A former television journalist has struggled to adapt to her new radio role.
Emma was the host of current affair show Hitting Hard for a decade, but quit last year over “creative differences” and joined the 5pm-8pm slot on BUZZ FM.
“When I say ‘creative differences’, I meant the idiot new producer wanted to do more ‘gotcha’ stories like on A Current Affair: dodgy tradies, neighbours from hell, all that nonsense. Either that or cross-promotional puff pieces with network celebrities,” said Emma. “I couldn’t get out the door fast enough.”
Unable to get another journalism job, and unwilling to work for certain right wing networks, Emma took the radio job, but has struggled to gel with her co host Garry ‘Gazza’ Fitzpatrick, a former rugby league player-turned-comedian.
“I talked to some rugby league reporters I know and they said Garry mainly played reserve grade for St George. He might have gotten a couple of NRL games during the Origin period, but he wasn’t a superstar,” said Emma. “And I watched some of his stand up gigs on YouTube. He tells stories about the ‘good old days’ when he played footy and caters to the RSL crowd.”
While Emma and Garry get along fine, she doesn’t find him funny.
“Garry’s idea of humour is the silly Minion memes my parents used to share on Facebook. Whenever we try to discuss the news, it just falls flat. I try to have serious and in-depth discussions like I used to, but then he makes a horrible joke and ruins it,” said Emma. “The worst part is, the producer encourages him as they say the audience loves his stupid jokes. God knows why.”
Though Emma has found a way out of her rut.
“I’ve decided to let Garry hog all the attention so I can sit back, tune him out, and start planning my new podcast. It’s going to be a return to what Hitting Hard used to be. Uncompromising news stories, detailed interviews with important people, and real discussions about issues I care about. I’ve already got a couple of old workmates sorting out the technical details and I’m working on getting the interviews.”
Though Emma will be sticking with the radio show for now.
“I know it’ll take a while for the podcast to get moving, but once I can get enough listeners to start a Patreon, then I’ll quit the radio job and focus on the podcast full-time. Garry will probably work better with whichever reality TV ‘star’ they bring in to replace me.”
