Standing out in radio
Nemone
Although she trained in psychology, as soon as Nemone stepped foot in a radio station she felt at home. She worked her way from receptionist at a local station to presenter on BBC 6 Music.
Here she tells us how she broke into the industry and what you need to make it as a presenter.
Q1. How did you break into the industry?
I loved listening to Kiss so I went for a job there. I didn't get it but the interview went well and I got a job on reception. I got to know people and stayed late at night to learn how things work. When someone was off I was asked to stand in!
Q2. What was your first show like - were you nervous?
My first shows were pre-recorded, so I would get all the different packages edited and then we'd record as if it was live... But my first proper live show was terrifying - thinking that at the push of a button I'd actually be broadcasting live!
Q3. You went from local to national radio - what are the differences?
The nice thing about local radio is that you have an automatic connection with the audience - you know the area, go to the same places and events... With national, you have to find different ways to connect.
Q4. How many people are involved in your show, what are the different roles?
I always think of it as a team effort, but you'll only hear me on the show. I'm like the front person, but in terms of ideas and inputs it's a team... There are lots of different jobs involved in running a radio station - from producer to music scheduler.
Q5. What's the one piece of advice that really helped when you started?
I remember someone saying to me in my early days of radio that it would take a while to find my 'radio self'. It means that being natural on the radio isn't like talking in a normal conversation.
Q6. Is there a particular skill or attitude that you need to succeed?
It's about tenacity. You've really got to want to do it and it has to be the focus of what you do. When I first started I was doing about three jobs, it felt hard but you have to keep at it if you really want to do it.
Q7. How should an aspiring presenter get their foot in the door?
There's a fine line between harassing people and making sure you're noticed! Student radio is a brilliant way to get in and a great way to make contacts. Hospital radio is good, or even playing the records and talking at football matches - anything where you can practise your presenting skills.
