ACRAs Finalists Fever – #13

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.

Today we feature, Trent Towson, Nikolina Koveska and Simon Mikulich Let’s Roll Out the Red Carpet….

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] 

BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR

Trent Towson;Sea FM, Gold Coast QLD, Southern Cross Austereo P

Whats your story Trent…

Sea FM Gold Coast work experience to AMD, SEA FM Fraser Coast MD/Announcer, Sea FM Mackay MD/Announcer, Sea FM Gold Coast Dawns Announcer, Gippsland Content Director, Cairns Content Director, North Queensland Group Content Director based in Townsville & currently Sea FM Assistant Content Director/Regional Hit Network Content Director
 

Your entry for Best MD..

I basically explained my day to day routine of being a hit station music director and how I can structure the Perfect Hour of Music for my station.

What is the secret to being a great Music Director?

Listen…At the end of the day the listeners decide what a hit song is and what isn’t. Listen to them, look at the music research or itunes…however “you still need to have your own gut feel.” When you have your music universe ready it’s about making sure your day to day music log is balanced consistently hour to hour with the right song types, mood & tempo flowing from song to song (Song to Song variety is KING). Take calculated risks – Don’t not play a song just because it’s not working in another market, it might not suit their market –it might work in yours. Don’t be too cool for school! And lastly if you still haven’t found the secret to being a great MD…just get Brian Ford to check your music log…if he doesn’t unscheduled it all…you might just make it as an MD.
 

BEST ENTERTAINMENT/MUSIC PRESENTER

Nikolina Koveska;The Edge, Katoomba NSW, Australian Radio Network P
 

Tell us about you..

When people ask me about my radio background I get a little nervous because… well I don’t have much of a background in radio! Two years ago, while providing riveting advice to superannuation clients at an investment bank, I was picked out of a few hundred entries to take out the ‘Edge Star’ competition on The Edge 96ONE. The station hoped to find a new radio personality and, based on the fact that I’m still here after two years, I hope their goals were achieved. Since taking out the comp I have moved around from being the day announcer and afternoon news presenter to now hosting the ‘Drive Home on The Edge’ every Monday-Friday and of course taking on a number of side projects at the station.

Tell us about your Entries..

I’m pitching myself with one nomination… but two… OMG! So blessed, thank you.

When submitting my ACRAs entry this year I tried my best to make it stand out – and I know everyone says that. I’ve heard many stories about that good old ACRA’s judging room where judges spend hours listening to audio, skimming through written entries and refilling their battered styrofoam cups full of coffee. So I needed something to wake them all up and say ‘Hmmmm… who’s this girl!?’ I was lucky enough to be nominated for Best Newcomer On Air at last year’s ACRAs so I also tried to follow the same formula I used for my entry last year: Comedy GRAB + Caller GRAB + Interview GRAB = ACRA’s NOM*
*This formula does not guarantee an ACRAs nomination at all!r.

What’s the best part of your job?

There are many benefits to working on radio. Oporto delivery on a Tuesday morning, watching the MTV VMA’s in full during my shift, but I have to say the best part of my job is the freedom. I get to be myself, be creative, try new things, crack jokes and chat to listeners about whatever whenever and get paid for it. I’m one lucky egg!

Let rip with the speach,,,

Mum, Dad, Sisters, Partner…. Blah blah blah. Let’s be honest if I do win I just hope that my partner Nick would be alert enough to get a great Instagram snap of the moment and would be avoiding any of the following words in my notes which cause me to make a not-so-flattering face ‘lube’ ‘sweet’ and ‘stiff’.

On a serious note, I’d thank Charlie Fox who is the greatest boss in the world, Nick who forced me to apply for the competition and all my fellow Edge buddies for being the most inappropriate and crazy bunch of people I have ever met.n.

BEST AGENCY SALESPERSON

Simon Mikulich;Nova 93.7, Perth WA, NOVA Entertainment

What’s your story..

I started in sales just over 10 years ago, initially as a sales coordinator with Southern Cross Media. I soon progressed to an account manager role, selling regional radio and TV to agencies and clients in Perth. Then in 2009 I joined Nova Entertainment and the Perth agency sales team. I found my people!

So your Entry… whats the story..

To tell you the truth management had nominated me and arranged the entry. I really just did what I’ve been doing every day – sell, sell, sell! Eventually you sell out of inventory and/or you are nominated as an ACRA finalist!

What’s the best part of your job?

The people! I work with the craziest, funniest, LOUDEST (I’m looking at you Antonell and Josephine), most creative and fun people. And I am very blessed to have great clients who have grown with us over the years.  known for quite some time now.

What are your key achievements over the past 12 months?

I sold a lot…and I mean A LOT of commercials. (Whatever it takes, right?). Then I watched the entire season of “Stranger Things” within a day. And I got engaged to my partner (of almost 10 years). Yes it took me a while to propose, but I have Netflix to blame.You win.. you get to speak.. go for it!

Nothing would be possible without the backing and help from the entire station. And luckily at Nova Entertainment I happen to work with the best in the industry! From our senior leaders right through to the Nova CREATE and integration teams who make it happen every day. Our product really is SHIT-HOT! Plus we have the best talent and a team of people that deliver the best and most consistent results for Nova 93.7. 

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.