TimePrints – David O’Sullivan reflects on his broadcasting career and why he stepped away
In this episode of TimePrints, the new podcast hosted by Aki Anastasiou, David O’Sullivan discusses his impressive broadcasting career and why he decided to step away and spend more time with his family.
O’Sullivan is a writer, broadcaster, and media consultant who is an extremely recognisable face and voice to South Africans.
He began his career in the radio industry, and worked for stations like Capital Radio, Talk Radio 702, Power FM, Hot919 FM, and Kaya FM.
O’Sullivan also had a brief stint as a media lawyer, before returning to his true passion of journalism.
He then presented live sport on SABC TV from 2001 to 2012 and worked for Carte Blanche as a presenter on the Oscar Pistorius Trial Channel in 2013 and 2014.
Today, O’Sullivan consults to corporate organisations on media-related matters.
This involves training executives on how to approach interviews and making podcasts for both internal and external communications.
The interview
In this TimePrints interview, O’Sullivan reflects on his broadcasting career and the experiences that shaped his life, both personally and professionally.
He begins by discussing his childhood fascination with radio and how he abandoned a medical degree to pursue his passion for journalism at Rhodes University.
O’Sullivan then recounts his experiences as a journalist during the final years of apartheid.
He highlights the challenges of working under strict media censorship and witnessing the violence that accompanied South Africa’s transition to democracy.
O’Sullivan then shares the story of surviving the 1992 Bisho massacre, where he recorded the shooting of protesters by security forces, and explains the profound psychological impact the experience had on him.
O’Sullivan also recalls covering several defining moments in South African history, including Nelson Mandela’s release from prison and the assassination of Chris Hani.
He then discusses his illustrious career at Talk Radio 702, the memorable personalities he interviewed, and his experiences covering major sporting events.
O’Sullivan explains why he eventually stepped away from his prominent broadcasting career to spend more time with his family, and how raising his autistic son has taught him valuable lessons about patience, acceptance, and understanding others.
He concludes the interview by reflecting on his family, the challenges they have overcome, and why being present for his loved ones has become the most important part of his life.
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