Source Adelaide Advertiser  Article by ALEXANDRA TREDREA

AUSTRALIAN Radio Network Adelaide general manager George Fiacchi admits 2008 will be a tough year after the defection of his top-rating breakfast team.

But it would be no different to the challenges faced every year, the boss of ARN's two Adelaide stations - MIX 102.3FM and Cruise 1323Am - said.

He played down the impact of the departure of presenters Kym Dillon, Ali Carle and Chris Dzelde from Mix 102.3 to rival FM station Triple M.

``Yes, the breakfast team did really well over four years but we have always been a music-focused radio station,'' Mr Fiacchi said.

``When you are the market leader everyone is trying to attack you.

``We have just seen the classic example of people poaching staff and trying to destabilise us.''
In the last radio ratings survey, Mix received 14.6 per cent market share and Cruise had 7.3 per cent.

Both stations were ``adult contemporary'', targeting the 25 to 54 demographic.
``We research (our listeners) and find out what they want and we really don't try to attract the teenagers,'' he said.

``Our dual strategy of having an FM station playing contemporary music and an AM station playing classic hits has proved a winner with listeners and advertisers.

``I cannot believe the amount of positive feedback that Cruise has received. It has only been on for two years and people are actually streaming it (online) from around the country and around the world.''

After his first year as general manager of ARN Adelaide, Mr Fiacchi said his goal was to maintain growth for both stations.

``At the moment we face the same challenges all businesses face such as trying to attract good staff and retain good staff,'' he said.

He said the new Mix 102.3 breakfast team of Jason ``Snowy'' Carter, John Riddell and Jodie Blewett were a great fit for the station.

``We are really happy with the way the team has gelled together in such a short time,'' he said.

``They are well-informed about what's happening in Adelaide and are genuine people who are chatty and great fun to be around.''

Source Adelaide Advertiser  Article by ALEXANDRA TREDREA