Live to air food and wine
Author: CBOnline | Source: CBOnline | Date: 13-01-10
Sean Connolly, Natascha, Ray Carter, Maria Bernadis
With over 14 years of media experience following a Bachelor of Journalism degree, Natascha Moy has worked as a publisher in newspapers, in photography and radio. Two of her publications won Panpa awards. After launching her FoodinFocus in June 2007, the publication quickly became one of the most popular free papers in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. With a circulation of 70 000 copies per month, the editorial focus was on real food, sustainable production and healthy eating, Natascha was then invited to become a member of the Australian Food Media Club and offered a radio spot on 89.7FM to host FoodinFocus on Eastside 89.7FM. Now drawing a wide listenership of food and wine lovers, Natascha’s interviews have included top chefs Matt Moran, Sean Connolly, Mark Best, Curtis Stone and Tony Bilson, as well as wine, beer and spirit makers and distributors.
What have been some highlight
interviews?
I think the Chef’s Challenge was fantastic where we asked a listener to come in and be a judge. We had six brilliant chefs cook against one another with some very good guidelines. The last show of 2009 was fantastic. I had four brilliant foodies who know how to laugh and love food on the show. As it was a Christmas show we had so much fun. The show is informal and includes wine tasting, food tasting and in some cases in-studio cooking. We tend to mix interviews and music with humour, with what is happening in town food wise, restaurant reviews and fun. Sadly no one can share the visual experience and can only hear us eating, laughing and drinking. I enjoy interviewing top award winning chefs as well as producers, they are all great.
Why is community radio an important training ground for journalistic talent?
Community radio is important because it allows for levels of free expression that a commercial station could not afford. We produce our own shows and therefore the product is unique. It is also tipped towards the person who is producing and the listener really identifies with that person because the program is truly theirs. Commercial radio is designed around revenue and decisions are made with that in mind. Our decisions are made with how much fun can I have and share with my listener.
As a training ground it is very much into the deep and sink or swim. You can make mistakes which is good. They allow you to hone skills in a very supportive environment. While getting to grips with interviews, presenters can gain confidence with a more forgiving audience. It is an invaluable training ground.
What is unique about 'Food in Focus' that you can't hear anywhere else?
The show has built up a strong reputation for real food and wine speak. FoodinFocus attracts some very good industry people with a format that includes the listener. My interview style is very relaxed where I let the experts speak and ask simple question. I love to laugh and to drink so it really is a great party.
I love going on Nat's show on 89.7Fm. It is great fun, a relaxing but very informative show that is also quite interactive. Nat has a real passion for food that is evident not only in her strong following but also in the caliber of industry figures that regularly feature. A fascinating real look at food, produce, farmers and sustainability.
- Justin North -Chef/Proprietor, Becasse /Etch restaurant.
Food In Focus is a breath of fresh air for food lovers on Sydney radio. Natascha coos warmth and fun while her natural infectious effervescence bringing out the best and the unexpected from her galaxy of food, beverage and lifestyle guests. Her unbridled passion for all things culinary bubbles out of the radio and makes an informative two hours pass in a gulp.
- Stewart White, President of the Food Media Club Australia
FoodInFocus broadcasts Saturdays 4 – 6pm: Listen Live here
Luke Nguyen (Red Lantern), Sean Connolly (Astral, Sean's Kitchen) and Gus Lander (Wine Society)