Top New Talent Q&A: Mel Tracina

Mel Tracina has been bouncing around the industry for the best part of a decade, having got her start at Student Youth Network (SYN).

Like many in the bizz, she spent time cutting her teeth as a street teamer with her first job at Nova, but grabbed her first announcer role at Zoo FM in Dubbo.

Since then she’s worked as an announcer at Light FM, and returned to Nova at the end of 2018 for a dual role as an announcer and in operations.

Recently she’s filled in on Nova 96.9 and Nova 100 Afternoons and anchored The Best Of Chrissie, Sam & Browny, but she can regularly be heard on Nova 100 Weekend Mornings.

Get to know Those Two Girls with our Top New Talent Q&A:

Who/what inspired you to choose a career in radio?

I initially chose Radio as an elective at Uni because I thought it would be an easy subject to pass but I found myself actually attending the lectures! I discovered a love for the medium.

I love that it’s instant, accessible and personal. You can entertain and engage with an audience in a way that television and other mediums can’t.

What radio shows do you first recall listening to as a kid (or when you first started listening)?

Tracy & Matt – Mum’s car, mum’s rules!

How did you end up in your current gig?

Years of hard work and sacrifices … and one night of mustering up enough courage to approach Rohan Brown at the ACRAs.

What’s been your most memorable on-air moment so far?

I was a newlywed filling in on Drive for a few weeks so I created a story arc; “Am I ready to be a mum”. I had a simulated baby (Baby Simo) in my care for 48 long hours that I took everywhere! I recorded video for socials and audio grabs for on-air.

I don’t want to bog you down with stats and numbers but let’s just say that I was strongly advised to hold off on being a mum!

What’s one skill that you’ve mastered, and what’s one skill that you’re currently working on?

I don’t believe that I have “mastered” any skill. In my opinion, there is always room for improvement. The skill I’m currently and always working on is being creative with each break and delivering content that is uniquely me.

How do you prepare for your shift on-air?

When it comes to content, I prepare every day by listening to music, reading the news and keeping up with pop-culture. I also have about 10 favourited websites on my browser that I use every shift (it’s the ONLY time I use twitter.)

Most importantly – being fed and having a strong coffee before a shift is a must!

How does the person you are on air differ from the person you are off air?

I am exactly the same person on and off the air. I just talk for a lot longer than 30 seconds when I’m off-air.

What advice do you wish you could give yourself when you were just starting out?

The gain is greater than your sacrifices. Get ready for some of the best times of your life!

What’s your dream radio job?

I’d love a crack at a show! I want to explore story arcs, bringing creativity and content to air and working with a co-host. I would love it!

OR my job now but with a car space.

If you weren’t working in radio, what would you be doing?

Contiki Tour Guide! I could travel AND hijack the microphone.