Alex Whisson

• Indymedia

How did you become involved with the station and your program?

I had a professional association, some might even go out on a limb and call it a friendship, with two of the gentlemen who present Indymedia. Through an organic process devoid of any formal invitation to host the show, I somehow ended up in the position I now find myself in.

How long have you been with RTRFM?

Not long. About six months. Although I was first interviewed on RTR as a wee lad about ten years ago regarding some socialist event I was putting together.

What do you enjoy most about presenting?

I have been a notorious, incorrigible ranter and raver all my adult life. The idea that my ranting and raving might be amenable to a large radio audience astonishes me. I generally get positive feedback on my presenting, so it’s nice to know I seem to be doing an OK job.

More important than my own role in the show however is the opportunity to hear voices and cover stories that would otherwise be tossed down the Orwellian memory hole. It’s been particularly gratifying speaking to several indigenous brothers and sisters who would otherwise not have their voices heard in the public realm.

Strangest experience at RTRFM?

Well, it doesn’t really fit into the category of strangeness, but it was truly remarkable staying up until the wee hours of the night waiting to call Sameh Habeeb, a photojournalist living under the hellfire of Israel’s murderous assault in Gaza City. We finally got through to him after midnight. A humbling and incredible experience.

Favourite RTRFM program/s?

Indymedia, Drivetime, Bordak Bordak Ngalla, Morning Magazine, News From Nowhere (deceased).

What do you do in real life?

Read, cogitate, agitate, study, breathe, work, get depressed, laze around, work some more, sigh at the state of the world, stand in amazement in the middle of a busy city street wondering how normal people’s minds work, talk to people, give them lectures, try to write the occasional thing, dream about grand projects, fantasise about travelling the world, pore over history books, politics books, literature, try to learn more about art, biology and astronomy, gaze at women, try to talk to women, listen to music, watch fine cinema, catch up with friends etc. etc. etc.