[By: Kagiso Mnisi]
Every weekday morning on Talk Radio 702, we are sure to hear concerns (middle class at most), on gaping potholes and all the other stuff that keep the 7-8 LSM awake at night. The man who has been the conduit to it all these years is John Robbie. His backstory is uncanningly rooted in the field of play as a Rugby scrum half for heavies such as The British Lions; Robbie subsequently made a leap to sports broadcast and then talk radio in 2003. The seasoned morning jock lets Radiobiz in on his well of thoughts about a range of issues from competition with Power FM, cold Guinness and the Protection of State Information Bill
As a former rugby player, can you still tussle its out in any scrum on any given Sunday?
JR: These days I cannot run for a bus. I still love rugby however and am a Lions supporter to the hilt.
What do you appreciate most about being a morning presenter for a talk station?
JR: I get a chance to talk to a large number of people and hopefully inform and entertain them. In the morning many people are hearing about issues for the first time so in a way you get to set the agenda for the day. A huge responsibility.
How do you keep calm and focused when interviewing hot headed
figures?
JR: I am much better than in the early days. I have learned that you don’t have to win or convert or correct a guest. You just put the questions and let the audience make up their own minds.
What counts as must reads at the present moment in your life?
JR: I always read as many papers as I can. The Mail and Guardian each week is a must and also the Saturday Star in which I contribute.
A 100% black owned talk station known as Power FM is soon to launch, what do you think this holds for the lay of radio land?
JR: It is great competition for all of us. The more the merrier. We cannot influence them but will have to be as good as we possibly can be on 702 to thrive.
What is an Irish man to do when made to choose between warm Guinness and Johnny Walker Blue?
JR: I drink cold Guinness whenever I can. Mothers’ milk. I would love to be able to afford JWB but prefer a peaty, smoky single malt like Laphroig.
What are your honest sentiments about the looming Protection of State Information Bill?
JR: I am scared. Surely this government should be looking to share as much information as possible with its people instead of burying it? The way changes have had to be fought for at every stage is particularly concerning.