Michelle Doherty Interview

When TV3 took over ailing television channel Channel 6 last year, many were outraged by the decision to drop the ‘Night Shift’ music show, fronted by Donegal woman Michelle Doherty. I caught up with the former model to see what she’s up to these days.

Is it true you were once an air stewardess?

I was an Air Stewardess for nearly 11 years. I even kept it on while I was presenting ‘Nightshift’ on Channel 6. When I got a job presenting on Phantom FM, it was too much to juggle three jobs. So, I took the leap and thankfully have no regrets.

How did you wind up working on 'Night Shift'?

I happened to mention to my agent that I would like to try presenting, specifically music presenting. Two months later, she heard that Channel 6 were looking for a music presenter so I went along for a screen test and the rest, as they say, is history.

How do you think Channel 6 fared as a project before being taken over by TV3 and rebranded as 3e?

It was tough going starting off as a new channel but I thought It was a great station. It catered for the 18-35 year old market. It was very upsetting that it just didn't get the break it deserved.

How did you feel about the decision to cancel 'Night Shift'?

I was absolutely devastated. My producer Elton and I loved our jobs. We put our heart and soul into the show so, when it came to recording the last show, it felt like we had lost something really special. The backlash from the public to the decision to cut the show meant the world to us. It was only then we realised how important the show had been to our viewers and to the Irish bands it had provided an outlet for.

There's an old cliché about having 'a face for the radio'. Isn’t your beautiful visage somewhat wasted behind the mic at Phantom FM?

Oh God, don't embarrass me, I don't think about that at all. As long as people enjoy the show, that’s all that matters to me.

How did it feel to be named ‘Best Radio DJ’ in the recent Hot Press readers’ poll?

It was better than winning The Lotto. I only started with Phantom at the end of July. I was so terrified as I had never done radio presenting before. To be named ‘Best Radio DJ’ was amazing, and for once I felt proud of myself.

Which bands, Irish or otherwise, should we be keeping an eye on over the next few months?

I really like Villagers, Conor O Brien’s new baby. His new E.P called ‘Hollow Kind ‘is definitely worth checking out and you should go see him live if you get the chance.

Do you have any other projects in the pipeline?

There’s always something going on but, for now, I’m really enjoying my job in Phantom.

Michelle’s show ‘Finest Worksongs’ is broadcast from 10:00-1300, weekday afternoons on Phantom 105.2 FM.

Published in the current issue of DCU's Campus Magazine

[Image: Kip Carroll]