The impact of the Internet, cross media ownership and what radio will sound and look like in 2010 are some of the hot topics that will be discussed when the commercial radio industry gathers in Sydney next month for its annual national conference and awards. 


There will also be a number of panel discussions, including one featuring financial analysts who will discuss the revenue outlook for radio and media, and another that will fast forward to 2010, exploring future roles and relationships between radio and the Internet.  There will also be a panel examining digital radio developments featuring experts in multimedia content and technology.


A range of international speakers will address the conference, including:


* comic genius John Cleese, who will give the key note speech about his early days in radio, his experience in advertising and his views on creativity in life, drawing on a 42-year career spanning radio, films, TV and advertising


* Graeme Samuel, chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, will discuss the future of media in Australia as a result of changes to media laws and the ACCC’s role in facilitating digital radio


* Milan Rokic, Asia Pacific Marketing Director of Cirque du Soleil, will talk about balancing creativity and the business side of managing a unique global entertainment brand


* Tasmanian-born Dirk Anthony, Group Program Director at Gcap Media, formed in 2005 from the merger of the UK’s two biggest radio companies, GWR and Capital, will talk about how to find and keep good on-air talent


*  Jim Cook, Senior Vice President of Creative at Clear Channel Radio, which operates 1200 radio stations reaching 100 million listeners across the US each week, will discuss how to engage listeners in an over-communicated world


* California-based Dennis Clark, who produces Ryan Seacrest’s KIIS FM radio program and spent 10 years working for the legendary Rick Dees, will talk about successful breakfast radio


* The imaging producer for Howard Stern’s satellite radio channels in the US, Jeff Thomas, will join a discussion panel on what makes great audio imaging and promotions


* Chris Lytle, the author of the business best seller, The Accidental Salesperson, which has been published in English, Mandarin, Korean and Spanish, will offer up-to-the-minute practical strategies and tools for advertising, marketing, sales and management.


* Paul Gardner, chairman of Grey Global Group Australia, will present latest insights on communications and the media from the annual Eye on Australia study into consumer attitudes to life and brands.


There will also be a number of panel discussions, including one featuring financial analysts who will discuss the revenue outlook for radio and media, and another that will fast forward to 2010, exploring future roles and relationships between radio and the Internet.  There will also be a panel examining digital radio developments featuring experts in multimedia content and technology.


This year’s Australian Radio Conference will be held at the Crystal Palace Conference Centre at Luna Park in Sydney on Friday, 13 October and is expected to attract over 400 people.  Tickets can be booked now.


Media contact: Judy Shaw. Ph: 0418 415 965
 


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