Nadya Anderson. Image: Triple R
She was a true pioneer of her time, playing a key role in getting women on radio at a time when there were next to no female voices on air.
Melbourne’s Triple R community is mourning the loss of one of its original trailblazers in Nadya Anderson, who recently passed away at the age of 72 after battling cancer.
Nadya was one of the first volunteer and music coordinators at the legendary community station in the late 1970s.
Reflecting on those days in an interview with Chris Hatzis for the 40 Years in 40 Days documentary series, Nadya said “Back then there were hardly any female voices on radio … things have changed so much and it’s really hard to remember what it was like back then.”
“We, on Triple R, made an unbelievable difference to commercial radio. Commercial radio was totally male. If they had a woman on, it was to belittle her or make fun of her or treat her as a bit of fluff … Triple R did change that.”
Nadya also hosted programs including Sidetracks and the Late, Late Breakfast Show.
In paying tribute to Nadya, former Triple R Board Chair Geoff King (pictured above with Triple R’s Kirstie Armiger-Grant, Nadya, Helen Thomas and Sue Mathews) said “In her role as Volunteers Coordinator – this was well before the station had Program Managers – she recognised and encouraged talent, particularly women, and proved to be an inspiring teacher and role model for trainee announcers.”
“She was an absolute pleasure to work with, but she had a steely streak when hearing sloppy broadcasting, and worked to high standards.”
Nadya married Nick Launay – record producer for bands including Midnight Oil, Silverchair and Amyl and the Sniffers – and had two children.
“Nadya’s talent as a broadcaster, her enthusiasm for community radio and alternative music and her individual personal style made her a role model whose influence extends well beyond her years at the station,” says King.
“Everyone at Triple R is eternally grateful for Nadya Anderson’s part in making Triple R what it is today.”
Images: Triple R