2GF’s Misty Fisher on finally giving AFTRS and radio a go in her 40s

“As an adult you get used to wanting something, it doesn’t happen, you put it aside and do other things. You sort of protect yourself from being too disappointed. So, when I got offered the job at 2GF my head was spinning and thinking this is what it feels like when you get something you really wanted but locked it away for a long time. I replied with, ‘I think I have water in my eyes!’” – Misty Fisher

Misty Fisher is hosting breakfast on 2GF 89.5 Grafton while also studying the Graduate Diploma in Radio with the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS) part time. She’s been with 2GF about six months now after the former host of 30 years, Richie Williamson, stepped into politics. Every time she thinks or is asked about her on-air role, she is so overwhelmingly happy she feels like she needs to pinch herself.

Only twelve months ago, Misty was working in a secure government job and comfortably plodding along, not unhappily, but with that nagging sense something was missing.

A love affair had started with radio when she was a teenager. Born and bred in Grafton, she put to her parents the idea of leaving school to be a broadcaster and they talked her out of it. Misty finished school, decided there was a much bigger world out there, did acting, Music Business at TAFE, worked many, many jobs, got married, had a daughter, became a dog mum and ended up back where she thought she never would, in Grafton.

Because Covid had made online learning so much more accessible she decided to ring the AFTRS to see what their options around studying radio “for fun” were. She was told she could apply for the Graduate Diploma of Radio but inner doubts over her age and abilities stopped her going any further.

Fortunately, someone from AFTRS took the time to call her again with encouragement to apply for the part time course, which can be done face to face and online, and Misty decided this was the nudge she needed to have a go and see where this dream she hadn’t yet admitted to herself might lead her.

Misty was accepted and started in February 2023.

February 2023 was also when the Grafton job ad was posted. Natalie Pozdeev, the Program Convenor at AFTRS, suggested Misty apply, as did another part time student who was temporarily covering the role. It took till a friend of Misty’s said,

“What are you studying for if you won’t apply for the job?”

To make Misty send in her CV.

It’s a significant commitment to have a 4am alarm, breakfast radio show and part time study with AFTRS, but Misty is surrounded by an encouraging team who want her to get everything out of the experience, including her Content / Music Director and a former AFTRS graduate himself Cameron Kleinschmidt.

Misty too has found that she’s enjoying the production and social media learning outcomes and how AFTRS gives you not just industry experience and connections, but lets you try all the radio roles on for size, even the ones you didn’t think you’d be good at or interested in.

Speaking of social media, Misty has been involved in 2GF’s 90 Memories in 90 days as the station moves towards its 90^th birthday in December. There’s going to be a big party for the community and for the radio team past and present. Misty loves being part of that community, and this year of the radio team too.

Applications for the 2024 intake of AFTRS Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, Full Time and Part Time, close on November 7. Scholarships are also available. There is a free Ask Us Anything Session on Thursday 26 October with Sian Gard which you can book here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gdrp-ask-us-anything-tickets-738982686107?aff=oddtdtcreator.

As Misty would say, “Have a go. Why not you?”

For those of you who may have worked at or with 2GF, The 90^th birthday celebrations will be held on December 15^th December 2023, from 3-6pm at The Crown Hotel, Prince St, Grafton. Misty and her colleagues are still collecting memories, images and RSVPs. You can keep up to date with or be a part of the 90th activities via the 2GF Facebook page or call on 02 6642 2766.

By Jen Seyderhelm – Radio Today Writer, Editor & Podcaster.