James Mathison

Television Presenter/MC

Known as the 'dark-haired one', James Mathison shot to fame on Australian television as the co-host of the first series of Australia's premiere talent show, Australia Idol in 2003. Becoming known for his quick wit, charm, comedic abilities and talent at chatting to people, James went on to co-host the for six years before leaving the immensely popular program to concentrate on his music and enjoy a break from the limelight.

James Mathison is now is a highly experienced MC, host and moderator. He has hosted events for McDonalds, Sanofi Aventis, Havaiana's, Optus, National Geographic Channel, SONY and Microsoft to name a few. 

James began his career in front of the camera after winning pay-TV reality show The $20 Challenge in 2000. He suddenly realised that he had always possessed one great natural talent - he was exceptionally good at talking. But who would pay him to talk to people for a living? That's when James noticed Channel [V]'s national Reporter Search competition.  For James and Channel V, the search was over.

He entered a new world where his skills as a conversationalist were matched with his love for music. As the face of long-running series, Whatuwant, James soon found a whole bunch of other people to chat to. As his on-air commitments extended to include shows like the "Juice or Pee?" and "Whose Beard is THIS?" James had a chance to talk to thousands of new friends. They talked to him on air, they talked to him at festivals, they talked to him on the streets ... but his greatest chat was yet to come.  

A fresh challenge was looming, one that would change the history of Australian television history and expose the greatest young talents in the country. On the eve of the first series of Australian Idol, show executives searched for an on-air personality with wit, charm, empathy and nerves of steel. This was James' chance. He was made co-host with Andrew G, 'the blonde one".

The years that followed saw a flurry of productivity, with James combining his Australian Idol and Channel [V] commitments, co-hosting the ARIAS, while his Band "The Punisherz" received critical attention as being one of the single worst bands in Sydney, a criticism that James valiantly ignored. In April of 2006, James was awarded an ASTRA award for Favourite Male Personality. 

In 2009, with a hugely successful 6^th Series of Idol concluded, James decided to explore other pastures. Fortune favours the bold and James landed his own new music show, Launch Pad, on Nova 96.9FM and a correspondent role on The 7PM Project.

Following his long-held dream to create his own projects, James headed to New York to study screen writing at the prestigious New York University. After completing his studies James returned to Sydney where he continues to work in the media in front of and behind the camera.