Thursday, September 26, 2024

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

An Interview with Sweet FM’s Chris Nissen

1. How long have you been working as a radio host, and what initially drew you to this profession?
What initially drew me to this profession is that I felt like I had something to prove. I was drawn to it by the late Ken Gilbert, he invited me to help him out with a discography program on Tuesday nights. At the time I didn’t have a vehicle so he would pick me up and head to the studio in late May 2000. I became a co-host up until the end of 2001.

  2. What’s your favourite band or musician, and how has their music influenced your career?
I love the stuff from the early 80s, bands like The Cars, REO Speedwagon. I’m not afraid to get a little heavy on my shows with Iron Maiden, KISS and Judas Priest. I grew up watching Countdown with iconic moments like when Cold Chisel trashed the stage.

   3. What’s the most memorable interview or moment you’ve experienced on air?
I think my first ever outdoor broadcast, only on one or two occasions every year I was getting involved in outdoor broadcast, carting all the gear and offloading it, setting it up. I did get a little nervous, performing outdoors in front of the public made me feel a little tense but I just take it one day at a time, with a pinch of salt.
 
 4. What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a radio host?

Don’t be afraid to experiment, just be yourself and do your best to entertain the masses.




   5. What’s the most challenging aspect of being a radio host?

Rhythm and timing. The timing aspect is the most challenging, you’ve got to be careful with what you talk about too. It’s okay to get excited, but you’ve got to be careful not to get too political or anything like that.

Chris Nissen ready to rock!

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