Clint Stanaway: “Melbourne people deserve a show that’s true to itself … and the city”

Clint Stanaway loves that he always leaves work laughing.

The newsreader and co-host of Nova 100’s Jase & Lauren Breakfast show likens himself, Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips to a dysfunctional little family – all very different, but together, it works.

Now, just days out from Kyle & Jackie O’s much-hyped arrival on the Melbourne Breakfast radio airwaves, the Nova trio is ready for battle.

“We understand there’s a big focus on the Melbourne radio market right now,” Clint tells Radio Today. “There’s been some significant movement and change.”

But, he says, as far as he, Jase and Lauren are concerned, the K & J factor changes nothing.

With Melbourne widely considered a parochial city – and one that loves its localism – much has been made of how the polarising Sydney duo’s content will be received down south.

The Nova brekky team is focusing on the job at hand.

“We’re really keen to put together the best show we can each morning for Melburnians,” says Clint.

“I think Melbourne people deserve a show that’s true to itself … and the city.”

A kid from the Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley who grew up a self-confessed footy nut, Clint loved watching the TV news.

That said, his arrival on the scene came about more by chance.

“Dad’s best mate was the Operations Manager at Channel Nine. He insisted I do work experience at Nine’s old Bendigo Street HQ.”

From there, young Clint was hooked. Aged eighteen, he landed a job in Nine’s newsroom.

He’s worked at the network ever since.

His foray into radio came via his long-standing friendship with Lauren Phillips.

“I’m proud to call Lauren one of my best mates,” says Clint. “We actually caught the same bus up High Street Road every afternoon, on the way home from school.”

“I still remember the phone call when she landed her dream job in Breakfast radio, working alongside Jase. Little did I know they were also on the hunt for a newsreader.”

“Thankfully, Lauren recommended me … and the rest is history.”

Clint doesn’t mince words when he reflects on the day he, Jase and Lauren were informed their previous Breakfast show on KIIS 101.1 would be making way for Kyle & Jackie O.

“It hurt. There was nothing to hide that either. It was a real kick in the guts. The show was in a sweet spot.”

“But the response we had from Melbourne listeners in the days and weeks that followed was really lovely.”

“We made a commitment to them – and to each other – to push through to the end of the year in the same spirit as we started it. I’m so glad we did.”

Now happily entrenched across town at Nova, it’s been a case of onward and upward ever since.

“There’s been nothing better than reconnecting with our smart, funny listeners,” say Clint.

And, whilst they’re running their own race, Clint believes the all the noise around K & J and the huge growth and interest we’re seeing right now in radio is good for everyone.

“I often get asked if the competition in radio is any different to TV. It’s much the same. If you’ve got a great team of people, great camaraderie and a great local product, you can approach every morning with confidence.”

Clint likes to think of Jase & Lauren as a show with heart.

“We’re cheeky, not nasty … and we love to involve Melbourne in everything we do.”

“We’re just three great mates. In Jase, you’ve got one of the most accomplished live FM radio hosts. He’s just so good at his craft. And Lauren is one of the most caring, generous and empathetic people that I know.”

Clint’s daily work schedule is not for the faint hearted.

He continues to juggle Breakfast radio hours with his TV work during the day.

“It’s tough, I won’t lie. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I’ve become addicted to radio in the same way I grew addicted to TV in my teenage years.”

The secret, he says, is to keep organised.

“I’ve got a gem of a manager and a family that keeps me in check.”

Not surprisingly, Clint cherishes his free time.

“Getting to the gym is essential for me. So is walking my dog and enjoying a night out with mates, although it’s a much earlier dinner these days!”