..:: Talk Radio 702 ::..

David O'Sullivan

I studied Journalism and Politics at Rhodes University, during which time I worked in the Capital Radio newsroom and at the Rand Daily Mail. I did my compulsory national service as a journalist on the army newspaper, before joining Capital Radio full-time. I have worked as the SA correspondent for various international radio stations, including Voice of America, National Public Radio in the USA, Independent Radio News in the UK, Macquarrie National News in Australia, and Newstalk ZB in New Zealand. Deciding on a change I studied law at Wits and practiced media law as a candidate attorney for two years. The lure of journalism proved too strong however, and I joined 702 in 1995 before I qualified as a lawyer. I have worked in all on-air departments at the station - news, sport and programming and covered events ranging from the 1995 Rugby World Cup, the 1996 African Nations Cup, the 1996 Olympic Games, the first democratic elections... the list seems endless. I now host the afternoon drive.

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PROFILE

What did you want to be when you were little?

There were no TVs when I was little, so I used to listen to sport on the radio with my dad. I wanted to be the Saturday afternoon sports presenter - I wonder what his name was.

What soothes you?

A Lions rugby victory washed down by an ice-cold Pilsner Urquell

What irks you?

A Lions defeat washed down by a warm, flat beer

Is there a book you read that changed your life?

No, but I love the character of Jim Dixon in Kingsley Amis's "Lucky Jim" - the cynical, underachieving loser who gets the beautiful woman.

The music you listen to most often?

70s and 80s rock and pop

Who would you go to the ends of the earth for?

A decent crème brule

Who is your greatest source of inspiration?

My two year old son, Michael

Do you have any 'show off' coffee table books in your home?

No, but I've got some framed photographs from the summit of Mount Everest taken by a mate of mine

Ever been left speechless on the air?

I've been left breathless, after running to the studio because I was late for a news bulletin. Can't recall being at a loss for words.

Who is the one person you would love to interview, but haven't yet had the pleasure?

Neil Armstong, the first man on the moon. But the interview will never happen - he hasn't given any one-on-one interviews to a journalist in over 20 years, and is adamant he never will. As a replacement, I'd love to interview the last man on the moon, Gene Cernan. At least he didn't fluff his lines. And he drove a car on the moon.

SHOW DESCRIPTION

Join David O'Sullivan every weekday afternoon when he rounds up all the stories of the day - from 702land and the world. If it's happened you'll know about it, if it's going to happen they'll be talking about it. As well as all the news, sport, business and traffic you need, David and the team make sure that the people in the news are also on the air.