Journalist Spotlight | Interview with Emily Tresidder, HIT Network Announcer at HIT Network

Today, Medianet is excited to feature Emily, a dynamic radio and podcast professional. Emily’s expertise bridges the gap between radio and podcasting, offering unique insights into content creation and audience engagement across both mediums. Join us as we explore her journey, content planning strategies, and the evolving landscape of Australian radio medium.

Hi Emily! Thank you again for chatting with Medianet! Firstly, could you share how your career in Radio began, and whether becoming an announcer was always your goal?

That's a funny one! I started my radio journey right out of high school, volunteered at 2SER in Sydney, and even did my high school work experience at SBS Radio. Radio has always been a love of mine!

After beginning my performance studies degree at the University of Sydney and meeting some great people, I became inspired to start performing. I did sketch comedy for a few years, leading me to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, where I discovered a love for stand-up comedy. While pursuing my comedy career, I also created a podcast called 'Vic and Em's Comedy Gems' with my dear friend and talented producer Vicky Hanlon. Little did I know, I was preparing myself for the opportunity that was about to come knocking. 

After breaking my ankle on an overseas adventure, I returned to Australia and steered back towards radio. I started volunteering at JOY 94.9 in Melbourne and was lucky enough to land a full-time position as one of JOY's Drive presenters. 

From there, I turned my sights to commercial radio. In 2023, I landed my current role on HIT 91.9 in Bendigo. During my time at Southern Cross Austereo (SCA), I have had a few awesome opportunities, like filling in on the state-wide breakfast show and doing music shifts on SAFM, 101.9 The Fox in Melbourne, and Hit106.9 in Newcastle. 

You've worked in both Radio and Podcasting. Beyond the live nature of Radio, how do these two formats differ in terms of audience expectations, content style, and delivery? How should content be tailored for each medium, and do you have a personal preference between Radio and Podcast?

The immediacy is unique with radio, you can't undo what you just said. You constantly think about what you're about to say while talking to engage with our wonderful listeners!

One of the things I love about radio is the ability to connect with listeners as it happens. In podcasting, you work with fewer callers (however, that is becoming more present in that world now, too). Listeners want to be involved and feel like they are part of the show, and with radio, they can be! Which I love!

Podcasting is cool because the parameters almost don't exist. You can make a podcast about anything, featuring anything, or talking about anything. You can create a soundscape or an audio play, there isn't a limitation to your creativity. So I like the freedom of podcasting. 

But I couldn’t choose a "favourite child". I love radio and podcasting equally and for different reasons. There is still so much room to grow in the audio space, and I'm excited to see how both formats keep expanding.

Podcasts have seen a resurgence recently, but some argue toxic voices have given them a bad rep. What are your thoughts on the podcasting boom, and what do you think makes for engaging audio content? What types of stories and perspectives are you most drawn to?

As I said earlier, the joy of podcasting is the freedom of the content you create. People can stand on the soapbox and create something that doesn't gel with you, but you can choose not to listen. That is the joy of the medium, you have the ability to curate the content you engage with. 

Good audio is literally the foundation of good audio content. The technical aspects are fundamental to engaging a listener on a podcast. A listener wants crisp and clean audio, to be able to hear guests, and levelled audio. As creators, we need to make it a comfortable listening experience first and foremost. From there, the world's your oyster. 

I love true crime podcasts (don't we all!). I loved Serial and the podcasts on LiSTNR, which have some great true-crime options. Plus, I can't go past a pod that can give you true-crime AND humour, like 'Who Shat on the Floor at My Wedding', which is hilariously silly. 

Is this where I should also plug my brand-new podcast? I have a new interview podcast called 'Sob to the Beat'. I like it because it explores human existence while also being a super fun, bite-sized listen. Elevator pitch: We all have that one song that puts us in our feelings. Each week, a surprise guest brings a song that makes them elated, sad, angry, or brings up a particular memory, and we "sob to the beat." You name it, we feel it.

What does your media planning cycle look like? How far ahead do you plan content, and are there specific events or key dates you focus on?

Staying up to date with the news cycle is key. I want to create fresh, relevant, and local content. If it happened in Bendigo or pop culture, I’m talking about it. My media cycle is filled with a lot of celebrity news and music news. If someone is dropping a new album or going on tour, I'll know about it and talk about it. Our listeners want relevant content and since localism has never been so important, I love to give Bendigo lots of local news that makes an impact for them.

What's been the most memorable moment of your career so far, and do you have any plans to broadcast more of your comedy in the future?

I have been quite reflective this year, and I have been incredibly lucky (and worked hard) to have had some genuinely unbelievable experiences. 

Do I have just one memorable moment? I couldn't pick! I'd have to include performing solo stand-up shows at the Gilded Balloon at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, headlining shows in Malaysia, self-producing and creating podcasts, all the awesome opportunities I've had in radio, interviewing some of the biggest names in music and beyond. And, of course, my incredible job on Hit 91.9 Bendigo.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in media or radio, given how volatile the media landscape can be? What are your hopes for the future of Australian radio and media?

You've got to love it because it is so rewarding if you do. You're right, there is a lot of movement and uncertainty, but there are also plenty of amazing opportunities to grow, learn, and excel. It can be tough some days, but it can also be tough some days being an accountant, so if you're going to have tough days, you may as well fill them by doing something inherently exciting and rewarding. 

I am incredibly grateful for my job. I get paid to have fun, and as a child-like adult, I couldn't ask for a better way to make a living. As I said earlier, there is still a lot of growth in the audio space. As people's listening habits shift, so does how we present audio. I am excited to see what's to come and how we cater to the changing landscape.