#IndustryInsights - Nikki Hayes
This week we sat down with one of Dublin's most well know DJ's, Nikki Hayes of Spin103.8 to talk about a typical day working in radio and how far she has come in the industry.
How did you first get into the industry? I did a week in local pirate station DLR106FM when I was 15 and caught "the bug". I was hooked on radio. I worked with them for a few years where I was working alongside Mark Kavanagh, Al Gibbs and Jim Nugent and then I moved onto East Coast FM. My first break. Sean Ashmore the CEO at the time mentored me along with Pat Hannon (runs radio dept in DIT now) I presented a few different shows with East Coast. When Spin1038 was launched in 2003 I joined the team to present "the shift" after a year and half working with the new station, I got "the call". John Clarke head of 2fm asked me to join the team where i worked my way up to presenting their lunchtime show "The All Request Lunch". After 8 years I returned back home to Spin1038 where I present "Spin Hits" Mon - Fri 9:45-12:45. Its been a journey but an exciting one in an industry I love.
Can you describe a typical work day?
5:45am - wake up
6:30am - wake Farah (my 2 yr old)
7am - Leave for creche
7:30am - drop Farah at creche
8am - start work
Generally I make a cuppa and sit down to digest the latest entertainment stories. In SPIN we are all about keeping the conversation going on the floor so its quite usual to hear us having full conversations about what Kourtney K and 'The Biebs' are up too or breaking news on the latest top gig announced. It's a noisy but fun morning. 9:40am - show starts. Music is the focus of Spin Hits and to it we add personality, a street team, prizes and our listeners. We like to include them in what we are doing whether it be onair or through our social media.
What motivates you? My family. My husband and daughter
How do you integrate social media into your role career?
We are very heavily involved in social media. The station is on Facebook, Insta, Snapchat and Twitter and I have personal Instagram and Twitter accounts. We are aware that radio isnt just consumed through turning on the radio in the car or at home. We are listened to online, on apps and even if they're not listening at a certain time they're consuming what we have to say on social media platforms.
What has been your biggest career achievement to date?
Personally - having Farah she completes both Frank and I workwise - 21 years of a strong career broadcasting in Ireland.
Have you any advice for people thinking of entering the industry?
Be prepared to grow a thick skin. Its an aggressive yet highly enjoyable career. Money isn't great at the start but once you become established and gain profile and experience it's the best. I honestly love my job.
Is there anyone that influenced you to take this career path?
Adrian kennedy helped me get my footing and Ill never forget him for that. I looked up to Tony Fenton (RIP), Larry Gogan and Ian Dempsey and thanks to them I knew radio was the career I wanted and thankfully have.
Where do you hope to see yourself / your career in 5 years?
I just want to be doing what I do. Presenting and broadcasting and being involved in an industry I adore.
What is your pet peeve about working in the industry?
There can be alot of bitching. You need a thick skin at times.
What do you do to relax and unwind after a long days work?
Watch Peppa Pig, play in the kitchen (farah has a Bosch one no less) or weather permitting take her out on her bike. I love being a mom and wife. I like looking after my family, I'm oldschool in that sense - I like to be the woman at home.
You can catch Nikki's show live on Spin 103.8 weekday mornings from 9:45am till 12:45pm for all the latest tunes and up to date celeb news.
YM