4 weeks of ACRA’s Finalists Fever 2012 #12

There are thousands of hard-working, dedicated and amazingly creative people throughout the radio industry – and every year a small fraction of those people make the short list as a finalist in the ACRA's.

The Radio Today team think it's about time to shine a brighter spotlight on the best of the best.

There's only 1 week until the big night !!! See all the ACRA's fever so far here

Today in #12 we spotlight a best newcomer off-air, Monique Crichton from Triple M Adelaide news, a best sports presenter finalist and Dave Williams, who's up for Best Music Presenter.

DAVE WILLIAMS

BEST MUSIC PRESENTER (M)
Triple M, Melbourne VIC, Southern Cross Austereo

Give us a quick snapshot of your radio background…

Did a community radio show in Ballarat as a teenager and got my first paid gig at 2LM Lismore in 1992. Moved to the FM band in 1994 at ZZZ FM Lismore doing Breakfast, also become the first voice on that station. In 1996 got homesick and moved back to Victoria to SUNFM Shepparton to do Breakfast.

My life changed when I landed a job at FOX FM in 1999. In 2003 I left for a quick stint at NOVA 100 for 2 years and then back to (then called) Austereo, joining 2DAY FM. Got homesick again and moved back to Melbourne to do mornings on 3MMM where I have been since 2006.

What’s the best part of your job ?

Working with like minded people who always strive for the best. It’s very inspiring to work with creative individuals who challenge themselves on a daily basis. Working with Eddie McGuire and Mick Molloy is a dream for a DJ. Content is King!

What are your key achievements over the past 12 months ?

Starting the year with a Number 1 FM spot. Current survey has us at #1 for 25-39 All People.

You can’t make a speech on the night but let’s pretend you’ve won, here’s a chance to have your moment in the spotlight (don’t forget to thank anyone)….go for it….
 
Mike Fitzpatrick, he’s my Content Director who is also a killer On Air guy, he’s a creative leader who lets you be who you are. Brian Ford, he gave me my capital city break. Such a great mentor who’s record in programming speaks for itself. My On Air idol is Jamie Angel, coming through the ranks in Regional radio I always aspired to be like him. Now he is engaged to a woman half his age! Lastly thank my wife Liz and 2 kids, everyone needs a good support team.

LIAM FITZGERALD

BEST SPORTS PRESENTER (C)
3YB, Warrnambool VIC, Ace Radio Broadcasters

https://radiotoday.com.au/music/acras_best_sports_presenter_Liam Fitzgerald.mp3
or hear it here

Tell us about your background...

This is my first year working in the industry. When I finished High School in 2004, I was lucky enough to get accepted into a post-grad course at Swinburne where i underwent 12 months of training. I have always wanted a full time job in the industry following from lots of community radio experience, work experience and various courses at Melbourne Radio School.

What’s the best part of your job ?

A few things, I love the people I work with, they are a great bunch of people, the second thing is the opportunity that it gives me to develop as a presenter to pursue my career further, hosting sport shows, and being a panellist on sport shows is something I love, but I also love the other side of my role as a local sports news presenter on our local bulletins.

So there is lots I enjoy about my job, and it develops further next year when we start calling the local Hampden League Football League games, which i’m hoping to be a part of.

What are your key achievements over the past 12 months ?

Really my achievement over the last year was just getting a start in the industry. Since I started in November last year, I have learned a lot and developed a lot and I owe that to my colleagues especially Lois Chislett whom I spend every day with in the news room.

Being nominated for my first ACRA is a huge achievement in itself and something I am incredibly surprised about.

Your speech, if you were able to make one…

I know it’s a cliché, but to win this award is a huge surprise and I really didn’t expect to.

Firstly i’d like to thank everyone i work with at 3YB/Coast, 3HA/Mixx FM and 3CS/Mixx Fm, I’m part of a great team, and of course my family for their support, and also Jon Vertigan and Lois Chislett for giving me this opportunity to work in my dream job, and believing in what i could do.

MONIQUE CRICHTON

BEST NEWS PRESENTER – METRO FM
Triple M, Adelaide SA, Southern Cross Austereo

Give us a quick snapshot of your radio background…

My first gig in commercial radio was in News at 2DU in Dubbo, NSW, in 1991. It followed a work placement at the station in my final year of study for the Bachelor of Arts (Communication Studies) at the University of Newcastle. I never looked back.

I started at 2HD in Newcastle as a weekday producer and weekend announcer in 1992, before being ‘head-hunted’ by NEW-FM to work as a journalist and Newsreader. I also did a stint as Breakfast co-host on NEW-FM. A highlight of my time there was winning the Raward for Best News Presenter [Provincial Division] in 1993.

I joined Austereo (now Southern Cross Austereo) in Newcastle as News Director in 1997 after a year of overseas travel. Months later I shifted to FOX-FM/Triple M Melbourne where I worked with the likes of Barry Bissell, Tony Martin and Mick Molloy.

I was promoted to News Director at Southern Cross Austereo Adelaide in July 2000.

Tell us about your ACRA’s entry…

February 2012 and Kevin Rudd makes a move to get his old job back. He resigned as Australia’s Foreign Minister, forcing Prime Minister Julia Gillard to put her job on the line.
https://radiotoday.com.au/music/acras_moniqueC.mp3
or hear it here

What’s the best part of your job ?

Every day is unique. Major events can break at any time. It's an adrenalin rush when you have to process information quickly, conduct and edit interviews, write clear and concise News copy and read the bulletin "live to air".

What are your key achievements over the past 12 months ?

I recently celebrated 15 years with Southern Cross Austereo. I've been fortunate to work with a company which fosters great talent and strives for excellence every day. I'm delighted to be an ACRA finalist in the same year.

You can’t make a speech on the night but let’s pretend you’ve won, here’s a chance to have your moment in the spotlight, go for it…

I have to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone I've worked with over the past 20 plus years. Special mention would have to go my News Director at NEW-FM, Ian Craven, who taught me so much about the craft.

I've also drawn inspiration from fellow 'News hounds' Ali Drower, Sandy Aloisi, Ken Cavanagh and Steve Speziale.

BELINDA COLE

BEST NEWCOMER OFF-AIR (M)
Sydney and Brisbane, Australian Radio Network
 

Tell us about your background…

I’ve spent all my career in HR, after graduating Uni with a BA of Business majoring in HR back in 2003 I was lucky enough to land a fantastic first job in TV (XYZnetworks and Nickelodeon), I then moved into the Telco/Engineering industry to broaden my HR experience……Of course I missed the media industry SO much that when a good friend pointed out a new HR role had been created at ARN at the end of 2010, it was an opportunity not to be missed with a fantastic company!

Tell us about your ACRA’s entry…

Radio is a people business. Which is why ARN thought it was important for a Human Resources employee to enter. The HR Team from the end of 2010 was a new investment for ARN so it was an exciting opportunity to start fresh with a team of four, tasked with revising and implementing a full HR system nationally.

What’s the best part of your job ?

Fundamentally changing the role that Human Resources plays within ARN. As you can appreciate, when dealing with people no day is ever the same and it's rewarding to hear when people are happy in their work environment.

What are your key achievements over the past 12 months ?

Being part of a team effort that has implemented and driven a number of initiatives throughout the business that are important to our people.

These include the introduction of the Employee Assistance Program, Employee Referral Program, Confidential Talk Line, Corporate Health Cover, Annual Salary Reviews, Annual Performance Appraisals, Study Assistance, Corporate Gym Membership, Reward & Recognition Program, Corporate Values Launch, Weekly Employee Newsletter, Monthly Employee Awards, National Birthday Celebrations, Engagement Survey, On-boarding Program, Future Leaders Program, Online Exit Interviews & Probationary Interviews and a Years of Service Awards – None of which have ever been in place at ARN!

Your speech, if you were able to make one…

As many have already said –  HR at ARN is a team effort! Without a doubt the ACRA goes out to my team – Jules, Jaye and Suz whom are there with me every day, living and breathing all the people highlights.

If you're a finalist in Metropolitan, Non-Metropolitan, Provincial or Country drop us a line and we'll shine the spotlight on you.

Email Mark Hales here