For nearly 17 years, the Vision Australia Library program, Hear This, has been sharing choice picks from its audio catalogue with a dedicated legion of book-loving listeners.
When celebrating the program's 15th on-air anniversary in 2023, host and passionate bibliophile, Frances Keyland, expressed her commitment to continue hosting the beloved program (we’re pleased she hasn’t left the studio since!).
"As a national library service without a physical presence where people can browse books, having a radio program/podcast to talk about the catalogue and play samples makes sense. It's a brilliant way to communicate with our library members," Frances said.
image caption: Francis Keyland, sitting at the microphone recording an episode of Hear This.
Frances curates the 30-minute weekly program, often aligning it with cultural events like Anzac Day or notable happenings in the literary world, such as award announcements, author milestones or anniversaries. The most popular episodes feature recommendations from fellow library members, which Frances describes as the "fuel" of the show.
"The Reader Recommended segment introduces new books and unearths classics that people may not have had the opportunity to know about. Recommendations from fellow library members really motivate people to access and read or listen to books they may not have considered. It also encourages others to recommend books," she explained.
"Every time I get listener feedback, I get a dopamine rush which gives me ideas for further programs. I love everything about books; talking about books is almost as good as reading them. I'm honoured to be able to provide this program."
Image caption: Frances Keyland participating in a panel discussion at the Brimbank Writers and Readers Festival.
The power of radio
Hear This is produced within Vision Australia Radio’s Kooyong studios in Melbourne’s inner east, and is broadcast nationally across the news and information service. Each year, Vision Australia Radio's small dedicated team of staff and over 500 volunteers assign time on February 13 to celebrate World Radio Day, reflecting on radio broadcasting's reach and presence over the years since its inception in the late 1800s.
"Radio is a powerful and personal medium. Community radio supports the specific needs of niche communities and is often a lifeline for those who are missing out on the offerings of mainstream media," shares Manager of Vision Australia Radio and Audio Services, Conrad Browne.
"Vision Australia Radio's purpose is to support the information needs of people living with print disabilities. Although radio today may sound and feel a little different from when our first service commenced in 1982, the principles are the same. We make information accessible to those who can't access it through traditional means, via our radio reading services and through our diverse range of specialist interview-based content you won't hear anywhere else."
UNESCO has designated World Radio Day 2025 to focus on "Radio and Climate Change." This theme underscores radio's pivotal role in disseminating information about climate change, fostering public engagement, and promoting sustainable practices. Learn more about UNESCO World Radio Day on the UNESCO website.
This World Radio Day, Vision Australia Radio encourages you to get reacquainted with its offerings, whether it's the weekly radio program Hear This or something you may not have heard before.
"With a large offering of podcast content available on all major podcast services, our 24/7 broadcasts across AM/FM and DAB+, and the ability to live stream our content via varadio.org or your smart speakers, Vision Australia Radio has never been more accessible."
- Learn more at www.varadio.org or ask your smart speaker to play Vision Australia Radio.
- Hear This is available as a podcast on major platforms, including Apple Podcasts.
- You can also tune into Hear This each week on Vision Australia Radio or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
- Vision Australia Library members can have the show delivered to their device of choice through the VA Connect App. Call 1300 84 74 66 and ask to speak to a Vision Australia Library team member for assistance.
