Women Behind The Success of Algoa FM

On-air personalities will tell you that they can only be as good as their support structure.

We shine the spotlight on Algoa FM’s women in the key areas of finance, marketing, sales, and admin.

Daphne Jaggers: Office Administrator

What is your role?

I am an office administrator and also offer relief at reception.

What keeps you busy?

My role is to oversee and ensure that everything in the office is up and running smoothly.

I am also concerned with the wellbeing of staff, ensuring there is a pleasant working environment.

This includes the induction of newcomers to our business.

Why did you choose radio?

Radio is part of my life – it keeps me entertained and updated about what’s happening around the world.

I don’t need to sit down and listen.

I can be in a mall, in a car, or anywhere for that matter. It is so convenient for our busy lives,  

You can even listen on your phone.

What do women add to the broadcast mix?

Women are very proactive, very committed and responsible. We like to be ahead of things, especially on new developments and achieving goals.

Lesley-Ann Fortuin: Key Account Manager

What is your role? To find, keep and grow the right customers for our business and our audience. No sales, no money, no broadcast, so I sell solutions!

What keeps you busy?

Liaising with the creative teams, prospecting, follow ups, meetings, brainstorming with internal and external associates. No two days are the same in radio, which is why I’m not bored after 22 years.

Why did you choose radio?

Radio definitely chose me. I was always intrigued by the industry, particularly how they made money. Then an agency called, and the rest is history. Once the radio bug bites, it doesn’t let go!

What do women add to the broadcast mix?

Much media content is slanted towards female consumers. Who better than women to do that?

Financial Director Desiré Pratt is the youngest person to be appointed to the company’s board.

What is your role? I am responsible for all things finance related – ensuring that the company remains solvent, liquid, profitable, has a positive cash flow, and pays its bills in order to keep us engaged with our audience.

What keeps you busy?

Oversight of the finance functions and team, managing budgets, and assisting the MD with strategic decisions.

Why did you choose radio?

While employed by Algoa FM’s auditors as audit manager, I became intrigued by the environment and culture of the media industry, and grabbed the opportunity to be part of it.

What do women add to the broadcast mix?

Women bring a different perspective and insight. Women in media also serve as an inspiration for young girls aspiring to make something of themselves.

Gill Forlee: Executive Personal Assistant

What is your role?

I am the Executive Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of Algoa FM, Alfie Jay.

What keeps you busy?

Managing Alfie’s diary, not only at Algoa FM, but also on the other boards on which he serves.

The resultant administrative work forms a large part of my duties. 

I am also in contact with listeners through our competitions, which are an important component of life at Algoa FM. Contacting prize winners and ensuring that they receive their prizes also takes up a substantial part of my day. 

Why did you choose radio?

I actually interviewed for a secretarial position at Algoa FM many years before being successful in getting the position which I now have. At that time, I didn’t get the position, but I always remembered the amazing vibe and energy that I felt when I went for my interview. Nine years later, when the opportunity came to interview for a position again, I jumped at the chance. Working in radio is unlike any other industry – it’s dynamic, and it’s always evolving.

I’ve now been at Algoa FM for 9 years, and I’m still in awe of the impact that Algoa FM has on our listeners. Radio is their constant companion, and we are a part of their daily lives.  It’s a privilege to be able to make a difference in our community, and to be their trusted source for information and entertainment.

No two days are ever the same, and we live up to our mantra that “Fun is a Serious Business”.

What do women add to the broadcast mix?

Women bring another level of empathy and relatability to our listeners.  Women make up the majority of our audience, and it is important that they can relate to Algoa FM’s offering.

Dawn Hendricks: Senior Marketing Co-Ordinator at Algoa FM

What is your role?

My primary focus is on national brand marketing for which I develop and execute strategies to enhance our brand’s visibility and level of engagement.

What keeps you busy?

My diverse portfolio includes orchestrating station events, securing and nurturing media sponsorships, overseeing brand management, and handling administrative tasks.

Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, which keeps my role exciting and fulfilling.

Why did you choose radio?

Radio chose me. At an early age I was captivated by the power of radio to connect people and tell compelling stories.

What do women add to the broadcast mix?

Our ability to see things differently enriches the media landscape.