On The Dial: Fairfax/MRN merger talks collapse, PNW, SCA and Macquarie report financials
Fairfax/MRN merger talks collapse
A Fairfax Radio merger with the Macquarie Radio Network (MRN) is now off the table again.
Talks have collapsed because 2GB (MRN) stars Alan Jones and Ray Hadley were not prepared to be part of the deal; this was apparently a key factor of any possible merger.
The reason for their reluctance is that a merger would have been a joint venture managed by Fairfax; last year Macquarie had agreed that Fairfax should hold a majority stake, and operate the joint venture.
Given Macquarie operates two metropolitan stations, and Fairfax operates seven, this was an understandable concession.
However, it was not acceptable to Jones and Hadley, who were not prepared to fall under the control of Fairfax, and despite last minute efforts to structure a deal that worked for them, negotiations have now collapsed.
TRFM reveal new 2014 breakfast show
In November we revealed that TRFM Traralgon had dropped their breakfast lineup of Bryce & Tulles.
Since then, breakfast was being covered by Dan Robinson (former host of Ace Radio’s The Drop Zone), Kaycee and Big Brother contestant Mikkayla Mossop.
Mat Cummins has told Radio Today that their 2014 breakfast show will star Kosi, Mikkayla and Dan.
The ’Kosi’ element is footballer Justin Koschitzke, who played 200 games for St Kilda.
SEN drives profit growth for Pacific Star
The Pacific Star Network (PNW) is the latest listed media company to release their results to the market. PNW operates SEN and MyMP; two AM radio stations in Melbourne, and Inside Football magazine.
PNW has announced that in the last six months of 2013, it recorded EBITDA of $0.99m: an improvement of 31%. Revenue remains flat at $7.7m, whilst expenses fell 3.4%.
Macquarie report financials
Reporting season continues for the publicly listed media companies, with the Macquarie Radio Network (MRN) releasing its financial results for the last half of 2013.
Whilst the Sydney radio market improved by 2.6%, MRN’s share of revenue in Sydney decreased to 22.8% (down 0.7%), resulting in an overall revenue performance of $29.4m, down 7% on pcp.
However, underlying EBITDA improved by 10% on pcp to $6.4m, with underlying NPAT improving by 31% to $3.8m.
Earnings soften for Fairfax Radio
Fairfax Media has released its financial results for the last half of 2013, with the results showing the radio division suffering a slight decline on the previous calendar period (pcp).
Whilst the overall metropolitan radio market grew by 2.8%, Fairfax Radio’s softened slightly. The radio division has reported revenue of $54.5m, down 1.1% on pcp, and EBITDA of $9.2m, down 9.6% on pcp.
SCA release half-year report
Southern Cross Austereo have also announced its financial results for the last half of 2013.
CEO, Rhys Holleran, announced that the reported net profit of the Group had improved 1.8% to a reported NPAT of $45.9 million.
Glenn Shorrock returns to breakfast radio
Aussie music icon Glenn Shorrock has returned to breakfast radio in Sydney and will join Ian MacRae on 2CH.
Read our interview with Glenn, who also gives his opinion of the recent INXS TV special.
Classic FM presenters have music made from their DNA
ABC Classic FM have partnered with Eardrum Creative Director Ralph van Dijk to create musical compositions based on the DNA of the radio presenters.
Using their genetic attributes and musical influences, composer Bruce Heald has selected notes to create scores.
The station will broadcast these original scores, performed by the Australian Chamber Orchestra, in the coming weeks.
Hadley off air for at least a week
Ray Hadley won’t be heard on 2GB mornings this week, and potentially for longer, as he takes some time to work through marital issues with his wife of 20 years, Suzanne. She sought an apprehended violence order (AVO) application against Hadley and his son during the week, only to withdraw it 24 hours later.
The couple released a statement late on Friday saying that, after 20 years of marriage, they were “going through a difficult time.”
“They are working together amicably and privately to resolve matters between them and to ensure that those affected, in particular their children, suffer as little as possible.”
MOVES
Tony Wilkinson has been appointed to the role of Sydney Sales Director for 2UE and the Fairfax Radio Network.
Mixx 106.3 Colac announcer Ben Rogers has resigned and plans to leave radio.
Power FM Nowra breakfast host Chris Sewell is moving to Wave FM Wollongong to be a workday announcer and image producer.
JOBS
Power FM on the NSW South Coast has a vacancy for a Breakfast Announcer.
Southern Cross Austereo are looking for an Executive Digital Producer for the Today Network, based in Melbourne.
Southern Cross Austereo are looking for an Executive Digital Producer – Social Media, based in Melbourne.
The Macquarie Radio Network are looking for a Senior Account Manager (Agency) in Sydney.
ARN has a vacancy for an Agency Account Director based in Brisbane.
ARN has a vacancy for a Creative Writer based in Brisbane.
Nova 96.9 in Sydney are looking for an Integration Project Manager for Fitzy and Wippa.
Capital Radio Canberra has a vacancy for an All-Rounder.
Grant Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Broadcast Engineer based in Wollongong.
SCA has a vacancy for a Video Content Producer based in Sydney.
River 94.9 FM has a vacancy for an Account Manager
ARN has a vacancy for a Network Integration Specialist based in Melbourne
SCA has a vacancy for a Content Director based in Rockhampton
DMG Radio has a vacancy for a Music Marketing Director based in Sydney
RadioTAB has a role available for a Broadcast Engineer based in Brisbane
4AM Mareeba in FNQ are looking for a Breakfast Announcer
Nova 100 in Melbourne are looking for Casual Announcers
Light FM has a vacancy for an Audio and Production Engineer based in Melbourne