Singo sells Fairfax shares, turns attention to Prime; 2REM in code breach; Nova targets further growth
Singleton sells Fairfax shareholding, turns his attention to Prime
In the clearest signal yet that a potential merger between Macquarie and Fairfax Radio is now officially dead, John Singleton and Mark Carnegie have sold their shareholdings in Fairfax Media.
The two held a small parcel of of Fairfax shares (0.15%) which they acquired through their investment vehicle Gutenberg last year for 47cps.
The shareholding was sold on market at 94cps on Friday, giving them a profit of around $1.5m on the investment.
Following this public falling out, Singleton has turned his attention to the Prime Media Group.
Singleton has told Fairfax newspapers that he is “very interested” in Prime Media, who have long been regarded as a takeover target should the ’reach’ rules be relaxed.
2REM in code breach over “I’m a wanker” song
2REM, a community station in Albury-Wondonga, has been found in breach by the ACMA for playing a song named I’m A Wanker on a Sunday afternoon and then not handling a listener complaint properly.
A grandmother who was listening to the station with her grandchildren said: “The eldest aged eight came and asked what a ‘wanker’ was and also asked how do you play ‘pud’, can we have a game? Upon completion of the offensive song the announcer made the comment along the lines ‘and I don’t want to hear any complaints; we are all grown up’”.
Nova’s Kate Ritchie pregnant
Nova’s drive host Kate Ritchie has announced that she is pregnant, stating: “It is with great excitement that Stuart and I announce we are expecting our first child. We can assure you any secrecy up to this moment has been nothing more than us protecting what is most sacred – a new life that was far from reaching its 12-week milestone.
“Thank you to all who have respected our privacy over these past weeks allowing us the privilege every couple deserves – to share the wonderful news ourselves.
“It really is such a special time for us and we couldn’t be happier! KR x”
Fifi & Dave start Tram Jam
In what will most probably be an ongoing campaign, Sony Music artist Kim Cesarion was the first artist to perform on Fifi & Dave’s Tram Jam for Fox FM.
Mathison denies ruining radio program
It was 4.30am earlier last week when a national TV personality called 2GB’s Brian Wilshire to talk about the Federal Government’s asylum seeker policy.
It was Wake Up! TV host James Mathison, who had changed his name to Gerard.
On Friday, James joined the panel on Studio 10 where former talkback host Jason Morrison had a go at him about why he called up as Gerard, and not himself and argued he rang in to “try and ruin someone’s radio program” and he was “taking the piss”.
Kate DeAraugo to host Sea FM breakfast show
BarRat from Sea FM on the Sunshine Coast is getting a new co-host, but only for a couple of months.
Singer Kate DeAraugo, who won Australian Idol in 2005 and was then part of the Young Divas, will fill in for Jess Eva while she is on maternity leave.
Kate will start tomorrow, with the show being called BarRat & Jess with Kate DeAraugo.
Triple M launch new Sunday footy show
Triple M Sydney will launch a new Sunday afternoon radio show called ’Sunday Triple M NRL’ in time for the start of the NRL season.
Hosted by Breakfast host Matty Johns, along with journalist Paul Kent and former Kangaroo Gorden Tallis, the show will be interview and content based, and will feature no music.
ARN take Mix & 97.3 to market
ARN has launched a new marketing campaign for Mix Melbourne, and 97.3 in Brisbane.
The positioning for the campaign in Melbourne is ’Music That Moves You’, and features Chrissie Swan and Jane Hall, whilst the 97.3 Brisbane campaign is themed ’Get Happy’, and features Robin Bailey, Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher.
Nova Entertainment target further growth
Following on from the announcement that dmg Radio Australia has changed its name to Nova Entertainment, CEO Cathy O’Connor has spoken about their growth and what the network are targeting in the future.
She says Nova Entertainment is targeting a 25% jump in operating earnings by 2015, driven by strong organic growth. It is believed they are on track to post EBITDA of $50m-$60m next year. This compared to EBITDA of $40m for the 12 months ending September 2013.
Local #Sheplife rapper takes over Star FM
Tommy & Candy do breakfast on Star FM in Shepparton. After finding out something new about the town, they wanted to learn more so started a #shepplife meme.
Little did they know that local rapper Briggs had released an album called ’ShepLife’ and took the breakfast duo to task. His fans also had something to say.
The challenge was set for a rap battle. While Tommy & Candy got help from their listeners to help write their rap, Briggs didn’t need any help to win the challenge.
MOVES
Andy Wells has left MCM Media after 15 years as an audio producer. The role is being relocated to Sydney but he chose to stay in Melbourne, so finished up.
Danika Johnston is MCM Media’s new National Sales Director.
Jim Barbour has retired from Swinburne University and hence the industry.
JOBS
SCA has a vacancy for an Announcer / Content Assistant in Bunbury W.A.
ARN has a vacancy for a Broadcast Engineer based in Sydney on a six-month contract.
SCA has a vacancy for a Digital Content Producer based in Sydney.
SCA has a vacancy for a Digital Content Producer based in Melbourne.
MCM Media has a vacancy for an Audio Producer based in Sydney.
ARN has a vacancy for a Social Media Specialist based in Sydney or Melbourne.
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 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.
River 94.9 FM has a vacancy for an Account Manager
ARN has a vacancy for a Network Integration Specialist based in Melbourne
4AM Mareeba in FNQ are looking for a Breakfast Announcer
The Music Network has a vacancy for a Music Media Sales Professional
Jobs
