Margaret Throsby’s last show: ‘All will be revealed’

ABC Classic FM will farewell the iconic Margaret Throsby from the Midday show next month.

Margaret will start a new show on Saturday mornings in what was just one of a number of lineup and presenter changes announced by the ABC for 2017.

She has hosted the Midday program on ABC Classic FM since 1994.

radioinfo caught up with her to see how she feels about ending daily broadcasting in terms of creating and presenting everyday and some of her secret to making good radio.

“I’m looking forward to bringing my daily broadcasting to an end. It’s time!”

You have been hosting the Midday program since 1994, specifically, how do you feel about leaving the show itself – is it like saying goodbye to a friend?

“In a sense, it’s like saying goodbye to a friend.  I’ve worked with the same producer, Mark Hastings, for nearly 23 years which must be some kind of record. And I feel many of my listeners are “friends” – they write, and email, and comment. But as I say, it’s time.”

What are some of your fondest memories with so many sharing their lives with you?

“I’ve interviewed literally thousands of people on Midday – I have found every one of them generous with time and thought.  It’s a privilege being allowed into people’s private lives, and that’s something I treasure.”

You will be hosting a three-hour program on Saturday morning – what will you be covering?

“I will be joined every Saturday morning by a guest. This is not the same format as Midday, although the guest will be invited to choose the music we play.  But there will be less talk, more music.”

 What do you consider the secrets of good radio that have kept you as a favourite of listeners for decades?

“I don’t know about “secrets”.  I’ve been working on radio for nearly 50 years and the same sentiments apply now as did back then: radio is ultimately the most intimate of all media. People often listen when they’re alone, so for me it’s always been a matter of keeping people company, trying to be myself, having fun, laughing, enjoying…”
 

Your last show will be next month – have you thought about how you will farewell your listeners to Midday?
 

“The last show on Dec 16 will be with a guest who is very special. All will be revealed on the day.”

 

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