Melanie Withnall
Melanie Withnall | |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor of Communications and International Studies (2002), Master of Arts in International Studies (Russian) (2006), Graduate Diploma in Commercial Radio Broadcasting (2003) |
| Occupation(s) | Journalist, producer, media executive |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Known for | Managing Director at 2SER FM, Manager of ABC Radio Sydney, Head of News and Information at Southern Cross Austereo |
Melanie Withnall is a prominent Australian media professional, recognized for her work as a journalist, producer, and executive.
Her career includes significant leadership positions such as Managing Director at 2SER FM, Manager of ABC Radio Sydney, and Head of News and Information at Southern Cross Austereo (SCA).
Career
Withnall completed a Bachelor of Communications combined with International Studies in 2002, followed by a Master of Arts in International Studies focusing on Russian in 2006, both from the University of Technology Sydney. Additionally, she holds a Graduate Diploma in Commercial Radio Broadcasting from the Australian Film Television and Radio School earned in 2003.
Her entry into radio began at 2UE, where she worked as Producer and Executive Producer for the Stan Zemanek Program between 2003 and 2006. Subsequently, she took on the role of Senior Producer for Mornings with Deborah Cameron on ABC Radio Sydney from 2008 to 2011.
Between 2011 and 2018, Withnall directed operations at 2SER FM as Managing Director, spearheading the station’s move into podcasting. During this period, she was instrumental in creating acclaimed series like the Think series, developed in partnership with UTS and Macquarie University.
She led ABC Radio Sydney as Manager from 2018 until 2021.
In 2024, Withnall took on the role of Head of News and Information at SCA, where she is responsible for guiding the network’s news content strategy.
Awards
Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Station Leadership Award (2018)
Tony Staley Award recognizing ‘Excellence in Community Broadcasting’ (2015)
New York Festivals Radio Award for Best Mornings/Drive Programming
Amnesty International Media Award (2017)
Other Positions Held
Served as a Grand Jury Member for the New York Festivals Radio Awards in 2018
Vice President of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia