New chapter: Monique Dews to depart ARN

From covering the biggest stories of the decade to running five newsrooms across the country whilst holding down the Brisbane Breakfast shift, newsreader Monique Dews has maintained a solid, reliable presence during her time at ARN.

Now – after eleven years with the network – she’s leaving to embark on a new adventure.

Monique is taking up a new role as Director of Accounts and Strategy at PR, media training and crisis management company Adoni Media, as excitement builds in the run-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

During her time at KIIS 97.3, Monique has presented news across three breakfast shows, most recently alongside the team of Robin Bailey, Terry Hansen and Kip Wightman.

Monique’s last day at ARN will be Friday, April 21^st.

She tells Radio Today it’s a bittersweet feeling:

“I feel a mixed bag of excitement and sadness about leaving ARN and especially the Robin, Terry and Kip Breakfast Show. It was an absolute privilege to set the daily agenda with my brilliant radio family.”

But Monique felt the time was right to spread her wings and chase new opportunities.

“Brisbane is going through such an incredible time of change and development as we count down to the 2032 Olympics, so it feels right to make a move now to Adoni Media.”

Adoni Media’s Founder and Managing Director Leisa Goddard says the company is excited to have someone of Monique’s calibre join the team.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming such a respected and award-winning media executive to a team of former journalists, news bosses and corporate affairs specialists who know the news cycle and advise clients on managing the media.”

Monique says highlights over her decade-plus at ARN include the many times 973 cracked number one.

She remembers covering the 2012 Brisbane floods as a particularly challenging time, in more ways than one.

“I had to navigate flooded roads around Coronation Drive in the dark, to get to the Milton office. Often it was touch and go whether I would actually make it into the building.”

Monique created and co-presented the Keeping Up With Corona podcast with Robin Bailey.

“As my first ever podcast, I was chuffed it made Apple Podcasts New and Noteworthy list.”

Another highlight was her year long stint as ARN’s Acting National News Director.

“I got to work with so many journalists, Content Directors and stakeholders around the country. During that time, I also helped in establishing a National News Desk, and a National News Feed to our newly acquired regional radio stations which was such a challenging project.”

Monique has several ACRA awards and nominations to her name, but remains modest about the industry recognition.

“I don’t get caught up much on awards. We have so many incredible newsreaders in this country who deserve to win it equally and who keep up such high standards on air, day in and day out.”

More recently, an Uber driver told of how he listened to Monique when he first migrated to Australia to learn the language. He described her diction as ‘perfection.’

ARN Chief Content Officer Duncan Campbell considers Monique an outstanding talent, telling Radio Today “I was genuinely saddened by the news that she had resigned and of course wish her nothing but the best as a new chapter begins away from radio.”

“I’ve known Monique for many years and she has one of the best newsreading voices and styles in the business.”

“She is simply a lovely, genuine person who has given 100% for each of her 11 years at ARN.”

It’s a sentiment echoed by broadcaster Deborah Clay, who tells Radio Today “The experience of listening to Monique on-air is like receiving a big, warm hug. Listeners of KIIS 973 consider her a friend – there’s a high level of skill and hard work that goes into building this unique rapport.”

“Monique is an exceptional and well-respected FM news presenter. With the digital lens she brings and ability to create unique stories, Mon’s work serves as a masterclass for journalists.”

Monique considers radio very much a team sport. She’s mentored many young broadcasters, but also has some important mentors of her own.

“Radio news legend John Knox gave me my first newsreading gig when I was still a teenager at university. Also pivotal in my career trajectory have been radio executives like Mandi Wicks, Dean Buchanan, Deborah Clay and Duncan Campbell.”

Monique says the advice and expertise of the late Glenn Daniel also played a hugely important part in her career.

As for the future – Monique believes radio news is going through an exciting time of evolution, as the industry increasingly looks to marry traditional methods of delivery with new digital opportunities, such as on-demand news, social media posts, and news podcasting in both long and short form.

“I expect that cross platform solutions will play a bigger and bigger role and we will see more ‘niche’ offerings too.”

“What an exciting time to be a journalist evolving into the next generation of news storytellers. I love radio, and will be listening now from the ‘other side!’”

“Oh, and yes … the 3.30 alarm won’t be missed.”