Angela Catterns
Angela Catterns | |
|---|---|
| Born | September 30, 1953 Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Broadcaster, podcaster, author, interviewer, master of ceremonies, facilitator, narrator, voice-over artist |
| Years active | 1970s–present |
| Known for | Hosting Mornings on Triple J, National Evening Show on ABC Local Radio, Breakfast on 702 ABC Sydney; Qantas in-flight music channel 'Soul Food'; co-hosting Breakfast Show on 702 ABC Sydney with Wendy Harmer |
Angela Catterns (born 30 September 1953) is a distinguished Australian broadcaster and media figure, celebrated mainly for her contributions to radio. Her career highlights include hosting the Mornings slot on Triple J, the National Evening Show on ABC Local Radio, and the Breakfast program on 702 ABC Sydney. Beyond radio presenting, Catterns is active as a podcaster, author, interviewer, master of ceremonies, facilitator, narrator, and voice-over professional. She also co-hosted a special holiday edition of the Breakfast Show on 702 ABC Sydney alongside Australian comedian Wendy Harmer.
During her tenure hosting 'Breakfast' on 702 Sydney, Catterns surpassed the well-known broadcaster Alan Jones in 2004, securing the top position in listener ratings surveys. Her extensive radio experience spans prominent Sydney commercial stations such as 2SM, Vega 95.3, and 2UE, as well as the US-based WKYS in Washington DC. Catterns’ appeal is attributed to a finely balanced mix of intellect and charisma, exceptional interviewing and listening capabilities, and a voice praised as "smooth as chocolate" by The Sydney Morning Herald and likened by Elle Magazine to having vocal cords "marinated overnight in plum brandy and golden syrup."
In 2003, she initiated the ABC 702 'Knit-In', an annual listener-driven event supporting the charity Wrap with Love. Catterns continues her advocacy as an ambassador for Wrap With Love, alongside her support for Habitat for Humanity Australia and The Public Education Foundation.
Early career
Following completion of a diploma in advertising at Sydney Technical College, Catterns began her professional journey as an advertising copywriter at Sydney department stores Hordern's and Farmers before joining the agency W.B. Lawrence & Partners. Although based in Sydney, she expanded her experience into regional broadcasting by becoming a radio announcer at 2LM in Lismore, NSW. During this period, some of her poetry was featured in the anthology Mother I'm Rooted, edited by Kate Jennings. Transitioning into television, she secured her first TV role at CBN 8 in Orange, NSW, while also lending her voice talents to radio station 2GZ as a voiceover artist.
After several years working in Orange, Catterns returned to Sydney and undertook overseas work as a sound recordist on a documentary project in Papua New Guinea. In 1979, she became one of the inaugural four reporters on the Logie award-winning children's program Simon Townsend's Wonder World, noted for its innovative yet occasionally serious approach to reporting.
Mid career
Catterns departed from Wonder World to embark on travel before producing the documentary Double Concerto, which focused on pianist Roger Woodward and violinist Wanda Wilkomirska. The film earned AFI Awards recognizing excellence in cinematography and editing and was broadcast on ABC TV as well as screened at the prestigious New York Film Festival.
In the mid-1980s, she joined ABC's youth-oriented network Triple J, initially as producer and presenter of its Sydney-only morning show. She briefly transitioned to commercial radio hosting mornings on 2SM but was controversially dismissed after ten months amid reports citing that she was "too intelligent" for the audience demographic and due to gender discrimination against female presenters.
Following her departure from 2SM, Catterns worked at SBS Television as a researcher and producer before relocating to the United States to pursue opportunities in American radio. There she secured an on-air position at Washington DC’s leading soul and R&B station WKYS.
Upon returning to Australia, Catterns resumed her role at Triple J as full-time morning announcer during the network’s national rollout and launch of its Unearthed talent discovery initiative. Her interview portfolio includes high-profile figures such as David Bowie, Michael Hutchence, Jeff Buckley, and then-Prime Minister Paul Keating. She later hosted Triple J’s drive-time program before moving to ABC Local Radio to present evening broadcasts nationwide from Lismore.
In intervals between permanent roles, Catterns freelanced extensively and served as the official "voice of the Olympics" during the 2000 Sydney Games, overseeing public announcements at Sydney Olympic Park and providing venue announcements for gymnastics events at the Superdome.
Around this time, she contributed to early online radio platform BigFatRadio and became recognized as the voice behind Qantas pre-flight safety briefings. For more than ten years, she has scripted, curated, and presented 'Soul Food,' Qantas’s long-standing in-flight music channel.
2001 to present
In 2001, Catterns made her way back to ABC Local Radio, taking on the role of breakfast presenter at 702 ABC Sydney. By the end of 2004, she had become the leading breakfast host in Sydney, momentarily outpacing the well-known 2GB broadcaster Alan Jones. Catterns appealed to a younger audience aged 30 to 59 by delivering a distinctive blend of warm, thoughtful conversation and music without commercial interruptions, supported by reliable ABC news and current affairs coverage.
That same year, inspired by her on-air knitting conversations, Catterns partnered with ABC Local Radio’s marketing team to initiate the KNIT IN event. This annual campaign encourages listeners to create warm wraps for individuals facing severe cold, benefiting the charity Wrap with Love.
After more than four years, Catterns departed from ABC 702 in June 2005 and two months later joined Sydney’s FM station Vega 95.3 as their breakfast show host. She exited Vega in November 2007 after a two-year tenure. In 2006, Catterns was the host of the first AIR Awards ceremony.
In recent years, Catterns teamed up with Wendy Harmer to produce several podcast series including Is it Just Me?, It's News to Me, and In the Loop. Between the summers of 2009 and 2011, they co-hosted the Breakfast Show on 702 ABC Sydney, forming one of Australia’s pioneering female duos in early morning radio.
In 2011, Catterns took on the role of Program Director at 774 ABC Melbourne. She later joined 2UE in January 2014 as the Morning show presenter until Fairfax Radio merged with Macquarie Radio.
April 2020 saw Catterns return to ABC Local Radio to host Saturday Breakfast on ABC North Coast based in Lismore and launch a national Sunday Afternoon program.
Beyond broadcasting, Catterns works freelance as a voice-over artist, interviewer, and master of ceremonies for conferences and fundraising events. She also writes short stories and feature articles while developing memoirs about her career. Additionally, she independently produces podcasts and serves as the voice welcoming visitors at the Sydney Opera House.
Media and colleagues
Numerous media professionals and peers have praised broadcaster Catterns for her lasting appeal. Journalist Bryce Corbett observed that her "smooth voiced sincerity" fosters trust, making listeners feel as though they are having a personal conversation rather than addressing a large audience. Catterns is particularly skilled at encouraging audience participation and sharing of opinions.
Mike Carlton, a former rival breakfast presenter from 2UE, acknowledged: "Angela Catterns is serious competition. She's also very good." Roger Summerill, who managed ABC local radio at the time, described her as "intelligent and entertaining," delivering a "thought-provoking, well informed and highly entertaining program" designed for Sydney listeners interested in current affairs.
In an article for Elle Magazine, colleague Sharon Longridge highlighted Catterns' warmth and inclusiveness as key factors behind her strong listener loyalty. ABC reporter Steve Cannane noted that Catterns distinguishes herself by genuinely listening during interviews, avoiding self-promotion while eliciting meaningful insights from guests.
Reflecting on her tenure with ABC Radio, Catterns stated: "702 is Sydney’s station that mirrors the interests and aspirations of its community. What I cherish is connecting with listeners—seeing the switchboard light up confirms you’ve resonated with them."
Honours
During the 2014 Queen's Birthday Honours, Catterns received the distinction of being named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in recognition of her "notable contributions to the broadcast media sector as a radio host, as well as her involvement with social welfare groups."
Personal life
Catterns is the daughter of Basil Catterns, an Australian entrepreneur and valiant soldier who earned the Military Cross for his courageous actions on the Kokoda Track. She is a mother to one child. In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Catterns reflected on a significant moment in her career—a 2002 interview commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Kokoda campaign—which deeply connected with many of her audience.
Beyond her career, Catterns pursues interests such as sailing, yoga, literature, and writing, while actively supporting philanthropic organizations including Habitat for Humanity.