Caroline Tran
Caroline Tran | |
|---|---|
| Born | Caroline Tran Template:Birth year and age Saigon, Vietnam |
| Occupation | Radio presenter |
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Known for | Triple J, Double J |
Caroline "Caz" Tran (born 1971) is a prominent Australian radio presenter specializing in music, recognized for her contributions to Triple J and Double J.
Tran moved to Australia from Saigon, Vietnam, in 1975. She pursued studies at Macquarie University and gained early experience working part-time at 2SM as a receptionist, producer, and panel contributor. After graduating from the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in 1998, she began hosting Triple J’s overnight program the same year. By the close of 1998, she was promoted to a key evening slot on Triple J. Tran became part of Double J in 2014 and continued her role there through its 10th anniversary in 2024.
Early life and early career
Born in 1971, Tran arrived in Australia as a refugee from Vietnam in 1975. Initially, her family stayed at a hostel in Nunawading before settling in Ringwood, Victoria. During her upbringing, she connected with Australian culture largely through listening to Triple J, which played a significant role in shaping her career ambitions. After completing high school in 1988, she enrolled in radio broadcasting studies at Macquarie University. Post-graduation, Tran took on part-time responsibilities at 2SM, including receptionist duties, production tasks, and voice-over work. She also gained experience on Clive Robertson's Breakfast Show and briefly worked abroad as well as with the Shop Assistants' Union.
Career
In August 1998, Tran completed her studies at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Following this, she created a "demo tape" for Triple J and was interviewed for their midnight to early morning slot in November 1998. Her impressive audition led to her appointment the following month as host of the prime evening segment from 6pm to 10pm. She took over the weekday Super Requests show from Jane Gazzo, allowing students to phone in song requests. Her appointment was noted by Vietnamese community media outlets. Within a year, Tran successfully grew the program’s audience modestly across Melbourne and Sydney. Stephen Brook of The Australian observed that her "tinkling chuckle and unassuming big-sisterly manner" helped attract listeners beyond the typical high school demographic.
To immerse herself further in Melbourne’s music culture, Tran relocated from Sydney around 1999. At the beginning of 2001, she transitioned to hosting the noon to 3:00pm slot and became the presenter of Triple J's Home and Hosed music program, a position she held for at least three years. Reflecting on Triple J's 40th anniversary in 2015, singer-songwriter Ella Hooper praised Tran as an inspiration, describing her as both "smart and sassy."
Tran joined Double J when it launched in 2014. Her Saturday afternoon show featured a mix of live performances and archival material. She has remained continuously active at Double J for over a decade.
External links
- Articles with short description
- Articles with hCards
- No local image but image on Wikidata
- 1971 births
- Living people
- Australian Film Television and Radio School alumni
- Australian people of Vietnamese descent
- Australian women radio presenters
- Macquarie University alumni
- Triple J announcers
- Vietnamese emigrants to Australia
- Vietnamese refugees