From Monday to Friday, Nesia Daily will deliver a two-hour, magazine-style interview program connecting the Pacific with entertaining interviews, compelling chat and a splash of island music.
According to host Jacob McQuire: “The new program focuses on the people behind the story, speaking with Pacific Islanders about the interesting and inspiring things they are doing in their communities in the Pacific and Australia. It’s like relaxing over a cup of koko in Samoa or kava in Vanuatu.”
Jacob is a Dharumbal/South Sea Islander journalist and radio broadcaster from Rockhampton, central Queensland. He started his career at Australia’s National Indigenous Radio Service and has worked at Radio Boongara, ABC and Triple A Murri Country.
Jacob continues: “As a South Sea Islander, I’m excited to take on this new role covering the region. My family made sure I was connected with the Pacific with my parents getting us over to Vanuatu to spend time with our cousins and learn
about our village and people. As a Dharumbal man, I’m also interested in the connections between the stories of mob in Australia with the Pacific and our shared histories and identities. We are facing shared challenges like climate change, and I hope my new
show can play a small part in a larger, shared future.”
Producer and co-host Michael Chow is also an experienced presenter, producer and videographer. After six years hosting and producing for Australia’s leading music network, triple j, he brings his experiences as a broadcaster and proud Pacific Islander to ABC Radio Australia. Originally from Papua New Guinea, Michael’s love for music and storytelling is at the heart of the content he has produced throughout his career, including for leading media Tone Deaf, The Music Network, and Rolling Stone Magazine.
Michael said: “After moving from PNG to Australia when I was 15, the opportunity to produce a show like Nesia Daily feels like going back home. Never in my professional life have I been able to wear my PNG heritage so proudly as just “part of my job”. So, to leave the Pacific, join the media in Australia, and then years later have my media job become about the Pacific again is incredible. It’s like life has come full circle!”
In addition to the morning show, a special half-hour Nesia Daily PM Edition capturing the show’s best moments will be hosted weekdays by Michael from 5:00PM to 5:30PM PNG time.
ABC Radio Australia head Justine Kelly said: “ABC Radio Australia has been crying out for an engaging, entertaining morning show to keep Pacific audiences up to date with the people and news that matter. Jacob and Michael’s unique experience and perspective, as well as their on-air chemistry, will make this show a not-to-be-missed addition to our updated schedule.”