2TM’s Dan Saunders: How hard work, patience (and a little bit of luck) delivered my radio dream

It wasn’t all that long ago that Dan Saunders thought he wasn’t good enough – or simply too old – to get a start in commercial radio.

He was wrong on both counts. Today, Dan hosts Afternoons on 2TM Tamworth and his story is a shining example of why sometimes in life it really pays to have a crack.

Prior to his radio career, the sports-mad father-of-two worked in hospitality workplace rehabilitation and employment services. He also had a second job, driving taxis in Newcastle, where he grew up.

Dan already had several years of community radio experience under his belt.

When the 2TM position became available, he decided it couldn’t hurt to apply.

“I figured if I don’t, it’s a guaranteed no,” Dan tells Radio Today.

“I was absolutely stunned to get an interview, let alone be offered the position.”

The youngest of two brothers, and with a long-standing love of music and TV game shows, Dan used to record his own Take 40 Australia programs on a double cassette deck player.

He’d then record himself announcing in between the taped songs.

In the early 90s, When Dan was in Year 10, he scored two weeks’ work experience what 2KO (now Triple M Newcastle). He absolutely loved it.

“I still have the report card,” he laughs.

School wasn’t exactly Dan’s strong suit, though.

“I wasn’t the greatest student, so once I obtained my Higher School Certificate, further study was the furthest thing from my mind.”

It would be a few years before Dan’s radio dream took shape.

“After my marriage ended, I needed to find something to do that was just for me. I was working a full-time job and a casual job to make ends meet, so returning to study wasn’t an option.”

Dan decided to try his luck in community radio at Port Stephens FM.

“During this period, I created, produced and presented a weekly local sport program called Sport Stephens which quickly gathered quite a following.”

He ended up staying at the station for seven years. People started asking Dan why he wasn’t working in radio for a living.

Now, he’s doing just that.

“I love every aspect of what I do at 2TM,” says Dan. “I love interviewing musicians, people of interest and local community identities.”

Dan also puts together the station’s music logs.

Building on the show he created at Port Stephens FM, this year Dan took over the production and presentation of a one-hour volunteer-run Saturday morning sport program.

That show now goes to air on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons on 2TM, incorporating men’s and women’s sport, seniors, junior, veterans, all abilities, all areas and skill sets across the community.

“It is the only local radio program dedicated to LOCAL sport in the New England region,” Dan says proudly.

“I love engaging with the community, getting involved in various fundraising activities and using our platform to raise awareness for organisations who support homelessness, cancer awareness and support and mental health support in the region.”

A major career highlight came in May this year, when Dan was involved in fundraising for the local soup kitchen, Billabong Clubhouse.

“I raised over $1000 in 6 weeks and got to complete a two minute ice bath plunge at 7am on a freezing Tamworth May morning,” he says with a smile.

Dan has always looked up to John Laws as a broadcaster, so having his program go to air on the Super Radio Network immediately following The John Laws Show each weekday was a real buzz.

Dan is grateful to the team at Port Stephens FM for helping him get to this point of his radio career.

“They were so good to me. They allowed me to be myself. They gave me the tools and the training to go to air and I have to thank Paddy Twohill, Kevin Walker, Mark Denmeade and John Dohnt for the training and support I received there.”

He also speaks very highly of his 2TM colleagues.

“My program director at 2TM Tamworth, Jarrad Brooke, has been a great support, again allowing me to find my feet, be myself and offer advice and support where needed.”

“Our Breakfast presenter Sharnae Birkett is an absolute superstar and her professionalism, guidance and support has been a major factor in my ability to continue doing the job that I do day to day.”

Over the next few months, Dan looks forward to being involved with the Tamworth Country Music Festival and 2TM’s 90^th birthday celebrations.

“Long term, I am working towards a move to a capital city to host my own programming and I am also very open to crossing over into talkback radio in due course,” he says.

“For now, I am continuing to learn each and every day.”

For anyone else keen on pursuing radio as a career, Dan’s advice is simple.

“Don’t wait, just get out and do it. Do not take no for an answer.”

“I am living proof that with hard work, determination, resilience, patience and a bit of luck and you can be whoever or whatever you want to be.”

“Plenty will tell you why you cannot do something. Ignore them.”

“Focus on those who support your radio goals and aim for the stars. Always be open to learning, embrace mistakes and leave your ego at home.”