Musical Chairs: Rosie Beaton leaving Unearthed; ABC’s Bill Riner takes redundancy package; Three new names at Regional Arts Victoria

Rosie Beaton leaving Unearthed Digital Radio

Rosie Beaton, host of Unearthed Digital Radio’s weekday afternoon show is departing next Friday. “Talking to so much talent has been a privilege,” she tweeted. TMN was told it was part of the ABC’s annual program review.

New Drive hosts for triple j

Veronica Milsom and Lewis Hobba are new hosts of triple j’s Drive show. The pair, who met a high school, have for the last four years hosted Weekend Breakfast and Weekend Afternoons. They have also made their names as comedians on TV and live.

ABC’s Bill Riner takes redundancy package

ABC Local Radio Network Music Programmer for the past two years, the legendary Bill Riner took a redundancy package as a result of budget cuts at the broadcaster. He managed the music for its 60 Local Radio stations, giving many Queensland acts the chance to be heard. Those duties are now transferred to Double J in Sydney. Starting in radio at 17, Riner worked in a Florida progressive rock station in the ‘70s, then at Brisbane’s 4ZZZ (1976-80) and was presenter and PD at B105 FM Brisbane for ten years.

Wendy Martin announced as Artistic Director for Perth Festival

Wendy Martin is Artistic Director for Perth International Arts Festival 2016 to 2019. Known for supporting daring new initiatives, she replaces Jonathan Holloway who presents his fourth and final festival in March. Martin currently runs performance and dance at Southbank Centre in London, where she introduced its Unlimited disability arts festival. She was previously dance and theatre Programmer at Sydney Opera House (introducing festivals Message Sticks and Spring Dance) and arts television producer for the ABC and SBS. Her father Lloyd Martin was GM of the Opera House from 1979 to 1997.

Nova Entertainment promotes Colosimo

Nova Entertainment promoted Peter Colosimo to Sydney Sales Director. He joined the company last year as Sydney Agency Sales Director.

Waleed Aly to switch off Radio National Drive

ABC RN confirmed Waleed Aly, presenter of RN Drive will leave the network at the end of the year. A broadcaster, author, academic, rock musician and former AFL mascot, Waleed hosted RN Drive since its start in January 2012.

Leni Andronicos managing new MTV Styles site

MTV Australia & New Zealand’s Digital Editor Leni Andronicos will manage its new local MTV Style site. It was set up after MTV noticed a 74% increase from the 2013 monthly unique visitors to mtv.com.au with celebrity style and fashion styles driving traffic. Andronicos joined MTV last March from Dolly where she was Online Editor. MTV VJ and model Kate Peck is its “resident fashionista”. Sydney model/blogger Mimi Elashiry is its Ambassador.

Three new names at Regional Arts Victoria

Amanda Gibson, Carolynne Hamdorf and Andrea Lane join Regional Arts Victoria as Creative Arts Recovery Facilitators for a year. Their roles are tosupport creative recovery in disaster affected communities, funded by a partnership with the Dept. of Human Services via Arts Victoria.

Kim Napier leaving radio

Kim Napier, one half of the Kim and Dave breakfast team with Dave Noonan at Heart 107.3 Hobart, has pulled the plug on a 20-year radio career. On December 19, she leaves the station, and radio, to return to Adelaide. She is replaced by Kylie Baxter (ex-ABC Hobart, Triple M, 2DAY FM, 92.9 Perth).

Paul Franklin returns to Shine Australia

After a 2 ½ year spell as EVP of Programming for Shine America, Paul Franklin returns to the production company’s Australian operations as Director of Content. Shine, which had huge success this year with the two-part INXS special, is working on a tele-drama on Aussie entertainer Peter Allen.

New face at Brett Oaten Solicitors

Eva Sweeney joins Sydney-based Brett Oaten Solicitors as Office Manager.

Hinks heads to Adelaide

Greg Hinks will anchor the MIX 102.3 Adelaide breakfast program in 2015. He is currently heard on 97.3 Brisbane.

Helen O’Neill joins Copyright Agency

Journalist and author Helen O'Neill joins the Copyright Agency board, replacing children's author Libby Gleeson.