Kimmi Saker is 2EC and Power FM’s office manager as well as 2EC’s Breakfast announcer. She grew up in Bega, an idyllic town on the NSW South Coast, famous for the cheese that bears its name. Since age 11 she was determined to be on radio.
“I thought it was magical…and still do,” says Kimmi. “I went to the radio station – then called 2BE – when I was 15 for work experience. I sort of hassled the boss to give me a job! So, I landed one after school, not on air, but it got me started.”
By the time she turned 18, in 1986, Kimmi was accepted into AFTRS. “My mentors were Phil Charley and Lois Baird who taught us on air, production and copy. And Tim (I can’t remember his last name) taught us the technical side. They were firm but fair and encouraging. I was pretty driven to do an excellent job and soak up as much knowledge as possible.”
After graduating from AFTRS, she landed an on-air job at 2RG Griffith and later at 2LF Young. By 1996, she was back in Bega as breakfast host and has been with the station ever since.
“Living and working on our coast has afforded me a very contented, peaceful and exciting life. My connection with our local community and culture is very strong and doing what I love and what I’m passionate about on air makes me a happy lady!”
Pic: in 2016, on the occasion of Kimmi’s 20-years at 2EC, the team surprised her with the studio packed with balloons and flowers.
2EC’s signal covers the coastline from Batemans Bay, all the way to the Victorian Border.
“We are unique with our location in that we cover such a long stretch of coastline and have three office / studio set ups. The main hub is in Bega, we also have Batemans Bay, where I am based and Merimbula. We all work pretty hard to keep in contact with each other and support each other. We’re a pretty happy bunch that love making great radio and helping our advertisers thrive in their businesses. Covering so much coast gives me the opportunity to touch base with my listeners regularly through outside broadcasts, hosting events, supporting local groups and businesses. I feel like every town in our listening area is my home.
“There’s spectacular scenery – ocean, beaches, rivers, lakes, mountains & undulating fields. Oyster tasting, mountain bike trails, brewery trails, gourmet food trails, whale watching, Montague Island tours, water sports, walking trails, sculpture walk, cruise ship visits and heaps of sport,” enthuses Kimmi.
Kimmi has some tips for up-and-coming broadcasters who might be considering working in radio in Bega…
“Back up bitch it’s mine!! Ha Ha! Seriously though you need passion and lots of it and to work with purpose! Radio is not just your work day hours! There will be days you will have to put in extra time and energy! Radio is not just a job it really is your life in lots of ways with many great personal experiences built around it. It’s a very rewarding career.”