What's New September 27, 2015

ACRAs Finalists Fever – #15

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 Robbie Klitzing & Adam Mcguire, Harriet Legg,Sarah Fletcher

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 NETWORKED PROGRAM

Big Breakfast with Robbie & Adam; Robbie Klitzing & Adam Mcguire, Redwave Media P

How did you both wind up in radio…

Robbie:
In a former life I was working in Finance and Insurance in Melbourne after studying a business degree. It was always a dream of mine to have a radio show though. I found out about the Melbourne Radio School and decided to do the short course. Long story short, I applied for EVERY job going, finally landed arvo gig in Broome with Spirit 102.9, moved into breakfast on Spirit 1026 in Port Hedland and eventually was offered the Big Breakfast with Adam on Red FM in Perth. Almost 5 years after getting that first break, I couldn’t picture working in any other industry.

Adam:
Originally I studied Journalism at University and then post-grad at WAAPA here in Perth. From there I moved into a work-day shift for WAFM in Geraldton for about a year. After which I to Perth for Red FM’s Hit-list (evening shift) and eventually moved onto the Big Breakfast, which I did with my old co-host Ray for 3 years and now with Robbie for the past year and a half.

Your show and entry…

Robbie:
The Big Breakfast is at its best when we’re loose and spontaneous in our talk breaks. We love to plan a break and then take it in a completely different direction as the chat develops. We really wanted to show-case that fun vibe in our entry.

Adam:

It’s a great dynamic for the fact that we do like to plan the show meticulously, but then things have enough room to breathe and develop into something else. When we’re having fun and enjoying the show, it really comes through the speakers and we find that’s when we get the best audience reactions.

The speech you don’t get to do…

A big cheers to the people of regional WA for welcoming us into your cars and offices every morning, we love hearing your stories and engaging with you guys every morning! Thanks to Nick our Sports Guy and Michael our Web Guy who put so much into the show. And most importantly thanks to the bosses…letting us come in everyday and actually call this gig a job is pretty damn amazing!!

BEST PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR

Harriet Legg; Hit 101.9 Fox FM, Melbourne VIC, Southern Cross Austereo M

Tell us about your career in radio…

I first joined Southern Cross Austereo as an Agency Sales Co-ord. During a couple of years in that role I took on some extra casual work across other areas of the business; helping out Show Producers on weekends, and trying out some copywriting. I realised that a move into Promotions would allow me to combine all the elements I enjoyed from various departments. So, I made the move to Promotions…. and they’ve been stuck with me ever since!

What are the 3 promotions you’re most proud of from the last 12 months ?

I loved the cross-promotion we ran with Channel 7 earlier this year for My Kitchen Rules. The pure scale of giving away $100,000 to one winner was epic, and it was a fun campaign to work on alongside Seven.

Then there’s the refresh of the Fox brand earlier this year; it was pretty exhilarating to see the project team come together to make everything happen, and I think the end result is incredible.
I’m also a huge fan of what the Hit Network is creating with The Color Run around the country. To me, it’s a perfect example of a brilliant partnership, and the race day activations have enabled us to play with some fun & creative ways to take our brands on to the streets.

You get the ACRA… your speech

First up, I’d toast a massive “cheers” to the wider Fox Product team. The people I get to work alongside every day are some of the most creative, passionate, fun & hardworking people I could ever hope to meet, and everything we produce is a testament to our capacity to operate as a true team. I’d also send a special shout-out to two people who have been the most instrumental in my career; Kirsten Franc & Dave Cameron. I’ve been very lucky to work with these two; they’re both phenomenal operators and incredible leaders, and I’ll always be grateful for the guidance & support they’ve provided me with over the years.

BEST DIGITAL RADIO FORMAT

Koffee & Coles Radio; Sarah Fletcher, National, Nova Entertainment

Tell us about you… go

I’ve come from an audio production background, working with various on-air and Brekky teams in Australia, and had a stint in the UK. I’ve been in the DAB+ realm since 2010, and programming now for about 2 and a half years. This year marks my 10th at Nova 106.9 (Nova Entertainment)!

The Bigfella (Matty Stewart) has had a long association with radio starting out as a Sports journalist and hosting local sporting radio programs including live commentary for the local HFNL competition. The MLB brekky show was somewhat his brain child encouraging his life long friend Matthew Monk to join him on a return to FM breakfast.

Your entry is for two digital formats… tell us about it..

They were quite different to each other. With Coles Radio I highlighted all our various music features, the scope and depth of our library, wide demographic appeal and vast number of advertising partners. It’s an entertaining, fun radio station with something for everyone – a contemporary mix with some great favourites. (And no, there’s no Status Quo on the playlist!). And with Koffee it was highlighting the ‘vibe’. Chilled, uncluttered, cool, new artists, new sounds; an escape from life’s every day stresses. I also highlighted that we play tracks not given the opportunity to be heard on AM/FM, and definitely not up to 7 times a day

Here’s your moment… the speech.. go..

Depends on which one wins! I’m proud of them both and the work I do for each of them. I love that they’re both providing an alternative listening space for those that want something different. I have the best job in the company – choosing, scheduling, programming, writing, voicing, and producing for these great stations. Can they please tie for first place?!t!