By Aisling McCarthy

In topics ranging from sports to politics, the 702 Talk Radio host has made the news on numerous occasions, interviewing important people, including Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and English boxer, Chris Eubank.

Despite 702 describing his departure late last year as a “retirement”, Robbie insists this isn’t the case. He goes on to say, “I had a great rugby career and a radio career, and now I need another one.”

Although numerous offers have come up, Robbie explains that he hasn’t quite found the right fit just yet, which he describes as “scary but also exciting.”

“I have had offers but I am weighing up options. I am open to proposals and ideas, but do not want to jump at the first one. I want to make a difference to South Africa and also make some money.”

Radio hosts have a great responsibility towards their listeners

In an interview with Business Day, Robbie says that he made the tough decision to leave because “30 years at 702 is enough. I want to do something totally different from broadcasting, and if I don’t do it now, I never will.”

He explains that, ideally, he would like to pursue something that allows him to touch base with his interests, namely sport, tourism and the redevelopment of cities, like Johannesburg and Pretoria.

In his time at 702, he learnt some valuable lessons about the power and responsibility of a radio host.

According to the South African Advertising Research Foundation, it was estimated in 2015 that local radio reached a total number of 37.6 million listeners – making it the most consumed form of media in the country.

Considering this, Robbie highlights the importance of integrity and authenticity when presenting on radio. “Many people live for radio in South Africa. A flippant remark can be taken seriously. I was always conscious of this and, as a result, never put on a performance. With me, what you heard was what I was.”

What’s next for South African talk radio?

The future of radio has been brought into question with the explosion of information on the internet. With users being able to access information anytime, anywhere, this also leaves a large question mark as to where radio in South Africa is heading.

Robbie believes, however, that radio still plays a vital role in the country. “Many felt that with the rise of social media and the Internet, radio would die. On the contrary, with the info explosion, people need a reference point and radio, especially talk radio, done well, can provide this.”

Broadcasting and online platforms can work together

Robbie says that broadcast media in general still has a lot to offer the public, and that the rise of the Internet has not killed the medium, but rather, forced it to adapt. In his opinion, South African radio, and broadcast media in general, is in a very good place.

“Radio can drive listeners to all other platforms and this has a huge advantage. Creativity is the key.”

Although radio broadcast may not be the primary source of information for a lot of South Africans nowadays, it can drive listeners towards online information. Radio stations, newspapers and magazines have all had to add online portals to their catalogue.

There are also real-time, live videos of numerous radio broadcasts, such as live performances of musicians, posted on social media and other online portals. This allows listeners to hear the audio on radio, whilst also giving them the chance to watch visuals through live streaming.

So video may not have killed the radio star, after all. Like all types of media, it has merely had to adapt in order to keep up with the times, and Robbie believes it to “be in a very good place”.

Lessons learnt in the industry

Having worked in the industry for so long, Robbie has learnt a lot about radio and South Africa. He says the most important lesson he has learnt is that the ‘everyday South African’ is often far more astute than they are generally given credit for.

“Ordinary people are not stupid. Politicians and analysts can spin like heck, but, in the end, people see through it. People do not like being treated as idiots.”

For more information, connect with Robbie on Twitter.

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