News U Can Use

For Bob Hughes the miracle of our age is the way science and technology enrich our lives.  The former journalist and broadcaster, who is now a professional communications coach, is a classic early adopter. He spent ten years as an announcer in commercial radio (2WS,Triple M, and 2DAY); ten years writing for the Sunday Telegraph; and ten years as an ABC broadcaster, at 702 ABC Sydney. Bob is the fifth generation on the family farm in the state's Central West, spending half his time there. “It anchors me in the reality of the earth, its cycles and seasons.”

From the first days of commercial FM radio, through to the explosion of internet in media, his professional career has tracked changes in communication technology. “I was using email in the early 80's, through Austpac, communicating with bands and their managers through a dedicated network.” As early as 1991 he addressed a dinner meeting of the Young President's Organisation in the the new ABC Ultimo Centre about where the internet was going. Today, he teaches people how to make best use of netcasting and social networking.

“We face enormous challenges and responsibilities as the dominant species on our planet. But the dramatic changes in what we're learning through research and the immediate spread of that information, mean I'm an optimist about our future. Technology brings us the chance of living longer, healthier and potentially happier lives than humans have ever lived. There's never been a time when so much knowledge of the spiritual practices of people around the planet have been as available as they are today. Our knowledge is growing every day, in so many areas and the challenge is to use it with wisdom.”