Coming of age: 20 years of SYN

What do Hamish & Andy, Zan Rowe, Tommy Little, Jack Post, Belle Jackson, Bridget Hustwaite and Ryan Shelton all have in common?

They’re just some the media success stories who cut their teeth at SYN.

The Melbourne FM community station prides itself on being a place to give young people a go. A space to make their break. And right now it’s in festive mode, marking 20 years of full-time broadcasting.

It’s reflecting on that time with Coming of Age: a special programming season celebrating two decades in music and youth culture.

Up until February 19th, the chronological season will rewind to beloved shows and stories from the station’s past, while also reflecting on key moments in music and youth culture from 2003 to 2022.

Dylan Leach (pictured above, right) tells Radio Today that from the ages of fifteen to twenty, he was basically part of the furniture at SYN.

“I even came back at age 25 before my SYN death for another crack.”

“I presented footy/sport shows, breakfast, music and even somehow found myself on the naughty rude show (SYN’s long running sex and relationships program) despite being incredibly unqualified – but that was what the place was and still is all about.”

“Most of my closest friends are from the SYN days, and the amount of people I know throughout from them is extensive.”

Dylan returned to his old haunt for the 20 year celebrations.

“I just loved being back for one night only, I was like a pig in mud being behind the mic and just having that freedom.”

Newly-appointed General Manager Ruby Smith officially started her role this month, and says she’s confident SYN’s 20^th year of broadcasting will be its best yet.

“I have been unbelievably lucky to find a second home in SYN, and to now be blessed with the opportunity to lead us into our 20th year of broadcasting.”

Ruby says she’s immensely proud of SYN and its message of youth empowerment.

“I aim to continue that legacy by keeping SYN unique, independent, and genuinely reflective of the experiences of young people.”

This weekend sees Get Staffed, where 3 former general managers—Jo Curtin, Tahlia Azaria and Georgia Webster—reunite to share some reflections on SYN’s history, impact, and uniqueness as an organisation and youth movement.

In the time since SYN began full-time broadcasting, an estimated 12,000 young people have been directly involved in SYN, many of whom have gone on to work in the creative and media industries.