Musical Chairs: August 10
Adam Lambert is third judge on The X-Factor Australia
After a series of thinly-disguised teasers, it was announced that Adam Lambert (pictured)will be the third judge on eighth season of The X Factor Australia. He joins Guy Sebastian (returning for his fifth season) and Iggy Azalea who joins for her first season. Lambert emerged as runner-up in the eighth season of American Idol.
Lambert, who toured here fronting Queen, went on to be a mentor for two seasons of American Idol, guest judge for Project Runway, RuPaul’s Drag Race and returned to American Idol for its 14th season to fill in for Keith Urban.
PledgeMusic introduces global exec
PledgeMusic appointed Adam Lekach as SVP Marketing, overseeing its global marketing and campaign management strategy. He comes with a background of major (Sony Music) and indie labels (Kemado) at a time that PledgeMusic is integrating its direct-to-fan ecosystem, which now includes NoiseTrade and Set.fm.
Clint Drieberg scores European gig
Australian radio executive Clint Drieberg landed a role in Europe. Drieberg worked in Australian radio for 15 years until the end of 2014, as Executive Producer of breakfast shows on various networks around the country, and also as an entertainment reporter. Now based in Ireland, he worked as APD and EP for the Morning Glory show on Radio Nova and now with Network Ten in Ireland as the Studio 10 European showbiz correspondent.
New EP for Ray Hadley
A roster shakeup at Macquarie Media’s Sydney office sees former 2UE presenter Stuart Bocking take over as Executive Producer of The Ray Hadley Morning Show. Michael Thompson, who held that role for six years, is moved to National Executive Producer with the network. His first role will be the rebranding of 2UE as Lifestyle Radio on September 1.
New addition to Adelaide Festival board
Joining the board of the Adelaide Festival is Amanda Vanstone, former South Australian senator and Federal Government minister. Adelaide-born Vanstone worked in retail and as a legal practitioner before entering politics in 1984 at the age of 31. She is currently a presenter on Radio National and sits on a number of boards, including the Port Adelaide Football Club, the Institute of International Trade, Vision 20/20 Australia and the Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Simon Cowell back as America’s Got Talent judge
Simon Cowell is back next season as judge of America’s Got Talent. He’ll reunite with Mel B, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel. NBC Entertainment Chairman Robert Greenblatt said Cowell’s addition has boosted the panel’s chemistry. The talent show is drawing more viewers this summer than over the last five seasons, the network said. Cowell created the show’s format in Britain.
Stompin’ for Comerford
Launceston youth dance organisation Stompin’ announced Brisbane-hailed choreographer Caitlin Comerford as new Artistic Director, its sixth in its 24 year history.
Merryn Vincent at ABC
Merryn Vincent is new Head of Partnerships, Business and Operations at the ABC. She was Chief Operating Officer with the Macquarie Radio Network before heading to the US to join Boost Media.
Richard Fink a VP at Samsung
Former Telstra and Coles executive Richard Fink has begun as the new VP f Samsung Australia’s IT & mobile division. He covers the consumer, enterprise and retail sectors. The company’s President Harry Lee said, “Mr Fink has a track record of building success through business transformation.Today’s competitive smartphone market requires innovative thinking, and I believe Richard’s depth of experience and leadership qualities will add another dimension to our business to deliver ongoing success.”
Thain back on radio
Andrew Thain is back in radioland, this time as breakfast announcer at 7XS Queenstown in Tasmania. He worked on air at a number of stations in regional Victoria and as a casual production assistant at Magic 1278 and 3AW 693 in Melbourne.
Radio Adelaide begins new life
Community radio station Radio Adelaide has begun its new life in Fresh FM’s studios after moving from previous owner University of Adelaide’s North Terrace premises. Under new GM Rob Popplestone, the on-air team includes Jennie Lenman on breakfast, while Luke Penman hosts a new all-Aussie music morning show. This means that the classic program shifts to Wednesday afternoon and the jazz program to Thursdays from 7 to 9pm. 300 volunteers are expected to be part of the new team.
Hitachi poaches Samsung exec
With Hitachi Australia set to return to the local consumer electronics market after six years, it has tapped former Samsung executive Frank Malcaus to head local operations.