Just another milestone to add to an already impressive list of achievements.
Respected Melbourne journalist, broadcaster and media personality Donna Demaio is preparing to celebrate a significant career milestone, with the 200th episode of her popular radio program Sounds Good With Donna Demaio set to air on June 16.
For many broadcasters, reaching 200 episodes would be considered a career highlight. For Demaio, it is yet another chapter in a remarkable media journey that has spanned more than three decades across radio, journalism, television, digital media and live events.
The program, which launched in 2022 on Melbourne community station 88.3 Southern FM, was born from a long-held ambition. After years of interviewing celebrities, reporting major news stories and covering red-carpet events around the globe, Demaio decided it was time to create a platform of her own.
Sounds Good With Donna Demaio
That vision became Sounds Good With Donna Demaio, a weekly program featuring engaging conversations with celebrities, entertainers, community leaders and notable Melbourne personalities. The show has quickly established itself as a favourite among listeners who appreciate Demaio’s warm interviewing style, genuine curiosity and wealth of industry experience.
Long before she was interviewing Hollywood stars and entertainment legends, Demaio was building her broadcasting foundations behind the microphone at Melbourne’s 3PBS FM, where she spun records on the breakfast program. From those early beginnings, she would go on to become one of Melbourne’s most recognisable media voices.
Her radio career has now stretched beyond 35 years, including an extraordinary 25-year tenure as the arts and entertainment reporter for 3AW. Along the way she has worked as a news broadcaster across numerous FM stations and served as an international radio correspondent, earning a reputation for professionalism, versatility and an unwavering passion for storytelling.
Demaio’s confidence, knowledge and natural ability to connect with people have opened doors across multiple media platforms. She has worked as an Australian correspondent for Radio NZB Auckland and contributed extensively to The Age Online, where she covered entertainment and red-carpet events.
Throughout her career she has interviewed an impressive list of international stars and high-profile personalities, including Stephen Fry, Gordon Ramsay, Hugh Jackman and John Travolta. Whether speaking with Academy Award winners, music legends or local identities, Demaio’s interviewing style consistently brings out the best in her guests.
Beyond journalism and broadcasting, Demaio has become a sought-after host and presenter for major public events. Her hosting credits include prestigious Wine Festival Masterclasses, the Chinese International Film Awards and numerous industry events. She has also facilitated insightful Q&A sessions with acclaimed Australian actors Bryan Brown and Guy Pearce, further showcasing her ability to engage audiences both on-air and on stage.
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Among her many accolades is the prestigious ACRA Brian White Memorial Award for Best News Report in 2001. The award recognised her outstanding coverage of major events including the World Economic Forum protests, The Royal Tour and the Formula One Australian Grand Prix.
Equally passionate about nurturing future talent, Demaio has shared her extensive industry knowledge with aspiring journalists through lecturing roles at Macleay College and COLLARTS. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation reflects her belief in the importance of quality journalism and strong storytelling.
As the countdown begins to episode 200 of Sounds Good With Donna Demaio, colleagues, listeners and industry peers are taking the opportunity to celebrate not only the achievement itself but also the dedication and professionalism that have defined her career.
The milestone episode will feature special congratulatory messages from some of the guests she has interviewed over the years, creating a fitting tribute to a broadcaster whose passion for people and storytelling remains as strong as ever.
Whether she marks the occasion with cupcakes, champagne or simply another great interview, one thing is certain — after more than 35 years in media, Donna Demaio continues to prove why she remains one of Melbourne’s most respected and enduring voices.
Congratulations on 200 episodes, Donna. Here’s to the next chapter.
Please visit https://www.southernfm.com.au/category/show/soundsgood/
By Abigail Claire Farmer
