This month one of Curtin FM’s longest serving volunteers will celebrate 30 years of being on live radio.
On-air presenter Alan Mannings began at Curtin FM on 3 July 1981.
Today, he is the host of the Sunday Morning segment, From the Vault, a 4 hour radio program from 9am to 1pm that plays popular music and digs out rarities from the 50s through to the 80s.
Alan, 61, said he still recalled his introduction to radio and how his own initiative secured him a spot on the community station.
“Being a huge Roxy Music fan, I went to see them at a media conference in Perth in 1981,” Alan said.
“While everyone was busy grabbing the attention of Bryan Ferry, I was more interested in interviewing Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera.
“As it turned out, Mark Cain from Curtin FM was there and he saw me do a one-on-one interview with Phil. We started talking, and soon enough the story was featured on Curtin FM as a one-hour radio special.”
Despite Alan’s lucky introduction to radio, he said he credited his 30-year career to a passion for reporting the news and fostering relationships with the community.
“Once it gets in your blood, it gets in your blood, I suppose. It’s just doing something that I love,” he said.
Curtin FM Director Quinn Glasson, who has known Alan for the past seven years, said he credits his longevity in community radio to his dedication to listeners and a passion for the music style he presents.
“People listening to him feel like they’re listening to a friend and I think that’s why he’s had such a long career in radio. I think it’s the fact that he enjoys what he does,” he said.
During his time at Curtin FM, Alan has been married on air, broken the news of the 1983 Victorian bushfires, met music legends Leo Sayer, Normie Rowe and interviewed Rolling Stones guitarist Bill Wyman.
Curtin FM has a proud 34 year history as Western Australia’s first community broadcaster and is run by more than 100 regular volunteers.
Curtin FM will soon turn to digital radio; a move that could see more programs like Alan’s aired regularly.
To listen to Curtin FM, tune into 100.1 or simply go to www.curtinfm.com.au.
Contacts:
Karys Nella, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 3353, Email: karys.nella@curtin.edu.au
Quinn Glasson, Director Curtin FM
Tel: 9266 4934, Email: Q.Glasson@curtin.edu.au
