'This Australian life': the Americanisation of radio storytelling in Australia

This article explores the impact of US storytelling forms on the radio documentary genre in Australia. Building on Lindgren and McHugh’s (2013) article outlining emerging trends in radio documentary forms in the United States and Australia, it highlights a growing interest in radio documentary production. The empirical study takes a dual approach through an online survey and semi-structured interviews with Australian radio producers. It maps how an up-and-coming cohort of radio producers understands the genre and what influences their practice. The study shows how the genre is undergoing rapid change and provides insights into the role played by both public broadcaster ABC Radio National and community radio in facilitating this new wave of radio production. Of particular significance is the role played by community radio in fostering a new generation of radio feature documentary producers.<div><br></div><div>First published in Australian Journalism Review, vol. 36, no. 2, p. 63-75<br>