What did you study at college?

The art of socialising in a controlled environment.

What was your first job?

A three-week stint at Lincraft, just before they closed down. I swear I had nothing to do with it, although I can no longer work in fabrics… court order. 

How did you get into Media?

It was a filler subject because they closed down the archaeology course I wanted to study. Apparently not enough people were interested???

What's the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?

After declaring I was incredibly bad at making coffee, handing someone a cup (including sugar, salt & tea) and watching them drink it because they didn't want to hurt my feelings. Maybe not that strange, but it was pretty funny.

Favourite quote?

Laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors.

What was the first record you purchased?

It was an Aqua CD, circa 97' I believe.

What's your favourite TV show?

Staragate. Yeah, I'm a bit of a closet sci-fi geek.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?

Joshua Walker. His talent and infinite patience are a testament to his character. If I could bottle awesomeness, it would have his name on the label.

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do?

Jumping castles in every building.

What's on your iPod?

Regina Spektor, Bon Jovi, Matt Nathanson, The Strokes, Thriving Ivory… just to name a few. 

What do you do for fun?

Vintage shopping! It can consume me for entire weekends.  I'd also like to try Laser Tag. I can see much fun being gained from such an engaging sport!

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What was your first job?

My very first job was working in the fast food industry... "Would you like fries with that?"

Since completing year 12 in 2009, this is my first fulltime position in the workforce.

What did you study at college?

I managed to do every English course on offer at my school, as well as a couple of history subjects. A few courses I did for fun, such as photography and fashion design.

What are some upcoming projects?

Coming up in June is Give Me Five For Kids, which I'm really looking forward to being a part of. To be a member of the team behind such a worthwhile cause will be very rewarding!

If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be?

Three of my closest friends, since moving to Hobart, I don't see them as much as I would like.

What's your favorite TV show?

Bones, How I Met Your Mother and Skins are a few of my favorites.

What's on your iPod?

There is a lot of dance music and also a heap of mellow artists including Imogen Heap, Mumford and Sons and the Kooks.

What do you do for fun?

Relaxing with family or friends. I also enjoy reading and writing and settling down with a good movie. Having a few drinks and dancing also makes the list.

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How did you get into Media?
This is the first time I've ever worked in media, I knew a couple of the account managers and when I heard about the job opportunity I jumped at the chance to move to media. I've worked in retail sales for seven years, so it was a great stepping-stone for this role. A few years ago I was on a reality TV show so that was my only other involvement with media.

What's the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
One of the announcers losing a bet and shoving a handful of millipedes down her pants.  Nasty!

If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be?
Kate Moss to provide entertainment, Chace Crawford to look at and Jamie Oliver to cook!

What was the first record you purchased?
With the help of my father it was The Boys are Back in Town - the ultimate rock album.  About a month later I remember Dad asking to borrow the CD.  That was in 1994 and I haven't seen it since.

What's your favourite TV show?
Gossip Girl and reality TV.

What do you do for fun?
Lots of things! Eating great food and drinking fine wine on Hobart's waterfront with the girls, spending time with my beautiful nephew Samuel, going to the beach, dancing, watching movies and travelling.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
The announcers, I think it's amazing how they can continue a conversation with themselves for hours.

What do you really think of your General Manager?
I've only known him for a bit over a month but so far I'd say 'top bloke'.

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do?
Faint!!

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What was your first Job?
I first started work as a Customer Service Officer at Auto Rent Hertz.

What have you done Since?
I spent seven years at Auto Rent Hertz followed by more than 10 years with NGT Tasmania working, primarily in the employment of trainees and apprentices and as the state manager for their training organisation. Both roles were fulfilling and rewarding - whether it was part of assisting someone improve their skills and knowledge and gain a qualification through training, or playing an integral role in assisting someone kick start their career. I think that is why I spent so long in that industry - challenging but rewarding.

I am also a group fitness instructor – a job that I love that really isn't a job!

What have been some of your most memorable projects?
Managing change - working in a registered training organisation means you are constantly assessing the market and government decisions and, when the time is right, having to strategically change direction so business keeps rolling in and the product is right! It is challenging, hard work and many hours, but very interesting.

If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be?
Three of my closest friends, my partner included. They are always and will continue to be very influential and an integral part of who I am.
What's your favorite TV show?
NCIS, Bones and sport.

What do you do for fun?
Hang out with the family, run, hot yoga and the beach.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
Journalists who put themselves in demanding and potentially dangerous situations to bring news and documentaries to the world.

What do you consider are your greatest achievements?
Being a mum!

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What was your first Job?
Apart from the customary paper run, I spent two years selling shoes with Williams the Shoemen - I've never liked feet since!

What have you done since?
I sold Real Estate for six years, then joined what was then the Radio Business in 1998 - been here ever since.

What was the first record you purchased?
I can't really remember (perhaps I've blocked it out?), but it could have been something by Poison...

What's the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
Just far too many to single one particular incident out. Suffice to say, I've probably seen more nudity over the years than perhaps I should have.

How did you get into the media?
I was working in real estate and applied for a sales position with the new radio station, Magic 107.3. Didn't get it the first time but when someone resigned I got the call up! Not an exciting story but that's it.

How did you get your current position?
Perhaps by surviving when others didn't! That, and a bit of hard work and luck along the way.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
There are a lot of people in the industry who work incredibly hard and perhaps don't receive the financial rewards that they deserve. It's their passion and commitment that drives them. I admire those people.

What’s your favourite TV show?
Anything by Ricky Gervais - love "The Office" and "Extras". And I reckon I know most "Fawlty Towers" episodes off by heart.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy spending time with my wife Meegan and our two kids, Harrison and Ellie. I love listening to music and playing the odd game of golf when I can. And watching the Pies thump Carlton.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive who would they be?
Ricky Gervais, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Connolly (three's just not enough!)

If you weren’t a GM what would you be doing?
Living in poverty most probably! Either that or some sort of Sports Management role - or anything involving the mighty Collingwood Magpies!

What do you consider are your greatest achievements?
Raising our two fantastic kids - no question. Everything else is unimportant by comparison.

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What was your first Job?
I first started work in the Newsroom at TVT6 in 1979. My first Boss was Trevor Sutton and I was hired as a Trainee Editor.

What have you done since?
I joined the Nine Network in Sydney in 1984 and worked there up until 2000. During that time I was very fortunate to work on The Sunday Show, Willisee, Graham Kennedy’s Coast to Coast, Wide World of Sports, The Today Show, Burke’s Backyard and National Nine News to name a few. I’ve also been lucky to work for CBS, ABC, Fuji, BBC and ITV on various projects. In the role of Senior Editor I worked on a wide variety of projects, as well as directing several programs. I travelled extensively around the world for work and it didn’t cost me a cent!

What have been some of your most memorable projects?
The America’s Cup Defence, the 1988 Bicentennial and the Seoul Olympics in 1988. My two favorites projects include working in South Africa and staying in the same hotel as Nelson Mandela and the African National C ongress in 1994. The other was standing along side Victor Chang (four feet away) as he performed two heart transplants (eight hour operations). Seeing that happen was a truly amazing experience that hasn’t been topped yet. It was very sad that he was murdered. The country lost an amazing surgeon and person.

If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be?
Kerry Packer, Richard Pryor and Harold Holt.
Kerry was a great boss and someone who knew television inside out.
Richard Pryor, enough said.
And Harold, he could tell us what really happened?
What’s your favorite TV show?
It’s more a case of what I hate, if you’re in this business you got to love it all.

What do you do for fun?
Spend as much time as possible in Sydney spending money.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
That’s an interesting question, several people for different reasons. Let’s say two people - Peter Harvey and John Collis. Peter Harvey is an amazing man. Most journalists sit down and write a story before recording it prior to edit. Peter can step up to a microphone and do it of the top of his head, no matter what’s happened. He’s extraordinary to watch and work with.

The other is John Collis, probably Australia’s finest writer and journalist. Recently retired, John’s work was without peer. I had the great pleasure of working with him for 16 years. As an editor, you’d never get a better script from anyone than John.

What do you consider are your greatest Achievement?
That’s easy - my two daughters, Samantha and Rebecca!

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How did you get into the media?
While I was at university I did work experience at the Gold Coast Media Centre and was lucky to land a job there not long after I graduated.

How did you get your current position?
I was covering Tasmanian news from the Gold Coast, and when I heard about the vacancy for a local newsreader in Hobart, I put my hand up.

What’s your favourite TV show?
At The Movies. The hosts Margaret and David crack me up!

What do you do for fun?
I love going on long walks (no seriously!) and drinking champagne with my friends.

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive who would they be?
My parents (do they count as one?) Germaine Greer and God, but he/she might be too busy!

If you weren’t a journalist what would you be doing?
I always wanted to be a hairdresser growing up. But Barbie Dolls can’t complain if you hack off all their locks. So the hairdressing salons are lucky I chose journalism!

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Matt
How did you get into Media?
It was by fluke. I was at University and realised my maths skills were not good enough to complete a psychology degree. I made a move towards journalism but my grammar was atrocious. Then one day I saw an advertisement for AFTRS (The Australian Film Television and Radio School) and thought radio would be a good option.

What’s the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
I have seen a man eat the private parts of a bull. I have eaten fish eyes and fish guts also.

If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be?
Megan Foxx. I’m in love with her.
Karl Pilkington from the Ricky Gervais podcasts. He is the funniest man in the world.
Lady Gaga, not because I am a big fan I just want to see if the whole mysterious thing is a big act.

What was the first record you purchased?
Millie Vanilli I think, most embarrassing! Although I am not sure if I bought it or somebody taped it for me…is that illegal?

What’s your favourite TV show?
Entourage and Nitro Circus.

What do you do for fun?
Watch sports and play poker.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
I admire creative talented people who are also nice. Hamish and Andy are the benchmark in FM radio at the moment but they also seem to be good guys. The many talented people who have helped me along the way. AFTRS has been very good to me.

Haydo
How did you get into Media?
I started on community radio back in the early 90’s. After plugging away at a heavy metal show for four years, I met a jock at a basketball match (Yes… I have been known to play sport). As it turns out, he was a big fan of the show, said he liked my work and got his PD to call me the next day. The rest is clichéd history.

What’s the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
During a mid-dawn shift, 3:30am, there was NO ONE in the building but me. I know this as there are surveillance cameras in the building with the monitor in the studio. The phone rang while I was pulling music, it was an internal line!!!!!!

If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be?
Jamie Oliver, James Spader (Boston Legal) and Kelly Clarkson.

What was the first record you purchased?
1983 With A Bullet.

What’s your favourite TV show?
Boston Legal – it’s TV Brilliance .

What do you do for fun?
Baseball (on the Nintendo Wii), Golf (on the Nintendo Wii), Basketball (On the XBOX 360), Playing Guitar (on the Xbox 360), Shopping (online) and Cooking (reality).

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
Is this the spot where we talk about our superiors?
I have to say the people I admire the most are the people decent enough to give me their time, patience & commitment. So that would make everyone at the Hobart Media Centre with special thanks to Billy McFerran, Ant Manton and Bridget Bugg.

What do you really think of your General Manager?
Committed. To his staff, his work, his family and to Eddie Maguire.
He arrives with the Breakfast Team and leaves with the cleaners. You have to admire someone that does that and still finds 45 minutes just to catch up for a coffee. Got a lot of time for the man.

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do?
Put my feet on the desk and light up a Ceeegaar!

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Dave
How did you get into Media?
I was doing some comedy including an act called Ken & Kev, the two-headed Tasmanian. We ended up doing a bit of TV then some radio spots and it all went from there.

What’s the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
There have been many, but one that comes to mind was the time the Puppetry of the Penis guys were in the studio. There is something odd about seeing two grown men manipulate their private parts at very close range in the early hours of the morning. I'll put it this way, I didn't feel like eating breakfast.

If you could invite three people to dinner who would they be?
Bugger Barack Obama and Beyonce, I want to sit down with Melbourne coach Dean Bailey, Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab and Barry Prendergast - Melbourne's National Recruiting Manager. I would ask them why we are still crap after so many years of supposed "rebuilding" and give them a few ideas on how to improve. I would also demand they "tank" for the remainder of 2009. They wouldn't listen of course.

What was the first record you purchased?
I think it was Cream, Wheels of Fire.

What’s your favourite TV show?
I have recently re-watched The Sopranos for the third time. It is a great show. Just finished The Wire season four which is excellent and Barack Obama's favourite TV show. Also I can always re-watch Seinfeld, which I did again last night.

What do you do for fun?
Dive, bushwalk, mountain biking, catch up with friends, travel.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
I am a big fan of Dave Hughes. I like his laid back style. I also liked Tony Martin who is not on radio at the moment. Very relaxed and quirky.

What do you really think of your General Manager?
Antony is always beautifully presented and has been invaluable in the sartorial development of all staff. As well, he is passionate about the media industry, organised to a frightening extent, has a great vision for the business and is great fun when business can be forgotten. He also fosters a great sense of family in the business and is incredibly supportive when help is needed. On the negative side of the ledger, he is a rabid Collingwood fan and his greatest idol in life is John Howard, both very questionable choices.

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do?
I am surprised the offer hasn't been made before this. Day one I would move the Heart studio to Vanuatu. The time difference would mean I could rise at a civilized time and still do a breakfast show in Hobart. Perfect, another Pina Colada thanks!

Kim
How did you get into Media?
My father was a radio announcer so I had been exposed to the industry from a young age. I basically hassled my way into a job! If you put enough pressure on and make yourself unforgettable people eventually give in.

What’s the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
I work with Dave Noonan so nothing shocks any more. However, a goat peeing on its beard in the on-air studio rates highly.

If you could invite three people to dinner, who would they be??
Angelina Jolie, Michelle Obama and my General Manager because I can hear him saying now “why wasn’t I invited?�

What was the first record you purchased? ?
Ripper ’76.

What’s your favourite TV show?
?I am a Home and Away tragic but I am also a big fan of the news.

What do you do for fun? ?
I enjoy kayaking but equally a more laid back approach on the couch with a book or watching the footy provides just as much fun.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why? ?
I admire anyone who hasn’t taken no for an answer. Which reminds me of a great quote “Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.�

What do you really think of your General Manager? ?
That requires a multi-factorial answer of which I have no space or time at the moment. But in short, I think he is great with quotes, farewells, monthly staff meetings, fashion, cleanliness tips etc. I also think he is an incredibly focused man and an example of someone who doesn’t take no for an answer.

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do? ?
Set up a local newsroom in the Hobart Media Centre.

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How did you get into Media?
My first radio job was at 2AD in Armidale NSW. I took over Doug Mulray’s night show when he moved to afternoons – that’s how long ago it was!
What was the first record you purchased?
“The Pushbike Song� by the Mixtures. Cheezy, but it did get to number one.

What’s your favourite TV show?
I used to love ‘Lost’ and ‘Heroes’ but if you miss one or two weeks, you lose the plot.

What do you do for fun?
Listen to Dave Noonan’s Crazy Calls on Heart 107.3.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
People like Paul Thompson ex DMG Radio and Greg Smith ex Austereo. I also admire Rhys Holleran as I first worked with him at TT-FM when he was the Station Accountant. He has come a long way since those days and has helped build our company and make it what it is today.

What do you really think of your General Manager?
Antony Manton is a very motivated person and he passes this on to all of us. More importantly he supports his staff 100 percent. You know the Hobart Media Centre will remain successful with Ant in charge.

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do?
Continue to embrace new ideas and innovation. Be involved in the local community and be prepared to become a multi media platform – agnostic content provider (whatever that means!)

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What’s the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
I work with Dave Noonan so nothing shocks any more. However, a goat peeing on its beard in the on-air studio rates highly.

If you could invite three people to dinner, who would that be?
Angelina Jolie, Michelle Obama and my General Manager because I can hear him saying now “why wasn’t I invited?�

What was the first record you purchased?
Ripper ’76.

What’s your favourite TV show?
I am a Home and Away tragic but I am also a big fan of the news.

What do you do for fun?
I enjoy kayaking but equally a more laid back approach on the couch with a book or watching the footy provides just as much fun.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
I admire anyone who hasn’t taken no for an answer. Which reminds me of a great quote “Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness.�

What do you really think of your General Manager?
That requires a multi-factorial answer of which I have no space or time at the moment. But in short I think he is great with quotes, farewells, monthly staff meetings, fashion, cleanliness tips etc. I also think he is an incredibly focused man and an example of someone who doesn’t take no for an answer.

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do?
Set up a local newsroom in the Hobart Media Centre.

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What's the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
A street kid wandered in to our staff room one morning and helped himself to our milk… I remember saying ‘g’day’ to him, without thinking ‘hang on who is he?’

If you could invite three people to dinner who would that be?
Bill Gates for his vision, Tiger Woods for his passion and Jesus Christ for his wisdom.

What was the first record you purchased?
Living in the 70’s - Skyhooks.

What's your favourite TV show?
Packed to the Rafters and Eastenders.

What do you do for fun?
I’m involved in ham radio and I’m passionate about my dog Piper, he is a great friend.

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
Anyone who inspires. People who say ‘Excellent is just the start and being the best is the ultimate end to the journey’. And thank God I’m surrounded by them in this workplace, from the receptionist, as the first port of call to the General Manager.

What do you really think of your General Manager?
A very interesting bloke, but somewhat of an enigma. He does what many other managers I have worked with have never done. He galvanises and treats the staff as ‘one’. His philosophy, as far as I read it, is one of being united, strong, focussed and happy. It works!

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do?
Embrace and encourage positive thinking, positive ideas and focus very much on who we are and who we speak to every day. The most important thing in radio is knowing who you are speaking to - as a friend and as a business partner. Listen to what they say. My mantra would be ‘don’t talk without listening as well.’

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What's the strangest thing you have seen happen at work?
Well I've seen a client wash cars in a Pink Bikini before (it wasn't pretty!) That's not something you see or even want to see everyday.

If you could invite three people to dinner who would that be?
Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven's character from Entourage), Elisha Cuthbert (from TV series 24) and Adam Sandler.

What was the first record you purchased?
Smash Hits 88.

What's your favourite TV show?
Entourage definitely. Although I'm a massive Two and a Half Men fan and also love Seinfeld.

What do you do for fun?
Buy DVD's! I've got a bad obsession that I can't seem to shake! Play X-Box 360. Go to the pub!

Who do you admire most in the industry and why?
Anybody who works with me at the Hobart Media Centre. It's an amazing place to work...heaps of fun...really good vibe...it's the best station I've had the opportunity of working in. But also I'm going to have to say Antony Manton (otherwise he'll kill me). For helping me to take account management to the next level. Also Pete Upton for giving me my start and teaching me the fundamentals of the job. I wouldn't have been able to progress without both their help.

What do you really think of your General Manager?
Systems, systems, systems! He's all about systems! But really, he's a manager who is focused in looking after his staff, making sure they are all happy and receive every reward for the jobs that they do. He genuinely does care and will put the staff before himself every time.

If you were in charge of the network, what is the first thing you would do?
Call my parents and tell them the good news!

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Ed: How did you get into radio?
Dave Noonan: By accident actually. I was doing a lot of performing in a duo which ended up getting a bit of TV and radio work. This was followed by an offer to do breakfast radio, something I had never considered, but here we are.

Ed: What's the oddest thing you've witnessed at the station?
Dave Noonan: There have been many strange events, but one that sticks in my mind was not at the station but part of my radio role. I had somehow accepted a challenge to skydive nude. This became a very public event and I ended up parachuting naked into Cornelian Bay. Normally if a man was nude in public, mothers would report it and flee with their kids. But on this occasion there were family groups - nan, mum and the kids - hundreds of people gathered to see this silly naked man drop from the sky. It felt very weird and I am sure would have looked weirder.

Ed: When you're not on air, what do you do to relax?
Dave Noonan: I love music, books, mountain biking, bushwalking, travelling, my family, friends and of course, long romantic walks on the beach.

Ed: What was the first record you ever purchased?
Dave Noonan: I think it was Led Zeppelin II

Ed: What was your first job
Dave Noonan: Cleaning up a pub on a Sunday before I was old enough to enter them legally. That pleasant aroma of vomit, cigarettes and beer!

Ed: If you were the boss of the station for a day, what is the first thing you'd do?
Dave Noonan: Recommend the Breakfast Show broadcasts from Vanuatu for the winter. The time zone would work out perfectly for a 9 o'clock start.

Listen to Dave's world famous Crazy calls at 8.10 weekdays.

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Ed: How did you get into radio?

Matty J: I prised it open with a screwdriver! But seriously, I answered an advertisement in the newspaper for the position of Traffic Manager, hoping it involved flying a helicopter managing traffic flow around the city. How wrong was I?

Ed: What's the oddest thing you've witnessed at the station?

Matty J: Every day in radio is odd, that's what makes it a great place to work.

Ed: When you're not creating commercial gold, what do you do to relax?

Matty J: I go fishing with a crochet hook. Tasmania is very environmentally conscious and I like to do my bit. I'm yet to catch anything except a cold.

Ed: What was the first record you ever purchased?

Matty J: I think it was Kill 'em All by Metallica, or was it All Out of Love by Air Supply? I get them mixed up.

Ed: What is the best advertisement you've heard?

Matty J: The best ad I've heard is always the last one I hear. Due to my misspent youth, I have the memory of a goldfish, so I have trouble remembering anything. Although, for some reason, the Tasmanian Carpet Cleaning jingle still lingers after all these years. "Tasmanian Carpet Cleaning 23 66 89." They must have freaked when the phone numbers were changed.

Ed: If you were the boss of the station for a day, what is the first thing you'd do?

Matty J: Get dressed! You don't want to show up in the nude on your first and only day as boss. Nobody would take you seriously.

Matty J is the man to talk to if you have any queries about the commercial process (or if you want to complain about your latest ad). Call him on 6224 1009.

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