Musical Chairs: December 2

triple j farewells John Safran & Father Bob

triple j announced that John Safran & Father Bob’s Sunday Night Safran will wind up on December 13. Safran is about to travel around Australia to research a late 2016 book on current day pro-Islam and anti-Islam sentiments. Father Bob’s Foundation continues to provide meals through The Hope Mobile, helping kids get a fair start, The Father Bob Scholarship Fund and providing a voice for the voiceless through advocacy.

The network summed up Sunday Night Safran as “ten years of arguing, tweeting, being cursed by witches and expelled from religious organisations.” During the time, the duo chatted to representatives of all the world’s religions, conspiracy theorists, a witch, an actual lizardman and several white supremacists.

David Collins to leave KOFM

After 15 years with KOFM Newcastle, David Collins will not be returning in 2016. He co-hosted its top rating breakfast show until 2013, before moving to the drive slot. Regional General Manager NSW, Ashley Myatt explained The Rush Hour is changing direction next year.“KOFM has decided tomove to a music-based drive shift and David doesn’t see himself doing that in thefuture,” he said.

Mark Parton to depart 2CC

After seven years, Talking Canberra 2CC radio presenter Mark Parton will present his final show on December 18. Parton is also leaving the radio industry, in which he’s been working for 33 years, to pursue personal interests. These include coaching junior AFL teams and golf.

New ED for Telstra Media

As Telstra Media expands with offerings as Telstra TV, Michelle Gara will join in March as Executive Director. She held executive positions at Sony Pictures, Microsoft, Virgin Australia and most recently, Optus where she was VP of Retail.

Nova engineering chief Lyall Clewer departs

Nova Entertainment’s long time Technology Manager & National Project Manager, Lyall Clewer, departed the station. Starting with DMG in 2001 and based in Melbourne, he was also Chief Engineer for Nova 100 and Classic 91.5FM.

Clare Blake departing 4BC

Clare Blake will not return to Brisbane’s 4BC in 2016 with Macquarie Media advising her that her contract would not be renewed. This came after her afternoon show dropped a full point in the latest ratings.

Jane Turner leaves brekkie show

7HO FM Hobart is pulling Jane Turner out of its breakfast show co-host slot as she is being given another position at the station.

Pat Collins gets new role at SESAC

SESAC, the USA’s third largest rights organisation, has Pat Collins taking over as Vice Chairman from April 1. Collins, currently President and CEO of CEO of SESAC Performing Rights, will over the next six months gradually move over to the VC role and as senior adviser to the Nashville based company.

Rose Hiscock to head science-arts venue

Rose Hiscock is the inaugural Director of Science Gallery Melbourne, to launch in 2018 by the Science Gallery International (SGI) and University of Melbourne as a venue for science and arts collaborations by 15 to 24 year olds.

New CFO for FremantleMedia

Andrew Bott, CFO for BBC Worldwide, moves to FremantleMedia in that role in March. FremantleMedia shows include American Idol and America’s Got Talent.

Nick Lowther heads to Western Plains

Nick Lowther is taking over as Chief of Staff at ABC Western Plains, which will also include presenting an hour-long morning show Local Life from 10 am. He was previously based at ABC Illawarra.

BBC.com appoints Aussie editor

BBC.com has appointed former Ninemsn Managing Director Shaun Davies as its Australian editor, effective December.

Two behind Lingo Pictures

Helen Bowden, founder and ex-Managing Director of Matchbox Pictures, and Jason Stephens, one time Creative Director and Director of Development at FremantleMedia Australia, formed new Sydney-based production company Lingo Pictures to create scripted and unscripted content for the local and the international market.

Dianne Toulson at Ararat Performing Arts Centre

Arts administrator and theatre producer Dianne Toulson is the new Program and Venue Coordinator of the Ararat Performing Arts Centre, in regional Victoria. Most recently GM of Red Stitch Actors Theatre in Melbourne, she is also on the boards of Rollercoaster (a not for profit ensemble of actors with disabilities) and the Australian Circus and Physical Theatre Association.

Valentine at 2CC

Simon Valentine, a finalist for Best Achievement in Production at last year’s Commercial Radio Awards when at Star 104.5 Gosford, has begun a production role at 2CC/2CA Canberra.

Crispi breaks from The Breakfast Spread

After five years as co-host of Melbourne community radio station PBS 106.7FM’s daily breakfast program The Breakfast Spread, Crispian (Crispi) Winsor announced he will sleep in after sunrise. PBS is turning his December 17 finale into an event, with musicians performing and an open door invitation for listeners and past contributors to the show.

John Edwards to depart Endemol Shine

TV producer John Edwards will depart the merged production company Endemol Shine, but remain a consultant on one of his TV productions Offspring.

RHACA expanding

Arts organisation Red Hot Arts Central Australia’s GM Laura Martinez-Oliveras is looking for a Festival and Program Manager for the Alice Desert Festival.

In the meantime, Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema is looking for a new GM.