In this recording, Ian Watkins is interviewed by Stephen Riley for the 1985 TVNZ Oral History Project. Watkins talks about his broadcasting career, which spanned from 1940 until 1970, with particular focus on his pioneering work as a television producer, director and announcer.
He had worked in radio for 20 years, moved to Auckland and stood for Parliament in 1957 when Prime Minister Walter Nash told him television would be introduced by the new government within three years.
He was asked by Lionel Sceats in 1960 to go and work in the new Shortland Street TV studios as a television producer, and reluctantly did so. He says he wasn't keen as he knew nothing about the new medium - but neither did anyone else working there. He explains how staff with television experience were very thin on the ground in New Zealand.
He talks about early TV entertainment programmes being based on radio ones, such as "Have a Shot". He recalls meeting pioneering television cook Graham Kerr who was a cook in the RNZAF at the time. He says Shirley Maddock had already introduced him to Wellington radio audiences.
He remembers interviewing controversial 'doctor' Milan Brych and the growth of personality-driven television.
He remembers experimental broadcasts beginning in April 1960, with broadcasts of shots of a goldfish bowl, to show any viewers that there was movement in the picture. He discusses technical problems with wardrobe, such as flare from white shirts and 'strobing' caused by stripes.
He remembers the tension in the studio on the first night of television broadcasts, and how he approached the problem of speaking to a camera, by imagining he was speaking to a child of 12. Everything was broadcast live. The Howard Morrison Quartet appeared on the first night's broadcast.
Ian recalls how he naively would do two different, live half-hour programmes a night until someone with overseas experience advised that this wasn't a good idea. Gradually instead of using radio people and a few overseas people with television experience, a pool of locally-trained television staff began to develop.
He describes how local music artists would have to learn the technique of 'miming' to a recording of them singing and performing, in order to broadcast better quality sound.
He talks about Henry Fonda appearing on New Zealand TV to promote film, and contrasts his professionalism with some other, local performers.
He ends with thoughts about how appearing on television made you a 'personality' immediately, the public recognition it brought and being your genuine self when on-screen.