Val Andrews on Newstalk

FlutterinBantam

Listening to Newstalk today Sunday as I studied for my exams and have to say why??

They had Val Andrews reporting on the Dublin -Meath and I was trying to give the lad the benefit but eventually the revolting Dub accent finally got to me and I reached for the off button.

Why in God's name do radio stations pick these people to broadcast to the nation.
Are they trying to annoy people or something.

Tenses mashed, grammar appalling all wrapped in a Dublin accent that the most ardent knacker would disown.

Why do they do this???

GSF

Its to balance out having Gerry O'Sullivan on every other Sunday afternoon.

FlutterinBantam

yes I agree,you have a good point there.

Nothing against both those gentlemen,but one would think that radio being a voice medium, that commentators,and presenters would be selected on that basis and that common sense would tell you that an intense regional accent ,no matter where from, will eventually grate on the ears and annoy the listener.

Small segments fine, but main man on a show, in my opinion doesn't work(for me anyway)

I won't be tuning in to Newstalk while that lad had a "starring role", no way Jose.

coopersgreen

Heard him earlier. He says the word 'like' every fifth word, on average. Who is he anyway?

Newstalk do have a habit of it. Ivan Yates is another one. Just not a broadcasters voice.

mike65

Its a good subject this, you'd have to reckon that aural aesthetics are just about the last thing any radio station manager takes into account with regard to hiring policy.

Aidric

FlutterinBantam wrote: »

yes I agree,you have a good point there.

Nothing against both those gentlemen,but one would think that radio being a voice medium, that commentators,and presenters would be selected on that basis and that common sense would tell you that an intense regional accent ,no matter where from, will eventually grate on the ears and annoy the listener.

Small segments fine, but main man on a show, in my opinion doesn't work(for me anyway)

I won't be tuning in to Newstalk while that lad had a "starring role", no way Jose.

Regional accents you say, check out this bad boy for some serious ear damage.
http://www.terracetalkireland.com/index.htm

deadhead13

Drivetime's Fergal keane is another one. Might be a good journalist, but just doesn't have a voice for radio.

yamo

Aural aesthetics pale in comparison to a person's ability to do their job.

You might not like Val Andrew's accent, but the guy reads the game really, really well, and is one of the best analysts on the radio. That's why they have him on. As for Weeshie Fogarty on TerraceTalk - he's broadcasting to a local radio audience in Kerry, where he's a hero. Also, I might add, the guy has a Micheal O'Muircheartaigh-esque memory, and is also a fantastic analyst of the game.

Badabing

And also they obviously had the telly on while he was talking to give the impression of an atmosphere i mean wtf! Why do Newstalk bother having a sunday sports show when it's all ads comps and a few results.

FlutterinBantam

yamo wrote: »

Aural aesthetics pale in comparison to a person's ability to do their job.

.

May I beg to differ pal.Both are complimentary.

yamo

Eh, no they're not. And I'm not just talking as someone with many years of radio experience.

Think of it like this: Would you rather someone with perfect diction (whatever that is) who has never played or coached football at any level, or with a seriously limited knowledge of the game? Or someone who has a reasonably strong accent, but whose knowledge of the game is fantastic? I know who I would rather have analysing games I'm listening to....

As for the game being on in the background - Newstalk don't have the radio rights for the GAA Championships, so they make do as best they can.

FlutterinBantam

Lost you after "reasonably strong accent"

Nuh uh.

That baby is strong...very strong.