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By Shaun's Early Light

Herald Sun - 28 September 2005

Submitted by Ross McPhee

Steve Perkin talks to Shaun Micallef about starting his radio day at 4am

 

Shaun Micallef has jumped into the new world of radio after 10 years in various television roles. As part of the lineup at Vega 91.5, Micallef hosts the morning drive shows with Denise Scott and Beverley O’Connor.

 

Perkin: So how are you enjoying your new career?

 

Micallef: I’m getting there. My body’s getting used to the horrendously early hours. I no longer need a siesta.

 

When are you getting up?

 

4am. Then I’m showering and shaving, but I’m thinking of growing a beard and getting up at five. I’m getting into the habit of not sitting bolt upright when the alarm goes off. I’m looking forward to holidays…getting into the habit of waking up at 4am.

 

What about your co-hosts? Are they worrying about make-up at that hour?

 

They don’t have any problem with the shaving. I haven’t seen any evidence of that, anyway. Compared to me, they look great.

 

And what’s it like being tucked into bed at night by your young sons?

 

Yes, quite right, and twice this week I was in bed before them. It’s actually quite embarrassing to go to bed before your seven-year-old. But yes, in bed by 8.30.

 

How long since you’ve actually had a daily job?

 

The last time was probably in my other life when I had a real job, when I was a lawyer. So it’s been about 10 years. Since then it’s been television where, if you get 13 weeks you’re lucky. Full Frontal, in ’94, was pretty much for the whole year.

 

What do you listen to on radio?

 

I’ve never really listened. Radio National in the mornings and pretty much that was it. I travelled by train and tram so it wasn’t like I had a car to listen to music in. I don’t know whether that’s a good or bad thing. I guess it’s helpful to learn from what’s around, so I’m making it up as I go.

Your general manager said recently that baby boomers, which is probably your target audience, didn’t like huge-egoed announcers. You’ve just come out of 10 years in television. How’s your ego?

Suitably punctured. There certainly are people who push opinions on radio, but any opinions I have I’m barely able to express in private, let alone in public. But with three people, it’s a discussion rather than pontificating about a certain subject. But I’ll get there. With six months you won’t be able to distinguish me from Alan Jones.

 

Are you missing television?

 

No, because I’m still doing stuff. I’ve been involved in the Blackjack series Channel Ten is currently running, and we’re also developing a sitcom, hopefully for Ten.

Who said these words: “Digital television is made digitally. Analogue television is made anally. That certainly would explain the quality of some of our programs”?

Ah yes, a great man once uttered those words.

 
I wouldn’t think that’s any way to win over television executives with a new sitcom idea.

So that’s the problem?

 
Vega is broadcasting some of its shows from Sydney into Melbourne . Are you being broadcast into Sydney ?

 

No, which probably makes sense. I’ve never lived in Sydney . I wouldn’t have any idea how to pretend I’m coming from all places at once.