The role of the breakfast show radio host is often associated with waking up before dawn.
But the new Abu Dhabi Classic FM presenter Damian Watson has already found the upside to being at work by 5.30am. "The best part is there is no traffic," he laughs. "There is no stress on the motorway and it's really a peaceful drive."
Watson hopes to inject some of that positivity in his role as the host of Breakfast Classics, the breakfast show running from 6am to 10am on Abu Dhabi Classic FM (owned by Abu Dhabi Media Company, which also owns and publishes The National).
Watson describes the programme as being a mix of "uptempo" classic favourites interspersed with local and international news, sports and culture. "The breakfast show generally sets the day's agenda," he explains. "If people are going to tune in to you in the morning, then the chances are they will listen on their way home or during the day when they can. So if you get the breakfast show right, then all will follow."
What also distinguishes breakfast shows from other slots is that they are made up of dedicated listeners. Since taking on the role two months ago, Watson says he has been humbled by the warm response he has received.
"It has been fantastic," he says. "I received such a great welcome from what is clearly an established fan base. The people who listen to me are very committed and because the station is pan-UAE, it covers everywhere from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain to Fujairah."
With more than two decades of radio experience covering both Asia and Europe, Watson says that as well as tailoring an approach to local audiences, there are some broadcasting tips that remain universal. "I was always taught you only speak to one person," he says. "You don't speak to hundreds of thousands of listeners - it's just one person on a personal basis. That's what makes it the most personal medium."
Tune in to Breakfast Classics on Abu Dhabi Classic FM, on 91.6 Abu Dhabi, 105.2 Al Ain and 87.9 Dubai, and online at www.abudhabiclassicfm.ae
