Emily Tresidder: “I love radio. I want to be the best broadcaster I can be”

Emily Tresidder. Image: SCA

In the short time that Emily Tresidder has been working at Melbourne’s 101.9 The Fox, she’s already made a lasting impression – her warmth, wit and energy quickly endearing her to everyone in the office.

Currently filling in on Afternoons whilst Brad Wood takes long service leave, next stop is Adelaide – where Em will take on a full-time role at SAFM next year.

As Em tells Radio Today, the experience she’s gaining at The Fox has been invaluable.

“It has been absolutely awesome. I’ve learnt tangible things that make my announcing that much stronger, and it’s only been a month or so!”

“I am looking forward to seeing what else I can learn and achieve while I’m here. The sky’s the limit!”

Growing up in Sydney’s inner west, Em’s path into radio followed the longer, scenic route.

Initially studying to be a teacher at the University of Sydney, she spent a good chunk of her time across the road at the Sydney University of Technology, learning the ropes at student radio station 2SER.

Passionate about performing, Em swapped her teaching course for a degree in Art History and Performance Studies

Whilst working in a theatre production, Em became part of a sketch comedy group, creating YouTube videos, doing live shows, even heading overseas to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

It was her first experience of live stand-up comedy and Em was immediately hooked.

“I thought ‘That’s what I want to do.’”

And she did. Em took her stand-up routine all around Australia, back to Edinburgh and on to Malaysia, where she performed in shows as the headline act.

It was during this journey that she met then-comedy producer Vic Hanlon. Together, they started a weekly comedy podcast.

After a few years, they decided to have a crack at radio, doing a version of their show on Melbourne community station Triple R as part of its summer programming.

Em went on to volunteer at Melbourne’s JOY 94.9, learning how to panel, self-produce and present an interview program called How Do You Do That? 

She eventually landed a paid gig as one half of JOY’s Drive show and loved it.

A year later, Em decided to try for a commercial radio job. Taking an almighty leap, she landed in Bendigo, with an on-air gig on SCA’s Hit 91.9.

Immersing herself in the local community – hosting awards nights and emceeing the NBL1 basketball competition – only strengthened Em’s connection with listeners.

“I made a genuine effort to integrate into the Bendigo community, and it was a crucial part of my success there,” she says.

“I not only knew street names and landmarks, but I had a finger on the pulse of what was happening in real time in the city, because I was a part of it.”

Earlier this year, Em’s Bendigo announcing role was extended to include SAFM Workdays. Then came the fill-in role at The Fox.

Since joining SCA, she has also filled in for Breakfast on the Hit Network across regional Victoria, as well as the national Nights show The Hot Hits with Nic & Loren.

Em says making the cut for the Game Changers Radio podcast‘s Magnificent Seven: The Next Generation felt surreal.

“To be on that list alongside some of the best up-and-coming radio personalities like Loren Barry, Lu & Jarch and Katie Lamb is phenomenal.”

“I always say I’m ‘lucky’ to do something I love every day, but I also work really hard and always push myself to improve and seek feedback, so the recognition within the industry feels truly special.”

Here’s just a sample of the feedback from those who voted:

Em’s personality, humour, wit, charm, and warmth all shine through.

She has an amazing aura and vibe.

She’s one of those rare talents who can have a conversation with anybody and find some kind of chemistry there. Absolute future superstar.

One local mum even shared her experience of getting to hang out with Em in Bendigo during a local basketball competition:

“She is an absolute blast. I rocked up with my whole tribe (all my four kids plus two nieces and a nephew— basically a small basketball team) and she welcomed every single one like they were part of her crew. Now my kids think she’s cooler than me … which, let’s be honest, she probably is!”

“The whole world needs to know how amazing Em is.”

Inherently curious, Em was born to chat. Radio is a natural fit.

“I love hearing about people, their lives, their feelings, their stories.”

When asked about the people who’ve influenced her radio journey, Em says “Goodness me, this is a hard one to answer!”

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have so many incredible mentors.  I always feel fortunate to have access to the wealth of knowledge and mentorship at SCA. It is such an overwhelming (in a good way) feeling knowing someone believes in you, champions you in a room you’re not in and genuinely wants to see you grow.”

“I applied for a job at Triple M Adelaide a couple of years ago, and Matt O’Reilly didn’t offer me the position (I was certainly underqualified). However, what he has given me since then is consistent support, guidance, and opportunities to grow.”

Em is grateful for the ongoing support of Fox Content Director and Head of Hit Metro Content Amanda Lee.

“Amanda has been so generous with her time and knowledge. She has been a significant contributor to the rapid growth in my role.”

“Tim Lee is the reason I’ve learnt so much at The Fox already. I’ve sat in on a couple of his shifts, and he is so generous with his knowledge and skills. Watching him do what he does so very well is genuinely a wonder to watch, and I am so grateful I’ve been lucky enough to experience it.”

Jase Allen – SCA’s Group Content Director for Newcastle and the Central Coast – has also been a supportive presence.

“Jase believed in me before I truly believed in myself,” says Em.

“Mel Andersen is such a boss. She has been incredibly supportive of me and always makes time; she is a legend. Nic Kelly is a gem. I respect his career and talent, and his guidance has been immeasurable.”

“I’ve forgotten people, and to those people, I’m sorry. I am so grateful to have so many people within our industry that have believed in me, offered me guidance, and supported me.”

Em’s fundamental goal is to keep growing and learning.

“But more importantly, I want to keep having fun doing one of the best jobs in the world.”

“I want to continue connecting with the city I’m in and making good radio! I want to be the best broadcaster I can be. That’s the dream.”

Images: SCA and Instagram