ACRAs Finalists Fever – #10

Staff Writer

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.

Today we feature Julee McBriar, John MacKenzie and  Len Pakot. 

Let’s Roll Out the Red Carpet….The ACRAs Finalists Fever – counting down the days to the big event on October 10 by profiling the finalists across all categories. You can get involved by emailing us here.

 

BEST DIRECT SALESPERSON

Julee McBriar; Nova 100, MelbourneVIC, Nova Entertainment M

When did it all start..

My radio career began in 2005. 5 months into the gig, I remember my Sales Director at the time, telling me I was a great fit culturally but may not be cut out for the job. “A square peg in a round hole” was how he described my performance in radio sales…
It was the kick up the butt that I needed, as I LOVED working in radio… and 10 years on, 3 networks later – I’m still here!!!
 

Best part of your job….

The Best part of my job – easily is the autonomy and variety it brings each day… and all the fantastic people I get to work with each day. Nova really has nailed great workplace culture… which makes it a pleasure to be at work each day!

Biggest achievement is the last 12 months… 

My key achievements over the last 12 months is smashing my quarterly revenue PB x twice in one year – but the biggest sense of achievement (or most exciting) is preparing to become a mum for the first time!! I can’t wait! 🙂

You get the ACRA, what’s your speech..

Thanks Maxy Maynard for giving me a 2nd crack at the radio job back in 2005!! Haha…
Thanks also to those who have mentored and guided me along the way… thanks to my clients – I wouldn’t be here without you (literally!)… and massive shout out to all the legends I’ve worked with in the last decade. It’s people like my colleagues past and present that make it such an infectious industry…

 

TALK PRESENTER

John MacKenzie;4CA, Cairns QLD, Grant Broadcasters P

About your career…

Starting in radio in 1973 at 4GY in Gympie/Noosa, John was the instigator of the Gympie Music Muster – an event which has gone from strength to strength. He then moved to Cairns in 1983 and has now clocked up nearly 33 years at 4CA as the Morning talk Show Host – a remarkable achievement on its own.

33 years…. wow… wha are some of the causes you have supported up north…

A hall mark of his show, John was prominent in the campaign to establish the Lagoon on the Cairns Esplanade, an icon of the city used by thousands of holiday makers and locals each week. He also instigated debate on crocodile management in the region leading to the removal of crocodiles from populated areas. John has always been a leader in bringing law and order matters up for debate in Cairns.re.
 

 If you picked up the ACRA..what did you want to say to the Industry..

If he wins, John plans to plead radio station owners and managers to invest in Talk Radio and encourage young presenters to develop an opinion on ‘everything’. He sees talk, news and communication as the future of radio rather than straight music based formats.

 

BEST SPORTS PRESENTER

The Classic Cafe; Len Pakot, ACE Radio Broadcasters C

Tell us how you got your start..

Started in the mid 90’s, & have been part of the 3SH crew ever since…these days the PD, whilst still enjoying a heap of on air workred.

 

Tell us about your entry…

The Classic Cafe is all about the 60’s, 70’s, & 80’s…big decades full of wonderful music, but also some of the biggest moments in history…hence my hourly show weekdays relives the biggest hits, moments, TV shows, commercials & loads more…ob.

Here’s your moment… the speech.. go..

May this moment go down in history as one of the best alongside the biggest moments I cover from the 60’s to the 80’s on the Classic Cafe Ha!! … seriously though…may it!!! Alright, I’ll get off now as I “take one small step for man”……

 

 

Are You an ACRAs Finalist?

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 Blair  here.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 

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