Set the alarm clock for 12:29 am

Online alarm clock for 12:29 am

Finish the studio checks, set the alarm for 12:29 am, and leave knowing you have a clear signal to return. That timing gives you a useful checkpoint before 1:00 am, when the next stage of preparing the live broadcast with Europe may begin. Note what still needs switching on so the overnight handover stays straightforward when you come back.

Because you are walking away from the studio, check whether the laptop will remain awake until the alarm time rather than relying on its usual power-saving settings. The studio alarm will not sound if this page is closed or the computer falls asleep before 12:29 am, which could leave the European broadcast setup unattended. Keep the page open, leave the laptop powered, and use a separate alarm as backup if nobody will be nearby to notice a silent screen.

For a late-night broadcast shift in New Zealand, have water ready before leaving the room and choose a small, familiar snack if you expect to work through the next hour. Save a heavy meal or another strong coffee until you know how long the European segment will run; both can feel poorly timed when you need to move between controls and speak clearly. Keep drinks away from the mixing desk, with a lid where practical.