Chris Northover: “I’m so proud I get to say that I’m a Triple M announcer”

Chris Northover describes himself as an introverted extrovert. Working in radio has given him a means of putting himself ‘out there,’ in ways he might never have otherwise considered.

Before moving to WA’s outback mining hub of Kalgoorlie a couple of months ago, Chris – SCA’s Workday Announcer at Triple M Goldfields – had lived in Perth all his life.

Quiet and shy as a child, a compulsory school assessment task not only brought Chris out of his shell, it marked a major turning point in his life.

As Chris tells Radio Today “We had to act as a piece of furniture, which was terrifying, but I made some kids laugh in my scene.”

“From then, I wanted to pursue a career where I could shine and be authentic to myself.”

After finishing school, Chris worked across several industries – from live sound to hospitality – but found himself craving something more creative and media-focused.

“I loved listening to podcasts during COVID and wanted to host one!” he says. “I just didn’t have the skills or confidence to do so.”

So Chris decided to enrol at TAFE, where he studied for a Diploma in Radio Broadcasting in Leederville. Whilst there, he got involved with BOOM Radio, the student-run broadcaster.

“It was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” says Chris.

Chris’s first commercial radio job was working as a street teamer for SCA in Perth.

“It was a great way to meet and network with professionals in the industry and learn what’s expected of announcers.”

“While I was there, I hustled and put my hand up to do other jobs like producing for The Hit Network’s Allan & Carly, panelling for outside broadcasts and assisting the regional promotions department.”

Chris even filled in on reception.

“I was keen to do anything to pursue radio and ready to throw myself into any challenge,” he says.

In August this year, Chris fulfilled his on-air dream.

“Now, I’m so proud to get to say that I’m a Triple M announcer and I’m so happy I’m here.”

For Chris, connecting with the community is easily the best part of his job, whether it be through interviews with local businesses, sporting groups or even having callers checking in for a chat.

“I love being in-market and having a personal connection with the locals here in the Goldfields, and I’ve felt such a positive response from our listeners so far. I’ve felt very welcomed.”

Hosting his first outside broadcast during the recent Coolgardie Day celebrations provided a great opportunity for Chris to meet many of those locals face-to-face.

“Getting to see the people you’re talking to, and connecting to, is a big part of what made that so special.”

In his radio journey to date, Chris says he’s had the pleasure of working with many industry professionals, including his TAFE and BOOM Radio lecturers Phillip Vinciullo, Bryant van Dijken and Annwen Burrows.

As Burrows tells Radio Today: “Chris is someone who evolved significantly during his time with us. He has a sharp instinct for opportunity and a strong drive to succeed, and over the years I watched him channel that ambition into genuine growth and professional maturity.”

“He’s multi-talented, curious, and found his stride across several areas of the industry. It’s been great to see him discover what he enjoys and lean into those strengths.”

Chris says he continues to learn from the best.

“I feel very grateful to have had so many supportive colleagues at SCA, from Triple M’s Robbie Von and Carly Portch to the Hit Network’s Abbey Cullen, and my awesome Content Director Dan Cole, all of whom have  looked after me and are teaching me a lot about radio.”

“I’ve loved learning from the people around me and from so many people within the industry.”

Portch says our radio industry is better for having people like Chris in it:

“It’s great to see Chris, who has a true passion for radio, take up this role,” Portch tells Radio Today. “He has always shown so much enthusiasm for radio, from working the street team to his time at BOOM Radio. I am excited to see where his passion takes him, and he has a fan in me!”

Now, Chris looks forward to calling Kalgoorlie-Boulder home and being an integral part of the community.

“At the moment, I’m keeping up to date with the local footy (if my landlord who plays footy is reading this, go Mines Rovers!).”

“Long-term, I can imagine moving over to the eastern states, and maybe one day working my way into programming as a Content Director.”

“I want to keep learning and understanding radio so that one day I can help lift others up.”

“Radio was only on my radar during my mid-20s, so to get my first full-time radio gig is a pretty sweet way to kick off my 30s!”