Top New Talent Q&A: Annabelle Brett

Staff Writer

After working as a sports journalist and newsreader, Annabelle Brett (A.B) made the leap to announcing and kicked off her career with Power FM in Bega.

A.B was recognised for her contribution on that show with a call up to the Hit Network, landing landed a gig on the NSW North Coast.

Having kick-started a brand new brekky show at Hit105.5 Coffs Coast A.B. is now joined by one Radio Today’s Top New Talent to Watch in 2018 alumni, Ben Stevenson.

Get to know A.B with our Top New Talent Q&A:


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

I dreamed of getting into radio from probably the age of 10 but talked myself out of it for 15 years. Finally, after a lot of career changes, I had a crack and have never looked back! As presenters we have the ability to educate, entertain and encourage change in the world – it’s a big responsibility but worth the pressure.

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

I grew up in Brisbane listening to Jamie Dunn and Robin Bailey religiously as well as Spencer Howson when my parents were sick of the “abomination to music” on B105. Those guys still and always will have legend status in my opinion because people in Brisbane genuinely felt like they were their mates or part of their family. I hope to get there someday.

How did you end up in your current gig?

After harassing Mickey Maher, Luke Toohey and Michael Moffett with airchecks for nearly a year I got the call up to demo for Hit Coffs. Getting the gig was like winning the Gold Logie, but getting to work with Ben Stevenson was like the Rugby World Cup in 99 and 2006 NRL Grand Final combined.

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

We have a listener here in Coffs who’s not doing so well. After a few calls and emails we managed to get personalised videos which we showed him in hospital from both Emilia Clarke and Travis Fimmel (his personal heroes). We also arranged for him to get a cool, Vikings-style haircut which he loved. Being a regional market sometimes you are told you don’t have the same access to celebrities that metro do, but that’s not true.

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

I used to be worried that people wouldn’t like me if I had a strong opinion about things, but the truth is people either like you for that opinion, or just respect you for having one. It’s important to be open and honest. I still do care what people think a lot, but am working on it.

How do you prepare for your shift on-air?

It’s important to stay relevant each day, so the hour or two before the show is key for us. We also like to add extra layers to our content though with funny/different interviews as much as we can so a couple of days prep does work.

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

Sadly for my friends and family it doesn’t. I’m this annoying and over-the-top in real life too.

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

Don’t hold yourself back because you’re afraid of what others will think, and if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life – so it’s 10000000% worth the sacrifice. Also, don’t ever assume anybody up high isn’t going to give you their time. I’ve received amazing airchecks from both Gemma Fordham, Ben Latimer and Mat Eggleston in the past.

What’s your dream radio job?

I would love to end up in Brisbane or on the Goldy where I grew up and spent my childhood. Other than that, anywhere with a stadium and live sport.

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

President of the USA obviously. But in all seriousness, probably women’s sport. I love watching it grow!

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Recent comments (3)
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Paris
4 Apr 2019 - 11:03 am

AB is such a great team player, beyond her years of experience and a social media mogul. SO AWESOME.

Josh
4 Apr 2019 - 12:02 pm

What a bloody excellent egg. One of SCA’s best regional show producers and content getters.

Megan
18 Feb 2022 - 9:13 pm

AB is the most talented presenter in radio. What a score! Well done SCA on giving this role to someone who deserves it!

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