50 years of radio changes at 4KZ: June Williams

Born in Innisfail, June Williams has worked at North Queensland’s 4KZ for over 50 years, witnessing all the transformations of radio technology first-hand.

Beginning in 1971 as a copy typist in the reception of 4KZ Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd, June explains that things were very different then.

“No photocopiers – just carbon paper, and as much as you could put so that you didn’t have to retype it too many times,” said June. 

“The fruit report used to come in every day via telegram delivery. Later we advanced to a Telex machine. Many probably wouldn’t know what that was.” 

The telex machine was a machine used to send and receive messages, later replaced by the fax machine and so on.

June later moved into traffic which also had many different processes then.

“First, the logs were handwritten and then later typed. We had a colour-coded system for the different on-air times, e.g. Breakfast, Morning, Lunch, Afternoon, Drive and Night,” said June.

“We closed at 10pm and then 11pm, and the national anthem was played.” 

June’s first boss was Mr Harry Clegg, who she says was a “Pom” but, “He didn’t mind being called that.”

Mr Clegg wanted June to learn the accounts side of things, but June enjoyed the on-air aspect of radio much more, so the pair cut a deal. 

“I [would] learn accounts and I could also learn the studio and on-air side of the station. I enjoyed that very much,” said June. 

“We had one of the first automated systems. Darrel Woolnough was our Technician, and he was the best. This automation system was huge in comparison to today. Many frustrating hours and nights.” 

“We moved on to Midnight opening and then with the automation 24 hours.”

The power of the computer continued to be recognised and integrated into the daily lives of radio professionals, with June being one of the early adopters of working from home, before it became popularised. 

“Next was a computer for traffic. I took the computer home and worked on it with much help from the guy who wrote the programme,” said June. 

“Now we have a much more sophisticated on-air automation system and traffic programme.”

One thing that has also changed in Australian radio over the time June has been in the industry is the rapid decline of independent radio companies.

“Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd – 4KZ and Kool FM based in Innisfail and 4AM on the Atherton Tablelands, are one of the few independent radio companies left in Australia,” said June 

“This, I think, is sad in my opinion. When you listen to the networks, they all tend to sound the same.”

Changes in technology weren’t the only highlights over the 50 years, but the fun nature of the industry meant there were plenty of opportunities for excitement.

“Some of my favourite times were when the bands used to travel round, even coming to our town. The likes of TMG, Sherbet, Col Joy with Judy Stone, Little Pattie, and Johnny Chester and Jigsaw,” said June.

“Record reps came through from the major record companies and we purchased our albums from them. The singles we sent out continually. Now it is all on computer.”

“So many changes over my time in the industry, and that’s just where I work.”

“One of the things I most enjoyed was the friendships that I made, many of whom I still have contact with today. Sadly, some have passed on, but we had some crazy fantastic times. Many great memories.”

Listen to 4KZ here by visiting the website or by tuning in from North Queensland’s coast.

June is pictured with the old 4KZ team in the middle of the top row wearing a floral shirt.