New winter schedule, new faces on Campus FM.
As this winter’s schedule kicked off for the University of Malta’s radio station, mornings got a little bit brighter thanks to Antonella Galea Loffreda’s lively and joyful Campus Breakfast programme.
Newspoint had a chat with Antonella, to get to know more about her path to keeping company to so many through the morning traffic, and entertaining listeners while keeping them well-informed. She tells us it’s never too late to make a career switch.
How has your experience of being part of the Campus FM family been, so far, for the past month or so?
I just couldn't be any happier. I strongly believe in creating that 'family' environment at the workplace and this is just what I found at Campus FM. I really look forward to getting to the studio every morning knowing I'd be surrounded by a highly supportive and energetic team I can truly rely on.
Is this your first stint on the radio waves as a presenter? How is it different than presenting a programme on TV?
This definitely is my first experience as a radio show host and although I'm getting lots of positive feedback, I still don't consider myself as one. It might be too early for that. The idea of becoming a radio presenter initially scared me and that might very much be the main reason I had turned down a previous offer. I’m happy I finally took the plunge.
I was trained in drama, so I will always consider myself an actress.
The big question now would be which medium do I prefer. It’s way too early for me to answer that.
What’s interesting is that I feel much more exposed on radio. It might be because I'm very much aware that the success of my radio programme lies in whether people like me or not, whereas on TV, I can utilise my acting skills more, and the visuals help in enhancing the quality of the content.
Who would be your dream guest on Campus Breakfast and why?
My dream guest would be Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber. I’m inspired by his musical compositions, and the fact that he just keeps going despite life’s obstacles and uncertainties. He entertains his audiences through social media and keeps his cast of singers and actors motivated before and throughout a show. Such resilience. I would love to meet him and interview him.
What has been the funniest moment/a career highlight so far?
Luckily enough, I haven’t had any really funny moments on radio so far, except for that one time I made a comment on a song I had just played and my microphone was still on. When it comes to a career highlight, I still consider my role as a principal in the local drama ‘PUPI’, aired on NET TV in 2005/2006 under the direction of Charles Stroud.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Having just turned a fresh page in my career which I’m really enjoying, I hope I will still be hosting a daily radio breakfast show. I must admit that it feels good to transmit positive vibes to so many listeners every single day.
I am also giving some serious thought to hosting a weekly talk show; when the right time comes for that, I think I’ll go for it.
And I would love to teach drama in any of the local drama schools.
How are you juggling between your family, your work and your hobbies, especially in these exceptional times?
Ever since I quit my job at the bank, my hobby has practically become my day job and I’m really thankful for that. Even though I work much longer hours now, my work in the media industry does give me the flexibility I need to spend time with my family. Besides, I never feel I’m at work because I just love doing my job and this has certainly impacted my family positively. It's never too late to make a career change.
What is your message to budding radio presenters or those wishing to make a switch from their current career to radio?
I would just tell them to go for it I mean, I could never figure myself seated behind a microphone but here I am, enjoying every minute of it while keeping my listeners company.
If you could enrol into a University course, which one would it be and why?
I am actually seriously looking into this option. There are so many courses to choose from, but if I really had to choose, I would enrol into the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Theatre Studies. Despite my 21 years of experience in the local theatre and media industry, I feel this course would give me a deeper insight into the world of theatre, which I can hopefully pass on to students if my dream of teaching drama in one of the local drama schools would be realised.
Tune in to Campus Breakfast every morning from 08:30 until 10:00.