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Contact
About the Author
My name is Rafal Alumairy, I'm a writer in Melbourne, Victoria. I’m a weird person who really likes student radio and became interested in the history, because none of it was written. The more I tried to find information about student radio’s history, the less I found. This was around the same time I grew disenchanted with University, which I discovered really does not like Autistic people much at all (irony!) I had already decided to make a go of it being a writer, and I decided that writing the first History of Student Radio was just the thing.
The thing is, I had no idea how much student radio history there was! Name a university, college, technical school or TAFE, and I can probably tell you what radio projects happened there!
In 2019 I finished self funded visits to every capital city in Australia to visit the libraries as part of the book. Unfortunately due to the fact this is all personally financed, it’s unlikely I can complete this research to my personal satisfaction as an independent project. After the initial publication, I will look at my options.
About the Author FAQs
What’s your radio background?
I got involved at Radio Monash (3MU) while at University. I was poached at O-Week and the rest is history. I started as a News Presenter in 2013, and presenting a weird show called Out Of Time that did different sub-genres every show (when I could get my shit together enough to be there). In 2014 I became co-News Editor and part of the Committee, and in 2015 was Vice-President.
Over the years I’ve volunteered at PBS 106.7FM, and completed a course in Radio for Women of Colour at 3CR.
In 2018 I became a member of SYN; in 2019 I hosted a seasonal show called The Student Radio History Show; in 2020 I was part of Panorama (News & Current Affairs), then I got too old and got kicked out!
What did you study?
I finished a Bachelor of Arts at Monash University with a double major in Literature and Philosophy, and I dropped out of Law School.
Why don’t you do it as a Masters or PhD thesis? Why not go with a commercial, university or other publisher?
Independent Media
I have a strong belief in independent media; I am writing a book about it! I am fascinated with the idea that someone can go, “You know what, fuck it, I’m going to build a radio station”, and follows through; and that station is still there 50 years later, touching so many people’s lives. I love the idea that someone who isn’t “qualified” or has no business being on the radio can just do it anyway. I believe an independent History of Student Radio will be more powerful than a commercial one.
Community History
Instead of reading a dispassionate, dry assessment from an academic separated from the student radio cohort by decades, wouldn’t it be cool to read a history from someone who’s part of that community?
Personal Reasons
When I started this book, I was 23. I’ve lived on my own for a long time, and I know the reality is that independent media is not a sustainable career choice, it’s unlikely that I can be independent forever, and I’ll eventually need to compromise and work within the system. So if I’m ever going to do my passion project, it should be while I’m young!
Independent Academia Is A Force For Good
A further note - Part of the reason I am looking at an independent first edition is the issue of academic integrity. Much of the book looks at the various ways student radio stations have been screwed over by institutions over the years - by licensing bodies, by other radio stations, and of course by Universities. I am uncomfortable with the idea of criticising a university that is funding my project, or that has editorial control over the project.
First On Air Interview - Art Smitten, SYN, November 2019
Go on, tell us about you!
I’m 28, I identify as a woman (she/her). I am a Woman of Colour (Arabic), my family is from Baghdad, Iraq and I moved to Australia when I was four. I grew up in Dandenong, Victoria, the most multicultural city in Australia. I don't like long walks on the beach because I'm allergic to everything. I do like independent media, libraries, crossword puzzles and Afghani food. I also like maths, but I’m not very good at it. I think if we’re ever going to get out of this mess of a world, we need to empower young people.
