Hot Seat: Making It In The Music Industry… with Jane Gazzo, radio broadcaster

TMN has revived Hot Seat to offer our young industry subscribers an insight into what it takes to make it in the music business. First off the ranks is Jane Gazzo; since beginning her career in radio at just 16-years-old, Gazzo is now adept and lauded in music journalism (Gazzo long list of interviewees includes The Strokes, Elton John and Lady Gaga), TV presenting (since presenting ABC TV cult TV show Recovery in the '90sshe's hosted the likes of Channel V andMax Music)and radio (her years atBBC and Capital FM in London saw herlandher own radio show on BBC6 Music).

Today, Gazzo begins her new role as radio broadcaster forthe morning shift on Triple M Melbourne. She chats to TMN about the best practises for those wanting to follow in her footsteps, her advice for those seeking a career in broadcastingand why she'sdisappointed with much of the new on-air talent.

Your resuméover your 15-year career as a presenter and music journalist on TV and radio is varied and impressive to say the least, how were you able to land your start in radio at just 16?

I was basically a precocious teenager who knew what they wanted to do from a very young age and wouldn't take no for answer.I started by answering phones and making coffee at Melbourne community station 3RRR FM and put high school on hold for a bit. Before too long I was doing production courses and hosting graveyard shifts whilst juggling Year 12. When I finished school, I made 3RRR FM my full time mission by becoming a volunteer. After that I got my own Sunday afternoon show which eventually led to me being approached and working for triple j.

What drew you to a career in broadcasting?

Ultimately my passion for music but I had grown up on a diet of Countdown (Molly Meldrumhad a highly influential effect on me) and was a major fan of radio station3XY in the 80's. I became a major prize pig at a young age, winning all sorts ofalbums. I'd then make cassette tapes of my own radio shows which I still have today.My father also listened to a lot of 3AW when he'd drive me to primary school in the mornings. He loved Derryn Hinch and it's profound, but I can still remember key moments on Hinch's shows. He was and still is a broadcasting crusader and I was soaking it all up.

What are some best practices for those wanting a successful career in television and radio?

I can't stress the importance of work-experience enough. When I tell that to young people, their eyes glaze over. If you're really passionate about getting into the industry, use your school holidays or spare time to find placements at radio or TV stations and learn about the industry from the coalface. Make coffees, answer phones and generally do whatever you can to make yourself useful.

I was fortunate to getworkexperience in the Channel 10 newsroom when I was in Year 11 and I loved it so much, they asked me back on my next lot of school holidays.It was a wonderful learning environment and implemented a strong sense of work values.Much of this industry is all about who you know not necessarily what you know (although that does help). If you can meet key players early on in your career, it's fair to say they'll be the ones potentially employing you later on in your career.

What are your perceptions on the new crop of talent entering the radio and music TV sector?

I've personally been very disappointed with much of the new on-air talent I hear on youth broadcasters like triple jand community radio.They tend to sound exactly the same and read from the same script, no matter what station they're on. There's no pride in their presenting and nobody seems to be showing them how they can be better. Having worked for the BBC in the UK and several commercial broadcasters in my career, I hear common on-air mistakes all the time but unless they themselveswant to improve, what can you do?

Do you have any advice for them?

Listen to your air-checks, preferably with a professional and be opentoadvice.

You’re about to take on a new role at radio with Triple M Melbourne, does that mean it’s your preference over television?

I love all forms of media. Radio is my first love obviously and I am absolutely elated to be part of the Triple M family. Mixing my passion for music and my love for radio is just dream job stuff.I've loved Triple M since my teens. It's been a long time coming!

You’ve watched the Australian music industry take many forms since you first joined it, how is it currently doing in your opinion?

It's in good shape but I think we're in for a major shake-up. Within the next fiveyears there'll be a massive revolution, not seen since the likes of the early 2000's with The Vines and Jet.

What would you say to 1999 Jane Gazzo, who had just moved to London to work at X-FM?

I'd tell her to move to Manchester and get a job in radio there! If I knew how hard it would be to live and work in London successfully I would have done this. I'd just come from being a big fish in a small pond here in Australia and literally had to start all over again in London. I didn't factor in how cut-throat it was, but by the same token, working in London and starting again was humbling and made me learn some important life lessons along the way.I managed to get to the BBC and work there for four years which was my ambition all along so the gamble paid off in the end.

Image Credit: Tony Mott