New role for Carlie Bonavia: “We’re in an exciting era”

Carlie Bonavia’s life these days is literally a world away from the frosty Melbourne mornings and 2.30am alarms that go hand-in-hand with being part of a top rating breakfast radio team.

Carlie was just 25 when she found herself presenting breakfast news as part of the hugely popular Matt & Jo Show on 101.9 Fox FM.

Seeking a new challenge, Carlie headed abroad in 2013. When Radio Today last caught up with her, she was working in content and communications in the professional services industry.

Now Carlie – who’s based in France – has embarked on a new job, as Content and Communications Manager for cloud media platform Newsbridge.

Carlie tells Radio Today it’s a great fit for her:

“This role feels like a bit of a homecoming. I’ve always kept a hand in through some corporate voiceover and podcasting, but immersing myself in the media world full-time once again – albeit from a different perspective – is really satisfying.”

Carlie says she didn’t realise how ‘at home’ she’d feel until she found herself at the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show with Newsbridge in Las Vegas last month.

“Newsbridge’s solution is primarily for media and sports organisations to help them better manage, store and index their content. In this job, I get to put myself back in a journalist or producer’s shoes, thinking about their challenges and how we can help improve their workflows.”

Moving overseas, Carlie says she’s grown in ways she couldn’t have imagined had she stayed in Australia.

“I’ve learnt (and continue to learn) French! I have a broader understanding of global issues and more empathy. I’ve met lots of people and have experienced new cultures. Sometimes life abroad feels like an endless adventure.”

She holds fond memories of her Melbourne radio days.

“Matt, Jo and Adam Richard’s jokes could ruin me if their punchlines landed just before I turned my mic on. There are some news headlines that never made it to air because I was laughing so much.”

“I also think that we were on the cusp of evolution in terms of how we worked and what we produced. Digital news departments have matured in the last decade. Social media and website content isn’t the ‘add-on task’ that it was seen as by those of us on the radio news desk at the time.”

“Journalists are recording on-demand content for podcasts, apps and smart speakers. We’re in an exciting era where there’s also fresh interest in longform storytelling and news products.”

Sometimes it’s a blessing when life doesn’t quite go according to plan. Much as she misses Melbourne life, France is Carlie’s home for the foreseeable future.

“I was certain I’d be in London for a maximum of two years before I moved back home to Melbourne to continue my career in PR. Nine years and two countries later … I suppose I do tend to go with the flow a little! My partner and I bought a house in Strasbourg, and I’ve learnt a lot of French bricolage vocabulary as reno projects roll on.”

“But with Aussie borders open again, I’m excited to be back in Melbourne currently to see my family and friends, and stock up on Aussie treats that are harder to find in France. Vegemite and Tim Tams are of course on the list!”