As I approach my third decade in the media industry I’m making a very big change.
Anyone who knows me knows that I love television.
In fact, Denise Drysdale once remarked that I loved producing Studio 10 so much that ‘he would marry Studio 10 if he could’.
And while it’s fair to say I’ve had my ups and downs in the TV industry (which have been well documented), it has been an industry I love.
But now it’s time for something new.
Since moving to the Gold Coast in 2019 I have been experimenting with streaming TV but it’s become clear the Australian market isn’t quite ready for it. Potential investors have been spooked by COVID-19 and companies are sticking to what they know… for now.
Which is fair enough.
Over the past few months I have been venturing into new territory. I have had a wonderful opportunity to fill in as a radio presenter on 4BC for Spencer Howson and Bill McDonald. To say it has been a revelation for me would be an understatement. The intimacy with the audience and the ability to talk about topics is something that I connect with and it really appeals to me.
Radio is a format I believe suits me well.
Now that 4BC is expanding its local content with the addition of Sofie Formica in the afternoons, I can now reveal I will be the Executive Producer of that program.
It’s a role that will allow me to continue my work on TV Blackbox (the website and podcast) and Monsters Who Murder: Serial Killer Confessions – a podcast I host with the ‘serial killer whisperer’ Amanda Howard. This year we have turned that true-crime podcast into a videocast as well, which has led to major subscription growth.
The Afternoons EP role is something I am genuinely excited about. This is a role that will allow me to learn the skills of radio both on and off the air. I will continue to be on 4BC’s roster of fill-in presenters while honing my skills in this (new to me) medium.
Now while 4BC is part of the Nine Entertainment Company, they have allowed me to continue with TV Blackbox and remain independent. I am grateful for that and applaud Nine for their confidence in allowing such an arrangement.
So, while this new role will indeed take up most of my creativity and time, there will ALWAYS be time to talk TV! The podcast will move to a Wednesday night release and we still have the TV Blackbox Awards live stream to organise for November 28.
Way to go Rob! I’m sure you will excel in this new role. I’m just bummed that I don’t live in Queensland so that I can listen to you (no time for another podcast for me I’m afraid). Congratulations.
Rob.
“Executive Produce” is not a verb.
You cannot “executive producer” something.
You can produce something.
Grammar is important in the spoken environment. Please maintain good standards for the listeners.
Congratulations on your job.