This is the fifth in a series of interviews exploring the career and life journey of women in the media industry. The aim of the series is to reflect on the wisdom they have gained during their journey.
So far we have had a cross section of women in different roles and career stages: Lauren Joyce, Laura Bouchet, Cathy O’Connor and Megan Smith.
This week we profile Kim Napier, whose family has had three generations in radio. Having returned to regional radio, now working as an ABC presenter, she brings another perspective to this series.
1.Describe your current professional life and your stage of life.
I’m a seasoned performer, having worked in radio for 34 years both on air and in the newsroom across stations in Hobart, Adelaide and Sydney. I’m at a stage of life where I’ve seen the media world turn itself inside out more than once. Formats change, platforms come and go, but the joy I get from broadcasting hasn’t shifted.
These days you’ll find me hosting breakfast on ABC Northern Tasmania and yes, still setting the alarm at sparrow’s fart. I’m happy to share the tricks and truths I wish someone had given me at the start.
2. How did you come to be in the industry? Was it a passion from childhood?
Radio’s been part of my DNA since I was a kid. My dad was an announcer, and I guess it rubbed off on me, and years later my son Ollie has also made his home in broadcasting.
 Tony Shepherd, Dad an announcer. |
 Ollie Geale interviews George Bailey. |
My own career has been a mix of good timing, saying yes, leaving my hometown, moving to the mainland and then back home to Tasmania, learning and adapting at every stop.
3. What are your core beliefs? How are your values evident in the work you do?
At the heart of it, I believe in connection. Whether I’m speaking to one person or a whole audience, I want them to feel seen and heard. Authenticity, kindness and curiosity are non-negotiable.
It was in commercial radio I discovered the joy of turning up the volume not just on the music but on the momentum. The ABC has taught me the quieter power of trust, and how a slower, more thoughtful conversation can have just as much impact.
4. How did your education enrich your career journey?
My education came from two sources: the official side including newsroom shifts, production training, learning the tech; and the unofficial side, watching brilliant colleagues in action, taking notes from mentors and yes, even learning from those who made things difficult.
The supporters gave me courage. The detractors gave me a backbone. “You’re shit, but not as shit as you used to be” remains my favourite feedback from an air check.
5. What are some of your key decision turning points and how did they shape your career life journey?
Some changes were big turning points. Swapping the adrenaline rush of commercial breakfast for the more measured pace of the ABC meant unlearning some habits and building new ones.
Coming back to Tasmania during COVID was another. It was a lifestyle choice meant to last a few months while I was on JobKeeper with a podcasting role at a travel insurance and lifestyle brand, then the ABC came knocking. Oh, and JobKeeper ran out.
6. What makes you happy and what makes you get up in the morning?
Live radio still makes me happy. That mix of unpredictability and intimacy is addictive.
Away from the mic, its family, travel and a table full of good food.
7. Share your words of wisdom for others in the industry or those wishing to work in the industry?
The advice I’d give to anyone starting out:
Say yes more than you say no but also, know where your boundaries are.
Prepare even for the off-the-cuff moments.
Don’t let ratings or awards define your worth because staying power comes from adapting without losing your voice.
8. Describe your vision for the audio media industry in the near future.
Looking ahead, I want to see regional voices get the same resources and respect as metro markets. Local stories have a heartbeat you can’t fake.
9. What role would you like to play in shaping the audio industry of the future?
I’ll keep mentoring, advocating and championing content that connects across generations. For me, being a woman in media is about bringing my whole self to the mic … experience, empathy, a touch of mischief and increasingly the odd hot flush.
Kim with radio partner Dave Noonan on Heart 107.3
Next week we profile a woman who began behind the scenes in TV, before moving to radio in a range of different jobs, changing networks as she built her career.
Series compiled by Serena Ahern for radioinfo.
If you have a suggestion for someone to be considered for this series, please send a note to [email protected]
Related articles:
Wisdom of Women in Media: Megan Smith, Senior Producer Gold 101.7
Wisdom of Women in Media: Laura Bouchet, Content Director Triple M
Wisdom of Women in Media: Lauren Joyce, Chief Audience & Content Officer ARN