Australian musician Clare Bowditch will be the new presenter of 774 ABC Melbourne’s weekday Afternoon program in 2016.
Clare’s path to radio broadcasting is a natural step for one of the country’s leading female performers. Her distinguished career of creative endeavour has seen her in many guises: a published writer, an ARIA Award winning artist who has shared the stage with Leonard Cohen, a guest panellist on Q & A, a big hearted businesswoman, and an actor in a major television production.
Now Clare takes on the new role of radio presenter, building on her already impressive list of credits.
In welcoming Clare to the station Warwick Tiernan, ABC Local Manager in Melbourne said, “Clare will be a fresh, new voice on Melbourne radio. She is a gifted artist and story teller, whose warmth, intelligence and conversational approach will help build connections with contemporary Melbourne, and audiences across Victoria. Having Clare on the station is a win for 774, but more importantly it’s a win for our listeners who will no doubt enjoy spending time in the afternoon with her. We can’t wait.”
Clare has joined the 774 team but that won’t put a hold on her lauded musical career, with a new album scheduled for release in 2016.
“I’m over the moon that 774 have invited someone like me to host Afternoons. It’s not only humbling it’s also a sign of exciting times ahead. I’m from a family of “mad keen” life-long ABC listeners. I’ve always sought out good conversations, so the chance to spend afternoons talking with Victorians on the things that matter most to them, and the things that light them up, is a brilliant one.
Who knows – we might even get to sing a little song or two together! Speaking of which, I’m very grateful to the ABC for taking me as I am and making it possible for me to accept this role whilst also continuing to release albums and tour. I’ve already warned my band in fact, what goes on tour no longer necessarily stays on tour. Although I will of course give them the option to choose their own “code-names”. In all seriousness, this is a wonderful new opportunity to share with audiences, and I’m honoured to be joining the 774 team.”
Clare lives in Melbourne with her partner Marty, their teenage daughter and identical 8-year old twin boys, two guinea pigs, and a white groodle called Charlie.
Commencing Monday 25 January 2016, Clare Bowditch presents Afternoons on 774 ABC Melbourne and ABC Victoria, Monday – Thursday from 1-3pm. A new program is also in development for Friday Afternoons. Stay tuned for details in early 2016.