30 Under 30: Meet 3 more of our finalists

Harry Hughes lives and breathes audio.

An audio producer at Nine Radio, panel operator for the Camping and Off-roading Show and creator of commercials for the network, he’s also studying part time at AFTRS to expand his knowledge of radio and podcasting.

“I love consuming everything. I believe a successful leader should lead by example, work hard and know when to accept insight from others, not just give your own.”

When working on projects with others, Harry thrives on the collaborative process. “Everyone has their own thoughts and experiences, which can make the final project even better than before!”

Harry believes the biggest challenge radio faces today is attracting younger people. “Gone are the days when everyone would sit around the radio, and listen to their favourite station for hours on end. People are busy, and younger generations are less interested in radio.”

“Radio stations have a great opportunity to fix this problem, by investing in avenues like podcasting.”

With a background in radio and TV journalism, Madeline Palmer is a senior News and Podcast producer at SCA, based in Sydney.

“I produce and occasionally read for Australia Today’s Morning Agenda Podcast. I work alongside renowned  journalist Natarsha Belling to ensure we produce a punchy, newsworthy and important audio product that audiences across Australia will be interested in.”

Madeline believes being a good leader means being a good team player.

“I pride myself on being able to work effectively and collaboratively with others in a newsroom, as well as autonomously.”

She says being able to adapt is also important.

“I have always tried to build on my strengths and learn from my mistakes, which is what the audio industry. as a whole, should be doing.”

“I also believe podcasting is the future of how Australians will consume news, and by being a executive producer of a national news podcast, I see myself as one of the many pioneers of that.”

Senior ARN Content Producer Ben McDowell first discovered his passion for radio at the age of 17.

“From community radio, to studying at the New Zealand Broadcasting School, to landing myself in the deep end of the New Zealand radio industry as a network imaging producer and show producer for multiple major network stations, my journey has been exciting, challenging and fulfilling.”

Ben says learning from the best in the industry has helped him develop a wide range of skills.

Now based in Melbourne with KIIS, his radio career to continues to blossom.

“I jumped straight into a senior content role and I now have the pleasure to lead and execute multiple high level content/story arcs.”

Ben aspires to be a future industry leader.

“I genuinely believe that my greatest skill set as a ‘future leader’ is to be able to create an empathetic, safe and trusted workspace for my team.”

He believes one of the biggest industry challenges right now is understanding a market’s needs and wants from a local listeners point of view.

“Radio is now no longer just radio – it’s online videos, it’s podcasts, it’s creating longer formed content arcs, as well as incorporating client promotions/prizing.”

“Radio isn’t going ANYWHERE and neither are the locals. We need to show WE care about what they care about, what they want to talk about and hear about every day.”