On The Dial: iHeartRadio Music Festival; Changes at NZME; The future of the ABC; Top 10 PD’s in Australian Metro FM Radio
iHeartRadio Music Festival: Vegas
It’s the fifth year of the iconic iHeartRadio Music Festival in Vegas andthe line-up has been announced for the weekend-long concertevent in September.
Take your pick from Kanye West, Sam Smith, The Who, Coldplay, Demi Lovato, David Guetta, Lil Wayne, Fall Out Boy, Hozier, Jason Derulo, Duran Duran, Trey Songz, The Killers and heaps more all ready to hit the iHeartRadio Music Festival Stage
Here IHeartRadio Australia will have exclusive tickets to the two huge nights of music and the Daytime Village event to give away to Aussie fans. Though ARN is not giving away deets just yet.
The weekend-long concert event will kick off Friday evening, September 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena with host Ryan Seacrest.
New role for Dallas Gurney & Steve Kyte joins NZME
NZME has announced Dallas Gurney has been appointed to a new Group level role, focussed on growing commercial branded content, content solutions, PR and communications services for clients.
Dallas has been at the helm of Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport for over five years, spearheading ZB’s ratings dominance as well as a rejuvenation of Radio Sport.
"When you take on ZB you are part of history and creating the future every day. I'm incredibly excited about this new role, leading a division that is all about growing clients businesses through great content. It's creative, it's all about relationships and it's everything I've wanted my next step to be”, said Dallas.
With his move mid-August, NZME has also announced Steve Kyte as the new General Manager Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport. Steve is Walkley Award winning journalist and media executive with more than 20 years expertise in radio, television, online production and management internationally. Kyte has helped launch and transform some of the world's leading radio brands, including BBC Radio 5 Live, London's LBC and ABC Radio in Australia.
The future of the ABC
Michael Mason is the Director of Radio with the ABC. He’s also Jon Faine’s boss. Jon had Michael on his morning show on ABC 774 Melbourne. Jon didn’t hold back in asking Michael Mason the tough questions on the future of ABC Radio.
“The ABC should only do on radio for instance, classical music, news radio and radio national – high brow stuff that you can’t get anywhere else and stop replicating or duplicating what commercial operators are already providing. …” asked Jon.
They talked and defined the role of radio in 2015, the ABC and where it is heading in the next five to ten years. The question is even asked about privatising triple j. It’s worth a listen below.
The Top 10 Most Influential Program Directors in Australian Metro FM Radio
By Brad March
"It's all about the content. Without great, compelling content, radio will lose the battle for the ear of the listener “
The Program Director or Content Director’s role is arguably the most important role in radio stations in competitive markets.
Program Directors are responsible for the ‘sound’ of a radio station. The music, breakfast and drive shows, announcers, imaging/production, social media, execution of promotions, implementation of network shows and execution of sales promotions. You have to be able to multi-task more than ever before.
Their performance is largely measured on ratings performance.
These highly respected individuals program some of the most brilliant sounding radio stations in Australia.
Producing this list isn't easy as the role varies from station to station, network to network. What makes a great Content Director? They have to be strategic, operational, creative, good executives, courageous and strong leaders.
It's a pivotal role and the stations success or otherwise largely depends on their ability, drive, skills, experience and influence.
JOBS
The Capital Radio Network have a vacancy for a Producer in Canberra.
4BC in Brisbane has a vacancy for a News Journalist.
Grant Broadcasters are looking for a Creative Writer / On Air Personality in Port Pirie.
7HO has a vacancy for a Promotions Manager.
Macquarie Radio Network has a vacancy for a Broadcast Technician based in Brisbane.
Grant Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Broadcast Engineer based in Cairns.
ABC Local Radio are looking for 2 Local Content Managers, one in Sydney and one in Melbourne.
Geelong Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Journalist/Newsreader on a 12 month contract.
Macquarie Radio Network has a vacancy for a Promotions Assistant based in Brisbane.
7XS has a vacancy for a Breakfast Announcer.