News October 27, 2015

On The Dial: KIIS Melbourne on-air in 2015; Murphy heads to Triple M; Fitzpatrick on Triple M’s Drive

Confirmed: KIIS Melbourne on-air in 2015

In news that will surprise nobody, ARN has confirmed that it will relaunch the struggling Mix 101.1 Melbourne as KIIS 101.1 in 2015. They have also confirmed Hughesy & Kate will take over the national Drive show on the network.

National Content Director Duncan Campbell has said: “Hughesy & Kate are brilliant radio talent who have enjoyed great success, and audiences in Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide are going to love their new drive show, while Hughesy & Kate’s loyal fan base in Melbourne will get to hear them on a fresh, new station next year.”

ARN’s Chief Executive Ciaran Davis commented: “It’s no secret that at ARN we continue to attract and retain Australia’s best talent. We have the two best breakfast shows in Sydney with Kyle & Jackie O on KIIS 1065 and Jonesy & Amanda on WS FM101.7 and the number one breakfast shows in Brisbane and Adelaide.

“We now have our sights set on extending the success of our Breakfast shows to the Drive slot nationally from January 2015.”

Sean Craig Murphy heads to Triple M

Southern Cross Austereo has announced this afternoon that long-time Adelaide broadcaster Sean Craig Murphy will move from his current Drive slot on Mix Adelaide to Triple M in 2015. Murphy will return to Triple M as Assistant Content Director and Creative Content Specialist.

SCA have said this afternoon; “Sean brings over 30 years experience in radio, across many areas, most recently as the number one drive show announcer at our nemesis across the other side of town.”

Mike Fitzpatrick on Triple M’s Drive network

Triple M has announced the return of Merrick Watts to the fold. Mez will be one part of the new Triple M drive team for 2015. Outside breakfast, Drive is the next battle ground for each network.

Some have had stability for a while, others like SCA have had new teams in play this year and the reset button has been pushed for 2015. But how different will the new offering be?

In part i, we talk to Triple M Group Content Director Mike Fitzpatrick about what’s installed for drive on the network. How they will defend their hill and a few other bits along the way.

Starpower – Who Is Going To Win The Great Drive Battle of 2015?

by Brad March

The lineups for the FM drive shows have now been released. FM drive has never been as competitive as it will be next year; Hamish & Andy, Hughesy & Kate, Marty Tim & Kate, Merrick & ( probably ) Paul Murray. And on AM in Sydney you have the formidable Ben Fordham and in Melbourne Tom Elliot, with an as yet unnamed new Drive show on Triple J.

The FM shows that have been announced all consist of brilliant A grade talent, they are strong, proven combinations and strong brands in their respective markets, and nationally.

The signing of Hughesy and Kate is another coup for ARN, and one which will certainly help the newly branded KIIS power in the ratings next year. Furthermore, should KIIS Melbourne secure a strong Breakfast lineup, it would be likely to lead to the station being #1 FM in that market. It is hard to predict which drive show will win, and in fact it is likely to vary market to market.

JOBS

Snow FM & 2XL in the Snowy Mountains have a vacancy for an Announcer/Producer.

Wave FM in Wollongong has a vacancy for a Radio Journalist.

Fairfax Radio Network has a vacancy for a News Director for 4BC and Magic 882 in Brisbane.

SCA has a vacancy for an Announcer at Coffs Harbour.

River 94.9 FM in Ipswich has a vacancy for a Sales Coordinator.

ARN are looking for a Group Content Director for Canberra FM.

Mix 102.3 in Adelaide has a vacancy for a Breakfast Anchor.

Sunshine Coast Hot 91.1 and Zinc 96.1 has a vacancy for a Content Director and Announcer.

Zinc and 4MK Mackay are looking for a Promotions Administration Superstar.

2UE has a vacancy for an Integration Manager.

3AW and Magic 1278 have a vacancy for a Direct Sales Manager based in Melbourne.