Head of ABC Audio

GMcG: When did you first start in the industry?

BN: I started in 1988 at ABC Books.  I was in editorial.

GMcG: How did you get into ABC Audio?

BN: After working in books for a year, I took up the position of Manager Audio Books.  There was a huge staff, just me!

GMcG: Was it you who suggested the ABC do audio books?

BN: No, the ABC had been selling off the back of programmes for about twenty years, but I wanted to broaden it out from just radio shows to creating audio books from existing books.

GMcG: Why you? Had you previous experience?

BN: I happened to be there at the time and had an understanding of audio because I was a radio listener but as I put it – there were thousands of people in the ABC who were creative and I could call on them for creativity input. I knew that I could manage the projects successfully.

GMcG: What is it you love about audio books?  The way an actor helps make characters or more?

BN: I just love listening to a good story (because it is like listening to the radio) and being able to do other things at the same time, like driving in the car, gardening etc.  Of course, you need a good narrator to bring the story to life and a good story for the narrator to bring to life.  So, not all stories are good for audio but some a best left on the page.  Listening to an audiobook, is a marvellous way to wile away the hours.

GMcG: And how long have you been the Head of ABC Audio?

BN: Seventeen years. Phew!

GMcG: How many in the team now, covering what sort of functions?

BN: There are 5 in the team, 2 children's product managers, one for adult projects one for the BBC and one production manager.  We are also the distributor of the BBC Audio Collection which is vast and varied including some great old radio programs like The Goons.  Of course, the team extends beyond those of us who sit in the office and include a bevy of freelane producers, actor/narrators and designers

GMcG: How far and wide do your audio books go?

BN: Australia/NZ SE-Asia and some to the UK, but with the introduction of downloads this will now be worldwide.

GMcG: What titles sell the best for you?

BN: Our best titles are Australiana and Radio related like Macca.  Currently our bestseller is "Unplugged" by Kerry O’Keeffe, that very funny ex-cricketer and now cricketing commentator.   His CD will have you in stitches.  This will soon be equalled by the fabulous "Why I Live Where I Live" from the Macca Australia All Over program.  Our biggest children's bestsellers are Mem Fox, Hairy Maclary and Bananas in Pyjamas closely followed by Play School.

GMcG: What's you most memorable moment during your seventeen years?

BN: Signing the rights to "Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone" for Australia and New Zealand distribution.  Harry was a lesser figure in those days.

GMcG: When you look back over those days, is there anyone who inspired you?

BN: Oh Yes. There was a lovely man named Richard Smart who was head of ABC Books.  He encouraged me to get out there and do it.  So I did.

GMcG: What changes in technology have you found most exciting?

BN: I'm very excited about the prospect of downloading audio books. I now have an iPod and just love carrying this very small package that contains a whole book for me to listen to.

GMcG: You would have seen quite a change over the years with technology?

BN: Yes. I began with quarter inch tape masters which were dubbed to cassette for sale.  Then we went to digital masters on DAT for CD replication, then to CD masters. And remember that one book may consist of ten or more CD's or cassettes. Now I can produce an MP3 CD which contains a complete book on one disc. That's a huge decrease in production costs.

GMcG: Is it much quicker to produce an audio book these days? 

BN: No, it is still a labour intensive exercise, as you can only record as fast as you can speak and listen.

GMcG: What's the most fulfilling production you've done?

BN: I still love children's stories on audio. There have been some marvellous Playschool actors, past and present, who bring such magic to the stories and bring them to life.

GMcG: Any drama's

BN: Yes. If you get a chance to sit down and listen to Vikram Seth, A Suitable Boy, as a dramatisation on CD, it is well worth the listen. This was set on location, but of course this would be beyond most of us for production. But how wonderful to hear it.

GMcG: What are your thoughts on the industry?

BN: I think it's exciting.  And the future even better. When I can sit down in front of the TV, click and transfer a book to my car or iPod, that will be great. Easy, easy, easy downloads.

GMcG: You get to travel a bit.  Where do you like to go?

BN: Having travelled extensively, I'm now into the short mini break era. I got a taste for this when I went to Shanghai for five days. A nice comfortable ten hour flight. My next thought for this newly discovered holiday break is a five day visit to the Taj Mahal and surrounds.

GMcG: Any weird overseas stories?

BN: Being jumped on by a bunch of monkeys in Gibraltar when all I wanted was five minutes peace.

GMcG: What's your favourite TV show?

BN: Spicks and Specks because it makes me laugh.

GMcG: What are you passionate about?

BN: Enjoying life and being happy.  It's worked so far.

Thanks to Bernadette for giving us her time and happy travels on your mini breaks!