Headlines leading to the Easter period reminded Australians of the impact of fuel and fertiliser shortages, the toll on farmers and tourism operators, particularly for country communities.

The fifth profile in this series is Angela Parker, General Manager 2QN and Edge FM for ACE Radio Network. She has had a career in regional radio spanning over twenty years and is driven to make a difference to her community.

The series, Wisdom of Women in Media explores the career and personal journeys of women in the audio media industry. The aim of the series is to reflect on the wisdom they have gained, to mentor and to share their hopes for the industry.

1. Describe your current professional life and your stage of life.

I am the General Manager of 2QN and Edge FM based in the beautiful region of Southern Riverina and Northern Victoria. 

I have worked for the ACE Radio Network for more than 21 years.

I have been married for the past 3 years but prior to that I used to joke and say that I was married to my job! It still feels as though we are in a three way relationship as radio truly is what consumes my thoughts and days. I am so incredibly lucky to have such a supportive husband. My priority has always been my work and Doug is patient and understanding about this career that I have worked very hard to build.

We did delay our honeymoon so that we were able to attend the ACRA’s in 2022. What a way to kick off our Honeymoon with a win!

Doug loves being involved where he can, and he loves to see me achieve my goals, so he often comes along to sponsor events, client trips and even volunteers his time where needed.  

2. How did you come to be in this industry?

After completing Year 12 studies, I was posed with that fork in the road moment. 

I loved music, I loved performing, I loved volunteering at the local community radio station…..how do you combine all the things that you love into one? Especially when I was never really one of those fantastic theory students at school. I applied for University to study arts……maybe I could be a performer or possibly teach music. 

I also applied for the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. I got a letter of acceptance from the University……and didn’t get into AFTRS. It was at that moment that I knew that my disappointment at not being accepted to AFTRS would be my motivator to keep trying and get that spot! 

I enrolled in some short courses through AFTRS and continued my work on the community radio station whilst working full time. By the end of that year when I applied to AFTRS again…..I was successful. 

Towards the end of the course I was on a train to Swan Hill for work placement. I got to Swan Hill very late at night, it was raining and I was terrified. By the time I walked into the station that first day……that fear turned into excitement, passion and determination. 

Whilst they had originally said that they had no positions going at the time…….they still managed to find me a role and I was employed by the time we got to the end of the 2 week placement. More than 21 years later and ACE Radio have been the only network that I have ever worked for.

3. What are your core beliefs? How are your values evident in the work you do or the life you lead?

Leading with kindness is really important to me. 

I’m driven by the goal of leaving things better than I found them. Whether I’m volunteering with local groups or helping businesses grow through the power of radio, I’m focused on creating a positive impact. 

To me, radio isn’t just about marketing strategies; it’s a tool for storytelling and community building that can truly change lives.

4. How did your education, formal and informal, enrich your career/ life journey?

AFTRS. My greatest inspiration and one of the best experiences I have encountered for education, friendship and mentorship. We had so many amazing mentors so I don’t want to single just one out…..but the connections that I made through AFTRS would go on to form some of the most important role models for my career. 

Since working with ACE Radio there have been many leaders and mentors that have shaped who I am too. I have continued to learn and grow and change…..so I am sure there is still many more layers that I will discover about myself and the industry as the years go by. 

5. When did you stop, take a break or try  something different in your career? How did this change impact you?

I have had so many different roles in the past 21 years. 

Creative Writer, Announcer, Producer, Content Director, Promotions and Marketing Manger, Sales Account Manager, Sales Manager and now General Manager. I have filled in reading local news and even helped out in Traffic for a brief time. 

Every time I learn something new it reignites my passion for the industry. If you’re doing something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

6. What makes you happy? What makes you get up in the morning?

Connection. With clients, with our listeners (yes, I still have an on air role!) with our community. I feel as though the connections are all making a difference. The power of radio through the spoken word is magic.

I have been asked to MC many events in our region and a massive highlight for me was Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness ‘Brave Enough’ Women’s Event featuring Jelena Dokic (pic attached). This was a career highlight for me, not only to be part of a connection event supporting an incredible message for mental health in our region, but also to meet and connect with Jelena.

I love seeing my staff thrive whether it’s their first time in commercial radio or whether they are years into their role…..I want to see others learn and be the best version of themselves and achieve their goals too. 

Another example of community connection is my work with Community Living and Respite Services (CLRS) in Echuca Moama. We support their fundraising efforts by providing audio assistance for their annual dinner, promoting their events (which recently raised over $97,000), and volunteering for the “Run Echuca Moama” event. 

This partnership helps create vital community awareness for their services, and their events have sold out consistently since we began working together. While we can’t take all the credit, CLRS views our association as a vital part of their success. This collaboration has allowed us to replicate similar results with other organisations, deepening our connection with listeners across the region.

 7. Share your words of wisdom for others in the industry or those wishing to work in the industry?

Back yourself. Sometimes the little voice in your head might put some doubt in your mind or make you question your passion. 

You need to believe in yourself and don’t let feedback stop you from trying. I copped some hard feedback early in my career but it just made me work harder at being better. 

I am still reading self help books and trying to be the best version of myself every day. I don’t always ACE it but my intention is always genuine and I am always giving it 100%. 

8. Describe your vision for the audio media industry in the near future. 

Traditional radio will never die. 

Audio will continue to evolve. Podcasts, streaming, AI…..embrace it. 

We shouldn’t fear technology. Learn and take on new challenges. As long as we use technology to enhance our industry, you will never eradicate humans with local connections. 

9. What role would you like to play in shaping the audio industry of the future?

I’m excited to keep championing the power of audio while supporting the next generation of talent. I’m especially passionate about seeing more women step into leadership roles — not just for the title, but for the impact we can make together.

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]

Previous articles in the Wisdom of Women in Media series: