The Team

Russell began his media career in 1964 at Radio 2GB Sydney in the days of Gordan Chater, Gwen Plumb and Eric Baume, with Charles McLaughlin and the 870 Club introducing all the supa groups of the day like the Easybeats, Billy Thorpe, Max Merrit & Ray Brown and in the Phillip Street Theatre where Radio Plays were acted out to 20 inch acetates and vinyls.

Interested in theatre Russell performed with dramatic societies in England and Australia.  In the swinging 60′s he was employed by London’s  Harrods as a DJ in the “Way In boutique” before moving to their Radio and Television Department, then Fleet Street and Harlech TV.  He returned to television newsreading and reporting in Australia  for -MTN9 Griffith, GMV6 Shepparton and then in 1971 at TCN9 Sydney working alongside the renowned  Brian Henderson.  Russell hosted VFL Football with Ted Whitten and read late news as an adjunct to the introduction of A Current Affair with Mike Willesse.

In 1974 he took up a position with TVW7 Perth, but within 6 months was back with 9 at STW.  Copy Writer, voice over merchant and “Entertainment and Police roundsman” he became for 6 years the highest rating Channel 9 Newsreader in STW’s 40 year history winning the Logie in 1983.  Russell set up MRG International in 1985 as an independent marketing, promotions and public relations company handling many iconic brands from Century 21 and Canberra TV to Coates Hire and the Avon Descent.  In 1996 he broadened the company’s profile taking up the challenge of producing television programs.  In 2009 MRGTV was set up.

For over 35 years he  has been a big supporter of the community helping many charities, schools and associations and giving many West Australians the opportunity to hone their skills in front of and behind the cameras.  As a father of 8 he loves all his children dearly.

Phil ran his own puppetry company at age 12, discos at 14 and acted in theatre productions before moving into lighting and stage management at school and semi-professionally.  He got his first paid job in entertainment at Channel 10, Adelaide in 1986 as a boom operator for ‘Fat Cat & Friends’ before moving into professional theatre, where he worked for the Festival Theatre in Adelaide , the State Opera of SA and The Australian Opera.

In 1988 Phil attended the Centre for Performing Arts studying all aspects of technical theatre.  Although never formally trained, he sang in Adelaide piano bars , before travelling to Sydney to sing in AIDA (the biggest opera ever staged in Australia)!  After returning from 6 months in London in 1990, Phil graduated from the Radio & Television Academy and began producing and winning awards for his own movies at Young Film Makers Festivals.  During this time he had a radio program on 5RPH for five years and also managed a band.

In 1997 Phil moved to Perth, studied for a Diploma in Website Development and then produced internet video commercials for clients’ websites.  He  has also worked in several office administration positions. Phil’s various roles at MRG have enabled him to draw on all his varied experience and he loves working with such a great team of people!

Sheryl commenced working with MRG in 2008 after working with a Sydney based film promotions company for many years.   She has a strong business, advertising and sales background for which she has been highly awarded for her commitment and ability.  Sheryl’s belief in the strength of MRG and its powerful product gives her a strong commitment accompanied with a devotion to her clients.  “I love working with MRG! We are all such a happy and strongly connected working team.”  In her leisure time Sheryl pursues her love of water skiing, tennis, yoga and snorkelling in the summer months, and when the opportunity arises she is known to put into action her great love of snow skiing either in Australia or overseas.  She has a love of travel and discovering new destinations. Amongst all of this Sheryl has a strong and unyielding devotion to her beautiful family who are extremely important to her.

A fresh and enthusiastic freelancer, Cassandra Hart joined our presenting team in 2010.  Her career as a presenter started out at the local community television station where she co-produced and presented an arts show.  After acquiring experience with a number of smaller companies, Cassandra joined us at MRGTV and is excited to be involved in her new role.

Possessing a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Journalism, Cassandra’s writing skills extend beyond television scripts and into print journalism – contributing to a number of publications including Perth’s Child and Dance West Magazines.  Also a qualified dancer, she teaches contemporary and ballet classes at various schools and has performed in a number of dance productions.

Lisa has always had a keen interest in music, theatre and the arts.  She has just completed a Communications and Theatre degree at the University of Notre Dame and is keen to put everything she has learnt into practice!  Lisa sees her work at MRG as a great opportunity to further her ambitions.   She finds the work she has been doing at MRGTV exciting, interesting and challenging as her roles thus far have included Production Co-ordinator as well as presenting.  These diverse roles have not only provided an invaluable experience in front of and behind the camera but have encouraged Lisa’s desire to further a career in this industry.

Emma commenced work experience at MRGTV in September 2010 and is currently completing a Bachelor of Communications degree at Edith Cowan University.  With Broadcasting as her major, Emma is excited about the valuable opportunities and experience MRG is providing within her chosen career.  Working in the media in some capacity is a nice fit for Emma, as she has a passion for TV and radio.  Emma enjoys being a part of and working with a great team of people.  She feels MRG is providing an excellent environment to aide her experience and knowledge of the industry as she develops her career.

Tom attended Guildford Grammar from 1983 through 1996.  He has a strong interest in music with a particular love of all things guitar, he’s also a great composer.  Until recently he has played lead guitar and sang background in a number of local bands over the years.  He also has an interest in stage musicals, the theatre and Conservation & Land Management.  Tom loves online gaming and video editing – so his position with MRG falls right within the niche of where he wants to be right now.