What's New August 31, 2016

ACRAs Finalists Fever – #1

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 ACRAs.

Just like we did last year, over the next few weeks, Radio Today will shine a spotlight on the best of the best.

The ACRAs Finalists Fever – counting down the days to the big event on October 8 by profiling the finalists across all categories. You can get involved by emailing us [email protected]

Today we feature, Kris Seabert, Listen Up for Hit 929 Perth and John Sutherland. Let’s Roll Out the Red Carpet….

Kris Seabert – BEST ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC PRESENTER/BEST COMMERCIAL

Mixx FM, Colac VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C

Give us a quick snapshot of your radio background…

I started at 3CS and Mixx when I was just 16, on a traineeship, and have worked my way through the building since then. After 13 years in the industry I’ve been lucky enough to have done some incredible things, and worked with some amazing people!

Tell us about your Entry…

My best music presenter entry was a bit of a snapshot of my on air style with a little music trivia thrown in for good measure.

Our best commercial entry is for a local bike store, really invoking the memories and feelings associated with bike riding, from an early age throughout the listeners lives.

Your speech, if you were able to make one…
I would thank all my workmates, past and present, for all the support, mentoring and guidance I’ve had from the many people I’ve worked with over the years. I’d also thank my family, and girlfriends both past and present for putting up with what can be an incredibly demanding work/life balance, but ultimately a rewarding one.

What’s the best part of your job…
Coming in each day, and working with a stellar team who make it a pleasure to come to work every morning (well, most of them anyway haha!)

BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

Listen Up – SCA Perth, Perth WA, Southern Cross Austereo M

Alright hit929’ers Tell us about your Entry…

“Listen Up” was a 1 hour commercial free show simulcast across the SCA WA network on hit92.9, mix94.5, Hot FM & RadioWest (at the same time). The whole point of the show was to address a serious well known issue in Western Australia… ice use… it wasn’t about talking about the problem and how bad it is (and pointing fingers), it was about letting people know that help is out there. A common problem in Perth is that families aren’t aware of the range of services available to them.

We had a whole range of special guests from doctors who have experienced the extreme nature of the issue… police, parents, people from services available for users and families, and much more. We knew this was a powerful hour of content when the station was flooded with calls and emails about podcasting the program.

In fact we’re doing a follow up “Listen Up” program soon on drink driving. LISTEN UP is becoming a powerful thing for us as a business, a great way to give back to the community and reach a huge state wide audience.

BEST STATION PRODUCED COMEDY SEGMENT

John Sutherland, Hot FM, Mackay QLD, Southern Cross Austereo P

How did you get your break..

I’m the ‘Johnno’ part of the ‘Courtney and Johnno Breakfast Show’ at Hot FM Mackay. I’ve been lucky enough to call Mackay and The Whitsundays my home for the past 3 years. Before Mackay I spent 1 year in Tamworth, 2 years in Inverell and 1 year gaining experience in Community Radio in Sydney (Shout-out to Triple H and 2rrr).

Tell us about your Entry…

This year’s nomination is my fifth, with 2 of those so far ending up as wins.

The idea for the comedy bit that I’ve been nominated for this year came after reading an article about the upcoming release of a Progressive/Christian rock album, ‘Wake Up!”, containing the “words and prayers” of Pope Francis.
Seeing as no official audio of the album had yet been heard, I put together a fake preview of the album with The Pope putting his spin on a bunch of the biggest new hits.

“Look out Justin Bieber, because Pope Francis just won pop music.” – A totally well respected legit media source, probably.

Your Speech to the crowd…

“I’d like to thank The Pope for being so new-age and cool and therefore inspiring this bit. I’d also like to thank God for not being furious at me for impersonating The Pope. No lightning bolts have come my way lately, so I’m guessing we’re good?”