Fee Mak

Fee Mak is a Radio and TV Presenter, best known as the host of the BBC 1Xtra Sunday Breakfast Show.

Her journey into broadcasting began at Kent, where she balanced a degree in French and Business Administration with a weekly radio show on CSR 97.4FM - our student station - spotlighting new talent.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

My work with the BBC began in 2019, when I was part of the first cohort of Radio 1's Christmas Presenter search. What was initially meant to be cover for two shows, grew to more than 20 – including high profile opportunities to present on the Early Breakfast Show and take part in the ‘LOL-athon’ charity broadcast with Scott Mills and Chris Stark for Red Nose Day.

Shortly after, I began covering shows at BBC Radio 1xtra – whilst still hosting my own weekday drivetime show on Westside Radio and working part time in retail – until I landed the Sunday Breakfast Show in 2022.

Outside of my radio work I have hosted a variety of live events including The Hundred cricket tournament at Lord's Cricket Ground, Red Bull’s BC One Cypher and Move It dance convention, and the AIM Awards.

I have also worked with Nike, Addidas, and Oreo on voice over work.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

When I’m on the radio I like to arrive early so I can go through the running order with my producer and plan what I want to talk to the listeners about.

When the show begins, I like to have the network schedule on my computer and all my notes on current events happening across the network close to hand. I also make sure to have research available on subjects I plan to talk about on air pertaining to artists and pop culture.

During the show I also love getting to chat to listeners who call and text in.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

Interviewing dancehall legend, Vybz Kartel, on the MOBO Awards red carpet in 2025 was an exciting moment!

What is the biggest misconception about your job or industry?

People like to assume that working in radio is easy. If that was the case, everyone would be doing it at a national level.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

Kent gave me the platform and resources to create something of my own in an industry that requires a creative portfolio and grit.

It also gave me the ability to connect with people from all walks of life – a skill that’s integral to my work as a presenter. When I interview people, it’s important that I’m able to quickly build rapport in order to get the best out of them.

My year abroad in Switzerland taught me the importance of being independent. Not just academically, but socially and financially as well.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

You have to be resourceful and you can’t accept no as answer. Opportunities won’t always be readily available so it’s important to use what you have to get where you want to go.

Build your network by reaching out to community radio, hospital radio, prison radio. Make the most of every opportunity to gain experience and learn from the ground up. 

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities/societies as a student?

Alongside my work on the student radio station, I was also a member of Kent Dance.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Winning the best specialist radio show at the Kent Radio awards.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

I wish I was more outgoing in first term.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes, my university sisters are my closest friends 10 years later.

What are your future ambitions?

I look forward to more TV work and I hope to have the opportunity to work overseas.