I never want to stop learning and growing

From around the age of three – when her dad would film her pretending to be a reporter on A Current Affair – it was clear that a journalism career was on the cards for Natalie Anderson.

And that’s exactly where Natalie finds herself today, as the newsreader and journalist for ACE Radio Network stations 3HA and MIXX 88.9 FM at Hamilton in Victoria’s south-west.

Natalie tells Radio Today “I’m an only child, so I had plenty of time alone, from a young age, to discover that I had a passion for broadcasting and entertaining.”

The school years can be challenging at the best of times, let alone when you’re trying to find your ‘tribe.’

“I stuck out like a sore toe at school and never really fitted in,” says Natalie. “So I had a lot of time alone to discover my likes, dislikes and hobbies.”

While at school, Natalie would put on mini theatre shows at lunchtime. Teachers and some of the younger students would watch her perform.

“I was always a pretty flamboyant, eccentric child!” she smiles.

Natalie went on to find her groove as a budding journo, reading news bulletins over the PA system at her high school three times a week. Another memory she cherishes is co-hosting a local community radio show called The Homework Club.

It was her dad who first got Natalie involved in radio broadcasting, at the tender age of nine.

“He grew up building AM and FM transmitters and he has always had an intense love for radio broadcasting, both the technical and announcing side,” says Natalie.

In 2011, her dad discovered Yarra Valley FM 99.1, north-east of Melbourne. He was keen to get involved with the local community station and encouraged his young daughter to do the same.

She soaked up all the community radio experience she could, going on to work at Melton’s 979FM and 98.5FM in Bacchus Marsh.

Even from a very young age, Natalie showed a deep appreciation for retro music.

This came to the fore during her ten years in community radio, with Natalie interviewing artists including eighties pop star Shakin’ Stevens and ‘Continental’ Robert Susz, lead singer of Dynamic Hepnotics.

She also hosted a radio interview with Australian recording artist Dami Im.

Now, she’s fully immersed in the world of news broadcasting.

A typical day for Natalie starts in the wee small hours.

“I wake up early to source news for my half hourly news bulletins,” says Natalie who begins reading news from 5.30am.

Radio journalism, says Natalie, truly is a craft.

“Before I started as a radio journalist, I had no idea how many hours go into sourcing material, interviews and editing audio for air.”

“I really get a thrill out of finding a new story or getting an interview done. I love the rush of adrenaline.”

“I really enjoy just seeing the news bulletins come together. I am such a nerd for editing the audio for the news too!”

Natalie credits experienced news broadcaster Nikole Gunn as having been a valuable mentor.

And Nikole is impressed by Natalie’s passion, telling Radio Today “Natalie reminds me of those of us who knew what they wanted at an early age and followed that dream.”

“You have to admire her determination, and with that determination, she’ll go far.”

“ACE Radio is the perfect launch pad for young journos to develop their craft.”

Natalie says high school radio teacher Will Cachia has also been an important influence along the journey, along with fellow teachers Haley Clancy and Lauren Woodward.

Natalie’s dad, her Nanny Lila, her Aunty Rachel and fellow ACE Radio journo Emma Clark also get a special shout out for their guidance and support along the way.

Her biggest inspirations are radio legend Jane Holmes, the ABC’s Jacinta Parsons, Kumi Taguchi from SBS Insight and 3RRR broadcaster Alicia Sometimes

And while it’s just the beginning of the road, Natalie is keen to write more articles and soak up everything broadcast journalism has to offer.

“I really want to master my craft as a radio journalist. I want to travel the world and interview influential people.”

“I never want to stop learning and growing, as both a person and a journalist.”