Musical Chairs: Spotify’s Ken Parks exiting; Movement at KIIS; CBAA’s Content Services Manager departing; Changes at 96FM; ITV Studios loses MD

Spotify's Ken Parks exiting

Spotify’s Chief Content Officer Ken Parks leaves in October to join video start up Pluto TV as Executive Chairman. Pluto TV raised $13 million in venture capital, and offering video content from traditional media and online companies.

“I believe Pluto TV has an enormous opportunity to define the future of television and online video,” Parks said. “The timing is perfect for Pluto TV to reach massive global scale and become one of the premier consumer video platforms in the world.”

Parks is replaced by Chief Strategy Officer Stefan Blom. Parks, the one-time music entertainment lawyer was Spotify’s first US employee and will remain a consultant to Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek.

Movements at KIIS

Australian Radio Network promoted Oscar Gordon to Executive Digital Content Producer for both KIIS 1065 Sydney and KIIS 101.1 Melbourne. He joined from Southern Cross Austereo in December 2014 working with Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O.

Tommy Jackett begins as Digital Content Producer for The Matt & Jane Show on KIIS 101 on August 17.

CBAA’s Content Services Manager departing

Seth Jordan finishes a three-year tenure as the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA)’s Content Services Manager tomorrow (Thursday 13th). He managed, operated and developed the CBAA’s national program network services, including the Community Radio Network, which distributes over 100 shows from around to the country for stations to augment their own programming.

New Head of Programs and Services, Chris Johnson, will continue to oversee Amrap and take a leadership role with CRN. CRN Operations Manager Martin Walters assumes day-to-day responsibility for its operation, and Dan Callaghan continues as CRN’s Technical Production Coordinator.

Bob Roback lands at Isolation

Bob Roback, former Head of Music at Yahoo, is CEO of INgrooves parent, Isolation Network. He replaces founder and CEO Robb McDaniels who resigned in December 2014.

Changes at 96FM

On the eve of a possible rebranding, Australian Radio Network confirmed Brad McNally, its PD for almost five years at 96FM Perth, has left. ARN said, “As part of our broader strategy to build on the existing success of 96FM we have reviewed the content structure, with a view to providing each of the individual areas within the local content team greater responsibility.”

The station has a new Content Manager/ Music Director in Wayne McClean while Geoff Watts heads to the role of Content and Marketing Specialist.

Sam Tyler appointed Acting Director of artsACT

Sam Tyler will serve as Acting Director of artsACT until October, whilst a permanent replacement is recruited. Tyler has been with artsACT for the past six years as Manager, Arts Policy. She recently developed the 2015 ACT Arts Policy and artsACT Strategic Plan, which will be implemented while she is Acting Director.

New chair for Melbourne Fringe

Chunky Moves founder, acclaimed director and choreographer Gideon Obarzanek is the new Chair of Melbourne Fringe. He will work closely with Creative Director and CEO Simon Abrahams. The Fringe runs from September 16 to October 4.

Rabbit heads to Central Coast

After three years doing mornings at Nova 96.9, Rabbit heads to the NSW Central Coast (based in Gosford) to join Star 104.5’s breakfast show with Craig Annis and Mandy Coolen from mid-August.

More waves crash at Tidal

The Jay-Z fronted Tidal loses another executive, with SVP of Artist and Label Relations Zena Burns quitting after two months. Taking over is Timothy Patrick Riley, Global Head of Music at Activision Blizzard gaming company.

ITV Studios loses MD

Production house ITV Studios Australia has lost Managing Director Anita Jacoby after two years. The highly respected Jacoby co-founded Zapruder’s Other Films with Andrew Denton to make Enough Rope With Andrew Denton and The Gruen Transfer and left after it merged with Cordell Jigsaw. She joined ITV in August 2013.

New Director for Prime Media

Regional broadcaster Prime Media brought in merger and acquisition specialist Mike Hill as a Director.

ABC’s Turnbull at dLux MediaArts

Former ABC digital staffer Amanda Turnbull takes over as Program Manager at dLux MediaArts after Alexia Estrellado left to tale over as Community Connector at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence.

Pete Gately fronts comedy channel

Digital Emmy-winning producer Pete Gately will front Sydney’s Little Birdie Studios’ new comedy initiative. It is a branded social and video content service based around a comedy channel called At The Internet.

Tonic PR launches

Allira Carroll left Savannah PR to set up lifestyle Tonic PR, aimed at the food, drink and travel sector. She is joined by former Ninemsn entertainment producer and Bauer Media features writer Carmarlena Murdaca.