Radio’s Greatest Newsreaders: The Present (FM)

For the past couple of weeks, Radio Today has been looking at the greatest names in news reading from the past to the present.

Last week, we listed the greats on the AM dial, now we shine the spotlight on those on the FM side of the fence.

For every FM radio format, there are just as many different styles of news reading and news reader. What connects them is the ability to tell a story that resonates with the listener.

So, who makes the list? After consulting with industry figures, here they are in no particular order.


Monique Dews has spent her career at some of the top rating stations in Sydney and Brisbane: 2DayFM, Nova 96.9 and B105. A winner of two news reading ACRAs, Monique currently reads breakfast for 97.3.

Also from Brisbane is Ange Anderson, who reads Breakfast news on Nova 106.9. She joined the network in 2010 with a stint in Sydney before making the move north. She also won the 2016 ACRA for Best News Presenter.

Southern Cross Austereo’s Alexandra Bryant reads drive news for Hughesy and Kate across all markets on the Hit Network. Prior to radio, she spent a few years in TV as a news presenter.

NOVA Entertainment’s Steve Blanda is considered an industry ‘benchmark’ with extensive experience in AM (2SM, 2WS and 2UE). Now reading news for smooth 95.3 & 91.5, he’s a multiple ACRA winner and is a nominee this year.

His smooth 95.3 stablemate Glenn Daniel is also viewed as ‘one-of-the-best’ in the biz, beginning his career as a cadet at 2WS.  He’s been news director at 2SM, WSFM, 2DayFM and Triple M and was also group news director at ARN.

Gold 104.3’s Patrina Jones has been the station’s Breakfast newsreader for the past six years.  Her profile has been elevated with the launch of the Christian O’Connell Breakfast Show. She was also one of the foundation members of the Nova 100 newsroom.

Alan Baskin joined the ARN Melbourne newsroom in 2000 and can be heard reading news for Cruise 1323 and Gold 104.3. His radio journey began in New Zealand in 1974 and seen him work at 2WS, 2UE, 2GB (news director) and SBS.  

92.5 Gold FM’s Rod McLeod has a well established career on the Gold Coast. The nine-time ACRA winner (provincial) has been presenting the news on the Goldie for 23 years. He’s also worked at 4MMM and 2AY.

Sarah ‘Patto’ Patterson has been in radio for more than two decades. She’s worked for Gold 104, Fox FM and read news for MMM’s Hot Breakfast with Eddie McGuire for three years.

Matt De Groot joined Nova 96.9 in 2012 and held the position of National Newsroom Manager. He currently reads breakfast for Fitzy and Wippa and also MCs for the Sydney Swans, Wallabies, Sydney Sixers and Cronulla Sharks.

Hit105’s Amy Drew has more than 9 years experience in broadcast journalism in Newcastle, the Gold Coast and Brisbane. She currently reads breakfast news for Stav, Abby & Matt.

James Royce was recently appointed news editor for Southern Cross Austereo in Melbourne. His radio career has seen him at ARN Melbourne, NOVA Entertainment and SCA on the Gold Coast. James was also chief of staff at 1116 SEN, where he also presented and edited news.

Honourable mentions to 4MMM’s Chris Rieger, 3MMM’s Seb Costello, Star FM’s Caitlin Unger and Mix 102.3’s Kerrie Turner.  

There are many more FM newsreaders who could make the list.  Who would you include? Please put those names out there in the comments section.

Next week, Radio Today looks at the rising stars of radio news reading.


You can also catch up with the rest of our Greatest Newsreaders series. Catch up with the Greatest Newsreaders of The Past, and the Greatest Newsreaders of The Present (AM).

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Recent comments (7)
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Artie
10 Sep 2018 - 12:51 pm

I’d like to make a point that the wonderful Sarah Patterson, on this list is a regular news presenter on AIR News Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons.

Jo Muilles
10 Sep 2018 - 3:28 pm

are you going to do greatest reporters? Here’s a start – all have won Walkleys and Rawards/ACRAs:

Sean Flannery 2ue
Robert Kinny 2ue
Tim Lester abc radio
Jason Morrison 2gb
Peter Cave abc radio
Felicity Moffat 2gb
Patrick Burns 2gb
Julie Flynn 2ue/3aw

Dan
10 Sep 2018 - 4:47 pm

Jo, good list, but you missed the late Greg Henricks (2WS and others).

Nesa
10 Sep 2018 - 5:07 pm

Andrew Glencross, long time afternoons/drive reader for 96FM in Perth is sorely missed. Perth radio is a lesser place without him. A golden voice and such style.

rob grant
10 Sep 2018 - 9:59 pm

couple of absentee’s from the list
Paul Sime 3xy Melbourne
Jim Graham 3uz Melbourne
Tracey Bowden 2GB
Josephine Cafagna 3GL 3DB 3MP
Sally Neighbour 3UZ/ABC
Glenn Roach 2SM
LLoyd Jones 2SM
Peter Tate 3AK
Harvey Deegan 6IX/6PR

Storm Rider
11 Sep 2018 - 10:18 am

Rob McLennan -Geelong

Richard
11 Sep 2018 - 12:29 pm

One newsreader who sticks in my mind is Rod Earl, from the early 90s (possibly earlier) he used to be on evenings on 2WS. Does anyone else remember him?

Jobs

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