Audio lecture

Today's audio lecture gave me a lot to think about.
I love to listen to radio (especially channels such as Triple J and ABC) because it is both relaxing and informing.
While listening to radio, I've never really thought about the fact that, as a presenter, it is so important to speak in a way that includes the audience. It seems obvious when you think about it; that the objective of radio is to entertain and therefore involve. However when you're listening to radio, you're too involved in what's happening to pick up how exactly the presenter is engaging you.
How does a  stranger turn on the radio and soon become deeply involved in a conversation they're not physically a part of?  I admire how radio presenters can connect to their audience and conduct a seemingly intimate conversation while in reality they are miles away.
I can see that radio presenters must have excellent communication skills - either natural or in Steve Austin's case; perfected over years - in order to conduct interview after interview and maintain their audiences interest. It is obvious presenting radio not an easy profession, however, according to Steve Austin and  Richard Fidler, it is definitely a very rewarding one.

My absolute favourite radio show, was 'The Blow Parade' which was created by some of the boys from "The Chasers War on Everything" and aired on Triple J. http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/blowparade/blog/ships_log_may_05_05_2010.htm
My favourite episode was that about 'Egg Zagar'. It was clearly a history of a musical genius that did not exist, however it was so engaging, funny and original that I could not stop listening. I don't know how they managed it, but it hilariously mocked popular musical culture (past and present) in a way that was so close to the truth, that it was easy to imagine it could have actually been a factual account. I have not heard anything nearly as good as this since.
Here's a snippet of another (not as good) episode in the series about the 70's:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Zoky5bVYi0