Seamless flow and natural warmth. Jess brings energy and polished structure to the stage, ensuring your audience is engaged and your event runs better than planned. From high-stakes launches to multi-day conferences, she manages the room and the moving parts so you can focus on the big picture.
We’re an award-winning team helping your business to be seen, be heard and be understood. Led by our founder, Jessica Ridley
Our Story
Thanks for visiting BTW.
Once a journalist, always a journalist — I don’t think I’ll ever shake my obsession with the news. It’s an incredibly powerful medium and throughout my career in breakfast TV, prime time news and talkback radio, I’ve had the privilege of a front row seat to major events. Sharing important stories with a national audience every morning and night.
Journalism is an exhilarating (and exhausting) line of work. Those whirlwind years taught me how to think and write fast, how to speak clearly and confidently, and how to tell a powerful story in seconds. It allowed me to interview a diverse range of individuals, from fire heroes to political leaders and rock stars — sometimes all in one day!
Now I fuel my news passion by helping our BTW Media clients navigate their way through often tricky topics and issues in the media. Together, we emerge on top with simple, clear communication.
Adding value is my passion, and that’s where the phrase ‘By the way’ comes into play. It signifies that we are always bringing something extra to the table.
Meet Jessica Ridley
Leading media trainer to ASX-listed companies, comms advisor, event MC, speaker, former journalist... and Mum.
For more than a decade, Jessica Ridley has developed a reputation as a highly engaging and versatile journalist. She’s spent years waking up to that 3am alarm for breakfast television on Seven’s Sunrise program, and more recently Nine’s Today Show. During her stint with Australia’s largest commercial TV and radio networks, she covered major news events including the COVID-19 pandemic, state and federal elections, bushfires, floods and high-profile court cases, while also sourcing and finessing stories about finance, business news, technology, health, sport and real estate.
Jess has also worked as a TV news producer and radio journalist, making decisions about what makes the headlines. Jess trained in Broadcast Journalism at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), after completing her communications degree, with PR and advertising majors. She has a strong grasp and deep understanding of how the national news cycle works and guides her clients to secure reputation-building media exposure. Jess is also a sought-after event MC, panel moderator and keynote speaker.
Live Presenter & Interviewer
Broadcast-quality under any pressure. With a background on The Today Show and Sunrise, Jess is unflappable in live environments. Whether handling last-minute schedule shifts or conducting high-energy red carpet interviews, she is adaptable and knows how to improvise off-script for a high-impact result.
Panel Moderator
Conversations with clarity and purpose. Great panels require a steady hand. Jess creates an inclusive space where panelists shine and stories flow naturally. She steers the conversation with precision, balancing the clock with the chemistry to keep the session impactful.
Fireside Chats
Genuine connection, expertly guided. Moving beyond the script, Jess facilitates relaxed, high-level conversations that feel like an authentic dialogue. She knows exactly when to lean in with the right question to help extract stories and insights that truly resonate.
“Jess made the effort to chat beforehand with each person she was introducing. She built rapport. She injected her own warmth and energy into her role. She captivated the audience from the first intro. She carried her role with confidence and professionalism. She leveraged her experience, judgement and warmth to create just the right atmosphere in the room.”
Bernard Salt AMThe Demographics Group
“Jess is professional, warm and has amazing stage presence. Her TV and radio background means she'll jump in with a question or two when it's needed.. She is a passionate communicator and wants the best for the people and the organisation she is working with. I appreciate how Jess can read a room or will take direction if we need to fill time. Don't undersell this as an asset as I have seen at many conferences the MC will simply ‘move on’ and keep to a script.”
James GoodwinCEO Australian Airports Association
“Jess consistently demonstrates her exceptional skills in facilitating complex conversations, managing diverse perspectives, and creating a supportive and inclusive atmosphere. Her ability to keep discussions on track and ensure that everyone's voice is heard is truly remarkable."”
Eliza AllenMA Financial Group
“Jessica, you were an outstanding MC – you brought such professionalism, warmth and energy to the evening. We’re so grateful for the way you delivered the night with excellence and helped showcase the incredible work of allied health across NSW. Thank you again!”
Karla ArmsonNSW Health
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDnco5FainY