“I used to be the class clown of a bank”: Ryan Jon on Rising Stars

Staff Writer

Rounding out an incredible five-part Rising Stars series of Game Changers: Radio with Craig Bruce is the young Australian breakfast announcer Ryan Jon.

Jon co-hosts Hit104.7 breakfast alongside Tanya Hennessy in Canberra while at the same time juggling a weekend breakfast show on Sydney’s 2Day FM.

At such a young age, his radio credentials already speak for themselves. But like many other radio announcers, Jon never considered getting into the industry, until he got his first job.

“I used to be the class clown of a bank – which is very easy because everyone’s really boring,” Jon recalled. “I wanted to be a storyteller. The boss brought me in one day and said, ‘If you want to go tell stories, go get a radio job.’”

The rest is history for Jon who, while working at SCA, got in touch with a young(er) Craig Bruce and received some wise and confronting advice from the radio veteran.

“Ryan, this isn’t funny,” Jon said as he boldly recited Craig’s note. “Trying to be funny is really hard – just be yourself. You’re an interesting guy so share those interesting thoughts with the audience and they’ll love you for it.”

Jon passed on some advice of his own to up-and-coming radio talent: “Get over yourself and move to Dubbo,” he said. “So many people think they’re better than a low-wage and the country. If you actually want to do it then you’ll go wherever you need to.”


Check out all the episodes from the special Rising Stars season of Game Changers: Radio including Ash London, Dave Matthews, Zoe Marshall and Ben & Liam.

Comment Form

Your email address will not be published.

Recent comments (3)
Post new comment
Elly Grant
12 May 2017 - 3:36 pm

Hi Ryan Jon, After watching you on tv my heart totally goes out to you. Your an amazing guy and she would be very proud of the person youve become. I hope your able to find your birth mother and get the questions answered and closure you need. Wishing you all the best. Elly

Todd
17 May 2017 - 6:21 pm

“Get over urself”. haha. great conversation.

Jobs

See all