An interview with Mariam Serkal, host of the MIX Morning Show on MIX 97, based out of Belleville.
When did you start working at MIX 97?
I started working full-time at MIX 97 on Halloween in 2022. But earlier, I was an intern for six weeks from May to June.
Have you always wanted to work in radio?
I’ve worked as a journalist for 16 years in the city of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, where I’m from. I always knew I wanted to work in the field of media, but never imagined that it would lead me to become a co-host for a morning radio show. I graduated in 2005 with a BA in Mass Communication with a concentration in Print Journalism from the American University of Sharjah and then joined Gulf News, one of the leading English daily newspapers in the Gulf.
I started out as a print journalist and worked my way up to Senior Reporter. I wanted to gain a deeper insight into the dynamics between politics and the media, so in 2014, I obtained a scholarship from the UAE Ministry of Higher Education to pursue a MA in Political Communication from the University of Leeds in England. I then returned to Gulf News and over the next five years, I eventually became Associate Editor of the paper.
As an advocate of lifelong learning, I then wanted to expand my skills and enrolled in TV Broadcasting at Seneca College in Toronto. In the summer of 2022, I carried out my internship at MIX97 and felt a passion to work in radio, which I didn’t know I had until I joined Quinte Broadcasting.
What do you like most about your job?
The best things I enjoy about my job are being able to connect with listeners, having the opportunity to interview leaders in our community, and learning what makes the Quinte region tick.
What brought you to the Bay of Quinte region and what do you like most about it?
I chose to live in the Bay of Quinte because of my spouse, who is from Belleville. The city is safe and I instantly felt welcome. And whatever the season, there is always something new to discover in the region.
How do you like to spend your days off?
During my days off, I love to walk. Whether it’s at Zwick’s Park or a Conservation Area, I love breathing in the fresh air and enjoying the views while exercising at the same time. As a food connoisseur, you can also find me scouring the internet for exotic recipes as I love cooking and sampling different types of dishes from around the world.
What advice do you have for those looking to pursue a career in the industry?
To those who are looking to pursue a career in this industry, my advice would be to never give up. Becoming a professional in the media industry takes time and dedication, but trust me, it’s all worth it in the end.
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