ABC announces new audio fiction series for Radio National
Radio National Fictions, hosted by Fiona Pepper and produced by Sophie Townsend, is a new audio fiction series that will land on ABC RN in 2020.
The announcement:
ABC RN’s new audio fiction series boasts a curious (fish) tale or two for listeners in 2020
ABC RN will bring Australia’s best audio fiction to life for listeners as part of its compelling new line-up for 2020, from crime stories and gothic horror to the comedic tale of a teenage punk poet and a persecuted fish.
Radio National Fictions, presented by broadcaster Fiona Pepper, will combine Australia’s best writers with sumptuous sound design every Saturday from 1pm, starting with the “Oz Gothic” series about the dark forces dragging down this wide brown land. Other fiction series to air in 2020 include “Untrue Crime Australia”, hosted by crime writer Mark Dapin, and “No Standing. No Dancing”, an unconventional personal memoir about parenthood, poetry and Peppa Pig.
Series Producer Sophie Townsend said: “There’s been a huge resurgence in people listening to audio fiction around the world and as the national broadcaster we want to bring new and compelling creative works to our listeners. It’s a very human thing to want to hear stories and Radio National Fictions is where you’ll get to enjoy a broad range of new and different stories – from really hilarious series to dark dystopian worlds.”
RN’s schedule for 2020 also features a new weekly destination for armchair travelers in Lost and Found, with Jonathan Green exploring the architecture, sights, food and culture of places around the world every Sunday at 1pm.
The program will sit alongside returning RN favourites, such as Conversations, Saturday Extra, Life Matters, Big Ideas, All in the Mind, AWAYE!, Sporty, A Big Country, The Minefield, Religion and Ethics Report, Late Night Live, Download This Show and news stalwarts AM, PM and Background Briefing.
Joining RN’s line-up next year as new host of The Art Show is broadcaster Namila Benson, who has spent more than two decades working across multiple media platforms, including presenting ABC TV’s Art Nation and as a producer and presenter on ABC Radio Australia. She replaces Ed Ayres, who has decided to focus on presenting ABC Classic’s Weekend Breakfast and writing a new book.
Also departing RN is Sunday Extra host Hugh Riminton, who is leaving to spend more time with his family. “I’ve really enjoyed the last two years but I do have a full-time job elsewhere and three young kids at home, so it’s time for me to stop working seven days a week,” he said. “Thank you for listening over the last couple of years and particularly my great thanks to my colleagues at ABC RN.” RN will announce his replacement shortly.
Source: ABC media release
