On The Dial: November 7
Changes in the air for Regional Radio?
The days of AM radio in some regional markets may be over. ACMA is pushing ahead with the proposal of AM to FM conversions for commercial services in six single commercial license areas. But the first hurdle will be a public consultation.
“Previously the ACMA and its predecessors have only considered AM–FM conversion of commercial radio broadcasting services in very exceptional circumstances”’said ACMA acting Chairman, Richard Bean.“The ACMA’s revised approach has been developed in response to a request by the Minister for Communications to prioritise planning for AM-FM conversions in certain smaller regional radio markets where reasons to hold back do not apply.
“While there is still an important place for AM transmitters in Australia—for example for the provision of wide coverage services—FM has the potential to deliver a range of benefits including improved audio quality, reduced signal interference and lower costs.”
The move came after Commercial Radio Australia approached the Commination’s Minister back in early 2015 with the proposal to convert AM services to FM in selected regional solus markets – in which there are no separately-owned FM commercial stations, against which the converted licences might receive an unfair advantage.
Commercial Radio Australia, chief executive officer, Joan Warner said: “These are solus markets with one commercial operator where difficulties with AM transmission have prevented the operator from offering an optimum service. A conversion to FM will address that. Regional broadcasters choosing to convert in some markets see this as an interim step while policy issues are resolved and planning is underway for DAB+ rollout to regional Australia.”
Right now the Australian Communications and Media Authority is seeking public comment on a proposal to revise its approach to considering requests for AM–FM conversion. The proposed revised approach is contained in theA new approach toAM-FM conversions and in-fill transmitters for commercial radio broadcasting servicesconsultation paper.
ACMA is also consulting on AM-FMconversion proposalsin Exmouth, Paraburdoo, Karratha, Tom Price and Port Hedland in Western Australia and in Broken Hill, NSW.
Bradley heads to the Gold Coast
Hot Tomato on the Gold Coast has announced that Dan Bradley will assume the role of Content Director with the station, replacing Brad McNally who has resigned due to illness.
Bradley has consulted Hot Tomato for the past 4 years, working with the two previous Content Directors.
During that time the station has seen strong ratings growth, including reaching the #1 overall position for 3 consecutive surveys through 2015.
Hot Tomato Chairman Hans Torv, says:
“We are very pleased to welcome Dan to the role. We have had an immensely successful working relationship with him, he knows this market, he knows our business, he knows our people and we know his skills and experience are a good fit and will be a great benefit on the road ahead.”
Hans TorvDan Bradley commented:“Hot Tomato is an exceptional radio station, with a fantastic team and an enviable culture. I am excited about the potential for the brand in 2017, and look forward to what we will achieve.”
Bradley is the founder and a director of Kaizen Media, has worked at Group Program Director level, and has multi-format experience in numerous international territories including Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
He is one of the founding programmers of the Nova FM network, and was the foundation programmer of Melbourne’s Nova 100 leading that station to the #1 overall ranking in its second survey.
More recently, whilst consulting various radio stations (including Hot Tomato), Bradley has programmed New Zealand’s iconic alternative radio station “Radio Hauraki” for NZME.
He will take up the Gold Coast role full time in early 2017.
Ciara McGuigan is the new Chief Financial Officer for MediaWorks in New Zealand.
Ciara will oversee financial operations across the group’s television, radio and digital assets. MediaWorks Group CEO Michael Anderson said: “We are thrilled to have Ciara join our executive team. Her leadership skills and financial acumen are world-class, and her experience comes at a time of great opportunity for the business. I have no doubt Ciara will play a key part in our success.”
Ciara said:“MediaWorks is a fantastic New Zealand company with a highly capable team and a strong set of assets. I am excited to join Michael and the team when we have such an exciting future ahead of us – I look forward to being a part of it.”
Ciara brings 20 years of international finance management experience across the telecommunications and retail sectors in the UK, Ireland and New Zealand.
Prior to joining MediaWorks, Ciara worked for Vodafone for nine years, most recently as Chief Financial Officer for Vodafone New Zealand having joined the NZ team in 2013. Prior to her CFO role, Ciara was Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in NZ. Ciara will join MediaWorks in February 2017.
Serving 440k, the second largest city in the state and right on Melbourne’s doorstep; Geelong is the 23rdradio survey this year. The market is served by Grant Broadcasters Bay 93.9 and K Rock.
Here’s a snapshot of results released by Commercial Radio Australia from the survey conducted by Xtra Insights.
- Krock dominates 25-39’s, while level pegging with triple j in 18-24’s
- Bay FM leads 40-54’s and pulls seond spot in 25-39’s
- Combined reach 10+ of the market for Krock and Bay FM is an 18.5%.
- The 774 ABC Melboure comes home 55-65+ and leads ten plus.
Fresh 92.7’s Breakfast team of Ben & Liam are set to leave the station.
“Leaving Fresh 92.7 is extremely bittersweeT,t said Ben.”Sweet because Liam and I have gained the skills and knowledge needed to progress to the next step in our careers. Bitter because we’re leaving a radio station that’s given us so much”
Liam continued,“We would both like to personally thank everyone whose played a part in our journey at Fresh. The amazing staff, membership and the listeners! Without your support, we would have never been able to accomplish what we set out to do, and that quite simply was to entertain the people of Adelaide, every morning”
Fresh 92.7 General Manager Troy Sincock said: “We’re excited about the young talent we’re developing, and ideally we’d like the station to become the breeding ground that feeds the media industry across the country.
“More volunteer workers have won jobs in this field in the past 3 years than the 15 years prior, so we’re definitely doing something right. We’re ecstatic to see Ben and Liam taking the next step in their career and we look forward to providing similar opportunities for the next wave of Adelaide talent.”
Ben and Liam’s last day on Fresh 927 breakfast will be Friday December 2. No word yet on where the team is heading at this stage.
JOBS
Nova Entertainment has a vacancy for a Senior Campaign Development Manager. Brisbane.
SCA has a vacancy for an Announcer – Bendigo.
SCA has a vacancy for an Announcer. – Narrogin W.A.
Adelaide’s Fresh 92.7 is looking for a new Breakfast Announcer/Show.
Nova Entertainment has a vacancy for an Integration Project Manager – Sydney.
96.5 Wave FM has a vacancy for an On-Air Personality / Allrounder.
SCA has a vacancy for a Media Sales Executive – Gold Coast.
SCA has a vacancy for a Casual Announcer – Sydney.
C91.3 FM has a vacancy for a Casual Radio Journalist.
Nova Entertainment has a vacancy for a Junior Creative Writer – Brisbane.
K Rock and Bay FM are looking for a Journalist / Newsreader.
SCA has a vacancy for a Technology Engineer.-
i98 FM has a vacancy for a Casual Announcer.
SCA has a vacancy for an Announcer – Bendigo.
Grant Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Journalist / Newsreader. – Sunshine Coast
Nova has a vacancy for a Client Implementation Manager – Sydney.
Nova Entertainment has a vacancy for a Direct Client Executive – Sydney.
Macquarie Media has a vacancy for a Panel Operator, Nights with Steve Price – Sydney.
Tasmanian Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Talkback Producer.
Grant Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Digital Content Manager – Geelong.
Jobs
