On May 26th, Mediaweek’s Next of the Best awards celebrated the best of under-40s talent across the media industry – including TV, radio, media agencies and PR.
Taking home gold for Audio – Talent was Brittany Hockley, podcast and radio host at ARN.
Hockley is most well known for her podcast with Laura Byrne, Life Uncut, with the podcast reaching over 50 million downloads in 2022. In 2023, Hockley, Byrne and Mitch Churi were announced as the hosts of KIIS FMs new national afternoon show, The PICKUP which airs every weekday from 3-4 pm. She is also known for her appearance on The Bachelor Australia in 2015 and before stepping into the public eye, even gained a medical radiation science degree.
Mediaweek caught up with Brittany Hockley about her Next of the Best win and the future of the industry.
Mediaweek: Congratulations on winning gold, how do you feel about the win?
BH: I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to have won this award. It’s an incredible validation of the hard work and dedication that the rest of the team and I put in every single day. Personally, it’s a dream come true to be recognised in this way for something I’m so passionate about. People used to tell me I talk too much. Now I’ve got an award for it, so it’s all worth it!
MW: How does this award reflect the work of you and your team?
BH: I firmly believe that success is a result of working together and surrounding yourself with amazing people. Seriously, there’s no “I” in team, and I’m lucky to have Mitch and Laura, who are the best in the business, right by my side. We’ve put our hearts and souls into creating our radio show, so this award is for all of us.
MW: How has the transition been from weekend radio to weekday radio? Is there a certain pressure that comes with being in a prime spot?
BH: Honestly, I didn’t feel too much pressure because being behind the mic just feels like home to me. Of course, being in a prime spot brings its own expectations, but I see it as an exciting challenge and an opportunity to reach even more people with our unfiltered and authentic take on life.
MW: The Next of the Best is an under-40s award, how will today’s upcoming talent impact the industry in the future?
BH: I think today’s upcoming talent are going to shake up the industry in the best way possible. As the next generation of content creators, we bring a unique perspective and innovative ideas. Personally, my main goal is to make people laugh and brighten their day. If I can keep doing that, I’ll die a happy woman.
MW: What’s your outlook for the year ahead?
BH: I’ve got some big entertainment goals in mind for the year ahead. I’ve just finished shooting a TV pilot with Mitch Churi, which was an absolute blast. Laura and I have a national live show tour scheduled for later this year for our podcast, Life Uncut, which is going to be an amazing opportunity to connect with our listeners in person. I’m ready to embrace new challenges, and my outlook for the year is all about growth and creativity.
Read more: Mediaweek’s Next of the Best Awards: Winners Revealed
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Top Image: Brittany Hockley