Nolan is an experienced Australian broadcast journalist, radio personality, and communications consultant with a career spanning several decades and multiple countries. Born on May 1, 1958, in Chiswick, London, England, he has built a reputation across radio, television, and media advisory roles, in England, New Zealand and Australia.
His early career began in 1974 at London Newstalk radio station LBC before he moved to New Zealand, where he spent seven years working in both radio and television. In NZ, he served as a radio host and became a TVNZ continuity announcer. He gained notoriety for co-presenting the 1987 GOFTA Awards (New Zealand's film and television awards) alongside American TV personality Leeza Gibbons. The event became infamous in industry circles for its chaotic execution, including audience disruptions and stage management issues. After six months back in London as foreign correspondent for Australia’s Hoyt’s radio network, Nolan relocated to Australia, settling in Perth, Western Australia. There, he transitioned into television newsreading before establishing a long-standing presence in radio. From 1988 to 2004, he was a key figure at Perth's top-rating station Mix 94.5 (and sister station 92.9), where he served as the breakfast news anchor for 94.5 and Group News Director for 16 years. During this period, he was a finalist for Best News Presenter at industry awards, reflecting his skill in delivering sharp, engaging on-air news content in a competitive commercial radio environment.
Following his extensive run in Perth radio, Nolan moved into station management and other roles. He served as Program Director at FIVEaa (a prominent Adelaide talk radio station) nominated three times for Best Program Director and General Manager at Fresh 92.7 (another Adelaide radio station). These positions in South Australia highlighted his versatility, shifting from on-air talent to behind-the-scenes leadership in content programming and station operations.
In 2012, Nolan stepped into the political communications sphere. He worked as Director of Media and Communications for South Australian Liberal Opposition Leader Isobel Redmond. Beyond traditional broadcasting, Nolan has worked and a media consultant and advisor and has maintained an ongoing online presence as a political commentator and content creator. He runs a YouTube channel under his name featuring clips, commentary, and reflections on media, radio history, and current events. On X (formerly Twitter) as @nicthenolan, he shares opinions, reposts content (often conservative-leaning commentary or media critiques), and engages with followers using his signature "groovers" sign-off and upbeat emoji style. His bio quotes The Beatles: "And in the end, the love you take, is equal to the love you make…"
Now based in Perth, Nic Nolan continues to draw on his deep industry knowledge as a communications consultant, advising private and public sector clients. His career trajectory—from London radio beginnings through New Zealand TV and awards hosting, to major Australian radio markets in Perth and Adelaide—illustrates adaptability in an evolving media landscape. Nolan remains respected among peers for his longevity in news delivery, programming, and media strategy.