Media Matters: Kia Handley, ABC Radio NSW
Kia Handley has worked as a journalist and presenter in print and radio media. She is currently the ABC Newcastle and ABC State-wide NSW mornings presenter. She knows a thing or two about podcasting too and currently hosts the Newcastle Hunter Catch Up Podcast.
Peak Presenting director Craig Eardley had a chat with Kia for her tips on working with the media and presenting like a pro.
Where has your media career taken you?
I started my journalism career as soon as I could. During university in Canberra, I wrote for community papers in Bungendore and started working in commercial radio. My uni internship led me to the ABC and I've been incredibly thankful to have had early career opportunities around NSW, in Sydney and the NT. Eventually I settled in Orange as a producer of the Mornings show there, finding myself quickly behind the microphone and (reluctantly at first) on track to becoming a presenter. I have presented local, NSW and national shows for the ABC and am pleased to call ABC Newcastle home after having moved around the state for work.
As well as a radio career, I've started podcasts on my own and with some incredible organisations. Picking up awards for the 'Let's Talk Rural and Mental Health' podcast I produced with the team at the Center for Rural and Regional Mental Health.
In 2022, I've been part of launching the ABC's first podcast solely dedicated to regional story telling, the Newcastle Hunter Catch Up, and I'm excited to be part of the future of radio and audio storytelling for the ABC.
Favourite or most memorable story?
Gosh, this is so hard! There's so many, but the one that has stayed with me was after the Tathra bushfires. I was sent to host a drive show but during the day I went out to speak to residents. It is a fine balance storytelling in that moment, and I'm very, very aware of not forcing folks to tell a story they're not ready to. But I was on the main street, talking to the caravan park owner, who was telling me the lengths the community went to get every single person in town out safely as the fire bore down. She was crying, I was crying at the resilience of that town. The way they supported each other during and after the disaster. How generous people were with their time and stories. That's where you see the power of storytelling.
What makes a good radio story?
Passionate people. I think real people. And a reporter who gives a damn, listens and is thinking about the audience first and foremost.
Your pet hate/thing people should avoid doing when working with media?
Only reporting on problems. It's super easy to be like this is bad, that is worse. Or this is the bad thing going on in your life. Solutions journalism is so much more powerful. There are incredible people in every community solving problems; they're the stories to tell. Obviously we have to do some of the other stuff as well, but think about positivity not just negativity in storytelling.
Your top tip for people to gain media coverage?
Target your pitch. Reporters get tonnes of emails a day. Think about who the audience is you want to reach, and find the person who has that audience. Then target your pitch to them too. Do a little bit of research and really target that pitch instead of casting a wide net.
Your top tip for presenting well?
If you're a guest /being interviewed. Have personality. Be a real human not just a representative of the organisation or business you are speaking for. Real humans connect. Be able to have a laugh, hit your points but don't sound like you're reading or doing an ad. Have fun with it, show the human side of everything and you're message and cause will get across to more people.
As a reporter, be prepared so you can be flexible. Read your background, stay across lots of topics, be curious. But more importantly - listen. To your guests, your listeners, your community and team. Have fun!
How do you relax outside of work?
I'm in an incredible roller derby league in Newcastle which is my other great love outside of radio. I love going to see live music, especially supporting NSW independent musicians, travelling when I can, and hanging out with my dog Elphie on a beach walk. Elphie is the real MVP of my life.
