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Focus on local stories, hosts

Thomas Bryan and Mike Gourley host disability issues programme No Labels on Wellington Access Radio. The show is a finalist in the 2023 NZ Radio Awards.

What is your show at access radio?

Mike: No Labels is a disability issues series focused on bringing the issues and experience of disabled people into sharpened relief.

How long have you been there?

Mike: I have been involved off and on for 40 years.

Thomas: The show has had a number of hosts over the years. I have been hosting the show for about six years and last year Mike and I started sharing hosting the show.

What drew you to the station?

Mike: Its inclusive and welcoming philosophy and practice.

Thomas: I used to listen to the show and the former host was looking for someone else to pick up the show. I have always wanted to be involved with radio and so this was a great opportunity.

What is your favourite thing about radio?

Mike: That it can be intimate and available pretty much 24/7. Thomas: I love the station and its community focus and feel, and the show fits in so well reaching out and sharing topical topics that our listeners are keen to know about. We are able to bring stories and interviews hot off the press about new services or changes to services that will benefit our community and remove barriers.

Where are the best places to grab some kai in Wellington?

‘‘It is a great way to focus on local stories, local events and have real people telling their stories.’’ Thomas Bryan

Mike: The Empire Cinema and Eatery, Pickle and Pie. Thomas: Wellington has so many great places but for me, I have a few favourites. Elements just along from my gate, Skipping Stones has a great friendly feel. The Botanist, Polo and Scorch-O-Rama are also great for that weekend brunch, and a family favourite is the Green Parrot.

Who has been your most interesting radio guest and why?

Mike: Dr Esther Woodbury, who – as part of the human rights team at the Human Rights Commission – went to Geneva to present the disability community’s report to the UN Committee overseeing the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Thomas: Oh, I really struggle with this one. Most of my guests are politicians, local and central, and staff delivering services.

One that stands out for me would be my interview with Peter Boshier, the chief Ombudsman, and the crew from Able who produce audio description and captioning for TV.

Why is community radio so important?

Mike: Because it allows the genuine voices of the diverse communities to be represented. Thomas: It is a great way to focus on local stories, local events and have real people telling their stories. It is great to also have the opportunity to have politicians and officials who make themselves available and are keen to be on the show.

What has been your most memorable interview? Mike: The members of the Rocking Rainbows at Evaro helping disabled people achieve their life goals.

Thomas: Interviewing disabled people who are making a real difference. I don’t think the community really realise the number of disabled people who are in leadership roles both in the community and in the workplace.

What are some tips for someone who wants to get into radio?

Mike: Become a programmemaker at Wellington Access Radio.

Thomas: Work out what it is you think you might want to do, reach out to a community station, and see if you can come in and see how shows are presented and what is involved before they go to air. You don’t have to be behind the mic, you might want to work in the office or learn how to produce a show. There are many ways you can get involved.

Creative Capital Te Karanga Auaha

en-nz

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://fairfaxmedia.pressreader.com/article/281745568769515

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