In an era of rapid technological advancements, it has become fashionable to predict the demise of old technology. Most of the time, such predictions are right. (What were Walkmans, again?) But radio, despite its age, has become the technology that just won’t quit.

Corey Graham can tell you why. It starts when he was nine years old, an age when many kids watch hockey and dream of becoming an NHL player. But it wasn’t the players Graham admired most; it was the announcer, and when no one was listening, he would mute the television in his family’s living room in Victoria and call his own game play-by-play.

Graham got a shot at the real deal in January 2003, when he moved to Edmonton to enrol in NAIT’s Radio program. After graduating in 2004, he joined Astral Media’s Team 1260 and soon became the announcer for the University of Alberta’s hockey and football teams, the Golden Bears.

He added “host” to his resumé when he began dissecting the sports news of the day during Edmonton Sports Night Live (tune in from 9 p.m. to midnight to hear his show).

Then, this September, he became the play-by-play announcer for the Western Hockey League’s Edmonton Oil Kings. It’s a high-profile, high-pressure gig, with thousands of listeners and no retakes.

Though he blogs and tweets, much of the job is vintage sports radio: one voice, a stack of player stats and a measured tone – except, of course, when a goal is scored by his team.

Here, Graham talks about what it’s like being in front of the mike, and why radio is here to stay.

techlife: Radio is all about the voice. Have you had to work on yours?

Graham: For the most part it has come pretty naturally. At radio school they teach you different breathing techniques, and I still do certain exercises. It’s like any muscle in the body, and if it isn’t ready to go, it doesn’t sound natural.

Some fans can get in a real lather about their teams. Do you hear from people when they have a beef with your commentary?

I haven’t had a lot of feedback…. I suspect I’ll hear about it if they don’t like my opinion. But these shows are all about your opinion, so if everyone likes you, your show is not great; if everyone hates you, it’s also not great.

You’re from Victoria - therefore, Canucks or Oilers?

Actually, I grew up a Chicago Blackhawks fan. When I moved to Edmonton I became more of a Canuck fan, just to be different. Now I try to keep all my personal biases out of it. You want to be as objective as you can. Of course, in private I can do whatever I want. But when you’re at the rink its a little more business-like.

Why do you think radio still attracts listeners?

The day I finished school was when satellite radio was launching, and people thought it would kill everything, because it’s all content and no ads.

But radio works because it’s local. When we have local shows on, we talk about the Eskimos and the Oilers and the Oil Kings, and that’s why everyone tunes in. Demand for local news and sports will never go away.

Have the qualities of a good radio host changed?

I think so. There were the “Randy Radio” voices that people used to do. I’m not sure if that term comes from a real guy, but that’s what our instructors would call it when one of us would go over the top. Radio is a lot more natural now. People still have their own style, but it’s far more conversational.

You host a show that runs from 9 p.m. to midnight. Are the hours a struggle?

Yeah – every day. I work during the day, too, so I’m always doing something. It is a struggle with those hours, and hopefully it isn’t something I’ll do forever. Early morning meetings are tough. It’s definitely an adjustment, but you do adjust.

Where do you hope to go from here?

I’m keeping everything open. The top goal for everyone is the NHL, but that’s tough. There are only six of those radio jobs in Canada and there is some really good talent in the western league. It’s timing, it’s luck and it’s being good.

Do you have any advice for people entering this industry?

A lot of people don’t take criticism very well. There’s a lot of ego involved. If someone offers a critique, you have to take what you can from it.

Also, do what you can: volunteer and let it be known that you’re willing to do things. I see a lot of people getting farther ahead on their work ethic than their talent.

(Download podcasts of Edmonton Sports Night Live, hosted by Corey Graham Monday through Friday, 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. on Team 1260 radio.)