On The Dial: The Craig Bruce Interview; Blackers gone from 96FM; Michael Mason talks triple j; Paul Jackson on smoothfm
The Craig Bruce Interview
When Craig Bruce resigned as Group CD, it brought to a close almost 30 years with Southern Cross Austereo. Radio Today’s Brad March sat down with Craig to get the last word on his time with the group. “What’s more important ? How you play the game or winning?” The Craig Bruce Interview. Been There Done That with Brad March
Blackers gone from 96FM
Last week was Ian Blackley’s last as part of the 96FM Breakfast show.
ARN have announced a restructuring of the show as part of their plans to re-launch 96FM later this year. With Ian's departure it will now be a duo "Carmen and Fitz.
An ARN Spokesperson said:“As part of a broader strategy to drive ratings growth, we have decided to reduce the number of key talent on the show from three to two which will result in Ian Blackley leaving the show as of today.
“The structure of the 96FM breakfast show going forward will be the duo of Carmen and Fitzi who have been on-air together on 96FM Breakfast for the past 4.5 years.
“We’d like to thank Ian for his contribution to 96FM over the past 3.5 years and wish him the very best for the future.”
Michael Mason on triple j: “Its whole credibility is built on doing things that others wouldn’t dream of doing”
The ABC is unique on many levels, not only does it operate five radio network brands, it’s also part of every GfK Survey. But how seriously does it take survey and the results? We ask ABC Director of Radio Michael Mason that very question.
For the ABC’s triple j….. it’s not unusual to see it being number 1 in 25-39’s in multiple markets, or for that matter possibly even nationwide. Is that who they target? We ask Michael what sets it apart from commercial offerings.
“It’s whole credibility is built on doing things that others wouldn’t dream of doing”,said Michael.
And when it comes to ABC Local Radio, what are some of the challenges it faces against its commercial counterparts and more, what does it do differently as well?
“Our challenge is to keep people listening longer”, said Michael.
Paul Jackson on smooth: “It’s in a clear blue space away from everyone else….”
It took just over 3 years but Nova Entertainment’s smooth fm went #1 FM for the first time in Sydney and did it in style. We spoke to Paul Jackson about the smooth results and what in Paul’s words “is driving the others crazy?” with the brand? Can they do the same with smooth in Melbourne?
But it wasn’t all plan sailing for NE. We talk about Nova Network, in particular Nova 969 Sydney and Nova 100 Melbourne. “There is a lot of hard work to be done.. clearly”, said Paul. “Everything starts and ends at breakfast.”
Moffs going to Coffs
Michael “Moffee” Moffett is again heading a little further North.
Moffee is joining Southern Cross Austereo as CD for 2CS and Star FM in Coffs Harbour.
He told Radio Today: “It's exciting to be joining another great team of people who love what we do”.
Michael will also be covering breakfast on 2CS.
2015 CBAA Awards Finalists
Community radio’s peak body the CBAA has announced the finalists for their 2015 Awards. The annual CBAA Conference and Gala Dinner are the premiere events on the community broadcasting calendar and are set for later this year in November in Terrigal on the Central Coast. The CBAA Awards exist to promote excellence and celebrate the success the people and stations in their programs, initiatives or practices.
CBAA Chief Executive Officer Jon Bisset said:“This year saw some significant changes to the awards with renewed criteria, a simplified entry and judging system and a significantly enlarged number of judges. The result has seen the Awards receive a record number of entries judged by almost 100 expert individuals from the community broadcasting sector and beyond.”
SCA record $284m loss following writedowns
Southern Cross Austereo has an 18.6% decline in Net Profit after Tax (excluding significant items) of $64.8m, however including significant items, the company reported a post-tax net loss of $284.9m.
The loss is 'on paper' and follows write-downs on the book value of the metropolitan and regional assets of $361m, perhaps not an unexpected move with a new CEO and Chairman as they look to reset the business.
CEO Grant Blackley said:“The full year FY 2015 results reflect a weaker television advertising market and a reduced, but stabilised metro radio market share.
Whilst the financial results have been disappointing, I am excited by the opportunities that the Group presents and have begun implementing a number of strategic and operational initiatives that are focussed not only on delivering short term improvements in financial performance, but positioning Southern Cross Austereo for long term success”.
JOBS
2Day FM is looking for an Announcer / Operations Support.
SCA has a vacancy for a Breakfast Announcer in Rockhampton.
6PR is looking for a Casual Journalist
Grant Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Journalist and Breakfast Co-Host in the Riverland of SA.
2ST and 94.9 Power FM are looking for a Program and Content Director.
6PR has a vacancy for a Casual Producer
7HO FM are looking for a Sales Manager.
Grant Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Client Manager on the Sunshine Coast.
SCA has a vacancy for a Commercial Scheduler in Sydney.
SCA are looking for an Assistant Content Director in Albury across Star FM and The River.
Tasmanian Broadcasters has a vacancy for a Producer based in Launceston.