Eric Bodell, Part 2, early days in radio and TV - Manawatu Conversations

Description: Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 28th October 2025. Part 2 of 2. Eric Bodell transferred from Wellington to Radio 2ZA in Palmerston North, working with 15 technicians on valve-based equipment.
Technicians supported announcers until self-operating desks reduced their role.Private radio arrived with 2XS, sparking strong competition for listeners and advertisers.
After five years, he was sent to Taumarunui, a small station with just five staff.
He later trained in digital technology, leading to work at Wharite Peak television transmitter.
At Wharite, he maintained transmitters linking Wellington with Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki, later upgraded with microwave systems.
He recalled lightning strikes, generator failures, and the challenges of the exposed 1000-metre site.
Staff occasionally had to sleep at the station during snow or storms.
Wharite eventually moved to remote control, with solid-state and digital transmitters replacing valves.
Eric saw the decline of local radio as a loss for small towns, especially during emergencies.