New grad lands job as morning show host
Though Emma Freckelton (Radio TV Journalism ’22) grew up as a natural performer, musician and avid radio listener from a young age, she didn’t consider a career in radio until stumbling into a high school co-op at 89.3 K-Rock (now Rewind 89.3).
“The environment and the work, it was just everything I wanted to do,” says Emma about her first experience in a radio station.
Emma learned about the Radio TV Journalism program at NSCC from Morning Show Host, Darrin Harvey (Radio TV Arts ’91). Leaving nothing to chance, Emma applied to the RTJ program at Ivany Campus in Grade 11.
Like her initial mentor, Emma is now a well-known morning show host. She can be heard on the airways as part of the team at 94.1 The Breeze in New Glasgow, a job she landed in May 2022 before even crossing the Convocation stage.
Taking over the mic from her radio idol
During her NSCC work placement at Hot Country 103.5 and Surge 105.1, Emma threw her hat in the ring for an on-air host position with Stingray Radio. She did not let the job’s minimum requirement of three years’ experience discourage her and received an interview request the same day she applied.
“I ended up taking over the position that was held by one of the first radio personalities (Ann MacGregor) I ever looked up to, and that still boggles my mind,” says Emma.
Since Emma was a toddler, she listened to 94.1 The Breeze’s morning show and was a big fan of MacGregor and her former co-host Gene Mills. Emma even hung an autographed photo of the women on her bedroom wall and profiled MacGregor in a school presentation about inspirational people.
“Listening to Ann MacGregor was always something that I loved doing. And to me, she was like a celebrity,” says Emma.
Practice makes perfect
Emma credits the hands-on education at NSCC for preparing her for industry. “Without the training and experience from NSCC and doing daily shows on CCKC 88.9 The Platypus (NSCC’s student-run radio station), I wouldn't be in the position I'm in right now.”
“I think NSCC prepared me in a lot of aspects,” says Emma. “They teach you how to use different programs that are commonly used in industry. So being able to have that hands-on experience with those programs and equipment, you're not going to get that anywhere else.”
She quickly came to appreciate the sense of community NSCC cultivates among teachers, students, and classmates.
“I ended up having an amazing connection with all my teachers and I appreciate all of them with all my heart. I still try and keep in touch with them” says Emma.
Broadcasting happiness
Emma’s favourite part of being a morning show host is brightening people’s day before it starts, including the fun of surprising contest winners on-air.
“It's not just reading the news or weather; I share stories and make people laugh, and make people happy. As someone who is a performer at heart, it's really nice to do,” says Emma.
Emma also freelances, including acting for commercials and marketing content, and is excited to grow and expand her skills in the future.
“I love Nova Scotia. I grew up here, I was raised here, and if I end up getting to Halifax, that would be the dream,” says Emma.
Proud alumni
Emma is a second-generation alumnus and looks forward to staying connected to NSCC through her alumni community. Her parents, Sherry Laing (Cosmetology ’94) and Dan Freckelton (Graphic Design ’94), met while studying at NSCC’s Truro Campus.
“I really want to be involved because I really appreciate everything that NSCC did for me,” says Emma.
When asked what advice she has for new grads, she shares, “Keep your options open. Don't be afraid to take a risk if there's a job that you see that you really want. Maybe you don't think you're qualified, there's nothing wrong with applying for it. The worst they can say is no.”