RPP FM’s Kellie Richardson: Determined to give commercial radio a run for its money

You might think interior design and radio announcing would be poles apart.

Not necessarily, says Kellie Richardson – a high-profile interior designer and feng shui expert who’s just launched a new Breakfast show on Victorian community station RPP FM.

Richardson, who’s styled thousands of homes and crafted the living spaces of some of Australia’s most influential clients, says “Stepping into radio feels like a natural extension of what I do – creating spaces, stories, and connections.”

And she’s determined to give commercial radio a run for its money.

For years, RPP FM has been a staple on the Mornington Peninsula, with an audience that extends well into Melbourne.

It wasn’t so long ago that a Radio Today article on community radio giving its commercial counterparts some serious competition generated some heated debate.

Some within the industry were adamant that community radio is a fun place for people to play DJ, and that’s how it should stay.

Others were passionate in their belief that community radio is realising its potential to fill a gaping void in the commercial sector, providing local content and a professional sound.

In a year where the continued networking of shows has dominated the headlines in Australia’s commercial radio industry, Richardson believes localism has never been more important.

“I want to elevate the role of local radio as a vital element of our community,” says Richardson. “We need to support it.”

“Hopefully people will think twice about which station they listen to and, instead of going for a high-profile commercial station, they’ll turn the dial to a local station.”

Richardson and co-host Brodie will host Tantalising Tuesdays, a mix of Melbourne and local news, conversations and celebrity interviews.

They plan to bring a fresh, community-focused dynamic to the airwaves, providing local news and supporting Melbourne businesses and charities.

“My focus is to bring genuine warmth, fun and real insights to my new show,” says Richardson.

“Naturally I will talk a bit about the home and living because that is what I do and love, and it’s so relevant to everyone else as well.”

“We all want to share and talk about what makes our home special and at times challenging, and how it fills our life with laughter, joy, sadness, love and drama.”

Richardson says the show will touch on topics that are relevant to just about everyone.

“I think it is about time that the local community was able to engage with local radio content.”

“I am proud to be part of this process and hope everyone loves the show.”

“Depending on how things go, we may extend our show to other days as well. We will just have to wait for the training wheels to come off!”

In addition to her radio venture, Richardson continues her work with Melbourne-based property staging firm Kurved by Design.

“I get to bring joy to people’s mornings while helping clients realise their dreams of creating beautiful spaces.”

“It’s a wonderful balance that keeps me energised and inspired.”

Tantalising Tuesdays airs Tuesdays from 6am – 9am on RPP FM.