting as a tag team when it comes to generating on-air glumness. On Monday Coleman gamely steps up, bemoaning the number of no-shows at driving tests as an example of Ireland's lack of civic pride. 'We're really selfish,' he laments. READ MORE His cohost suggests this may be a common trait elsewhere, too. 'It's probably all people,' Coleman concedes, 'but I think we're pretty high up that league.' Kelly, taking on the role of patriotic booster, points to the fabled generosity of Irish people, but Coleman is having none of it. 'I think we've zero sense of civic duty,' he concludes, in a headmasterly tone of disappointment rather than anger. Duffy may be retiring, but Coleman merely sounds resigned. In the Newstalk duo's defence, their show's template obliges one of them to adopt a half-empty stance during their daily riffs on topical subjects. Still, Coleman sounds authentically cheesed off at what he perceives as endemic gaming of the system here. In contrast, Kelly sounds fired up by Wednesday's news that Women's Aid last year received the highest number of domestic-abuse disclosures in its history. While rightly disturbed by the volume of abuse reports, she also sees the alarming increase as evidence of a shift in Irish society. 'I think what women are willing to accept and what women identify as abuse has changed,' says Kelly, adding that things such as pushing and shoving were minimised in the past, as was emotional abuse. Not that Coleman and Kelly are always huffing despondently or opining defiantly. For the most part they're busy with interviews and analysis of various stripes. So Tuesday's programme features the veteran PR consultant Terry Prone extolling the virtues of Botox and the former Israeli peace negotiator Daniel Levy analysing the Israel-Iran conflict: 'Israel is the most radicalising and destabilising force in the region.' Similarly, Wednesday has Coleman gleefully talking to the former Formula One engineer Bernie Collins about speedy cars, while Kelly hears Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien discuss slow infrastructure projects. 'The pace of delivery is something we have to catch up with, and I believe we will,' says the Minister with the same Micawberish confidence he brought to the housing brief. At least someone on the show sounds optimistic, however irrationally. [ Formula One's Bernie Collins: 'People in the pub will say 'that's an unusual role for a girl'' Opens in new window ] Over on Liveline (RTÉ Radio 1, weekdays), the underlying mood is uncharacteristically celebratory, as Duffy spends his final week in the hot seat of the phone-in show. (This column goes to press before he broadcasts his farewell show, on Friday.) True, the host largely mutes his festive urges as he listens to callers recounting their collisions with e-scooters being driven on pavements, and even being punched by the drivers of said vehicles. The show must go on. But Duffy really hits his stride, albeit in emotive form, when he devotes Wednesday's programme to the devastating 1972 fire at the Noyeks timber showroom on Parnell Street in Dublin, which left eight people dead. Survivors and witnesses recall the tragedy, among them Geoff Peat, who weeps freely as he recalls his rescue efforts in the burning building. It's an often heart-wrenching item: one caller recounts the marks on windows where victims had thrown typewriters in an effort to escape the blaze. But the collective act of remembrance also seems to have an oddly cathartic effect on Duffy's contributors. Liveline has increasingly relied on nostalgic items in recent times – a sure-fire pointer to an older listenership – but in this case it's impossible not to be moved. The host appears in his element, too, his palpable sympathy notwithstanding. Meanwhile, callers offer their good wishes on Duffy's impending retirement. Mark, an Elvis impersonator, delivers a particularly memorable tribute. 'Liveline without Joe Duffy will be like Vegas without Elvis, the Vatican without the holy father, the Late Late without Gaybo.' The pernickety among us may note that The Late Late Show has been soldiering on without Gay Byrne for as long as Duffy has been hosting Liveline, but the point is well made. Joe will be a tough act to follow. Some other veteran broadcasters show no signs of slowing down. Pat Kenny (Newstalk, weekdays) remains a conspicuously vigorous presence behind the mic, throwing himself into topics great and small with equal alacrity. So while one expects him to be well briefed when discussing Nato conferences or interviewing Brendan Gleeson, it's gratifying to hear the host apply the same standards to less obviously engaging items, such as the labelling of food products. On Wednesday Kenny examines efforts in the European Parliament to restrict vegan and vegetarian food producers from using terms such as burger and sausage. Or, as Denis Drennan of the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association puts it, 'hijacking or piggybacking on top of the names that are well established'. Drennan, whose stated target is multinational food companies, approvingly compares the move to regulations preventing plant-based juices being labelled as milk: 'I don't see any mammary glands on oats.' Kenny pushes back. 'Doesn't the use of language change?' he asks before examining the etymological origins of the hamburger in exacting detail. His guest sticks to his guns: 'We should put the correct label on the foods, so the consumer is well aware of what they're buying.' (By the same measure, meat might be accurately labelled 'dead animal'.) At the same time, Kenny gets caught up in the minutiae of his own ruminations to glorious effect, suggesting that offending terms such as veggie sausage could be replaced by, ahem, 'vegan cylinder'. As long as he's in this idiosyncratically inspired form, one hopes that Kenny will stick around for a long time yet. Moment of the Week Jonathan Healy, an experienced current-affairs presenter, is a natural guest host of The Hard Shoulder (Newstalk, weekdays), sounding comfortable when discussing the aftermath of the US bombing of Iran with the journalist Alistair Bunkall. So as reports emerge that Iran has retaliated by firing missiles at Qatar and Bahrain – the latter state later transpires not to have been targeted – it's surprising to hear the usually accomplished Healy make a basic error as he comments on the news: 'This is an Arab country attacking two other Arab countries.' His guest is too polite to point out that the Farsi-speaking descendants of the Persian empire are not, in fact, Arabs.
