At the heart of radio program Only Human is the notion that people with disabilities are disability experts, qualified by their own lived experience. Broadcasted on Brisbane’s/Meanjin’s 4ZZZ, ‘Only Human’ explores disability and social justice issues with a group of differently-abled volunteers.
The close-knit team behind the show have been on an outstanding trajectory to increasing their listenership, social media following, building relationships with disability and social justice focused organisations and engaging new volunteers.
4ZZZ’s ‘Only Human’ was a recipient of CBF’s Content Round 1 Grant 2023/24 for producer wages, community outreach projects, studio hire, small equipment and other administrative costs.
With CBF funding support, the show recently expanded on the capacity and role of its Executive Producer Belle to include volunteer support, scheduling content and creating a roster for volunteers. For new announcers on the program such as Brody, the additional volunteer-focused support has helped him strengthen ‘backend’ skills such as taking the lead with interviews, searching for interviewees, developing discussion topics and creating scripts. Highlight interviews led by Brody have recently included speaking with Law Professor Dr Linda Steele on the topic of restrictive practices including against women with a disability, and an interview with local band Worm Girls about accessibility at gigs and other social justice issues.
With a strong focus on volunteer support and mentoring, ‘Only Human’ is driven to help volunteers gain confidence in all aspects of production to increase overall participation at the station, and to create an inclusive and comfortable environment that serves as an entry to 4ZZZ for people with disabilities.
The show has also been paving the way with its successful active engagement with the wider community at several community outreach events this year, including International Non Binary Day and Accessibility Open days at the station. One of the key highlights at the 4ZZZ studio has been the unveiling of ‘Dee’s Door’: the station’s new automated and accessible front door, as part of an Accessibility Open Day in March – which featured tours of the studios and the Zed community coming together to welcome people with disabilities with an interest in community radio.
‘Engaging with the community through outreach but also through interviews, it has revealed the great importance of news covering social justice issues, and capturing a variety of perspectives such as grassroots activists as well as academics, ensuring that people with disabilities lived experience are respected too’ shares 4ZZZ’s Station Manager, Jack McDonnell.