KG and The General

Recently replaced Fiveaa drive co-host Ken "KG" Cunningham will host an internet based Sports show with Phil Smyth that will go head to head with Fiveaa's program. Related item Adelaide Advertiser

Sea change!

Kim Geale and Dave Noonan have quit their long running breakfast gig at Sea FM Hobart in search of new challenges.
"We both need some time out," said Noonan, who has been working for the radio station for 14 years.
"And we need to sleep," added Geale, who gets up at 4.20am every day ready to be on air at 5.30am.
"We've been together for eight years but it's been a big year and it's time for some changes. Related item here Hobart Mercury

Banned radio presenter angry over arrest

The board of Wollongong community radio station VOX FM says it still supports the program Struggle Street, despite taking its presenter Paul Matters off the air.

Mr Matters is one of up to four presenters at the New South Wales south coast station, who have been told not to return, but their ban is subject to an appeal.

He says he is considering charging police for illegal detention, pending a review of footage taken of his arrest.



Mr Matters says the cameraman, a local community activist, was told by police to turn his camera off.

"I'm checking the law on that, that is another serious attack on free speech and it seems to me that some senior police in Wollongong are very politically partisan," he said.

"Basically they have four police cars there with a police inspector, a sergeant and a number of other police which just indicates how political the whole thing now is."

SOURCE ABC

Kev drives you home in 2009

Kevin Mulchay joins the Adelaide's Triple M lineup in a fulltime capacity from January 27.

As he has demonstrated in a casual capacity over the past 12 months, Kev brings a wealth of talent, local knowledge, tremendous music knowledge, plus many years of experience which will further give Triple M's drive show a true point of difference 3-7pm.

Kevin also gets to straps on the coaches cap and will Produce Triple M Footy next season.

New Nova drive team announced

DMG's Nova network have announced their new national drive team. From Monday January 19th Ryan, Monty and Wippa will drive you home across the entire Nova network. Ryan Shelton and Monty AKA Kate Dimond have both worked on Nova together before while Michael "Wippa" Wipfli has recently departed Perth's 92.9 breakfast.

Former Crow Rowe to replace KG

Stephen Rowe, a former Adelaide Crows footballer, will replace Ken "KG" Cunningham on Fiveaa's drive time sports show. From January 19 Rowe will join co-host Graham Cornes who was once couch of Rowe at the Adelaide Crows Football Club.

The Em and Sam Mac show on 92.9

Sam Mac will join Emelia Rusciano on Perth's 92.9 breakfast from early next year. Sam replaces Michael "Wippa" Wipfli who has left Perth to return to Melbourne. Also joining the pair in an extended role will be Basil Zempilas. Basil will be in the studio from 6.30 until 8.30 and will be very much part of the show however his main role will be sport reporting. Em and Sam previously worked together on radio in Adelaide.

Richard let mum know he loved her

Much has been spoken about Richard Marsland's sad and lonely death last Saturday. The much loved and respected radio and comedy star took his own life and was found in his car at Shiprock Falls in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges.

It has been revealed that Richard's final words to his mother around 8.30 Friday night prior to his death were those that he often ended his phone calls home to Adelaide, "I'm fine mum", and "I love ya, I love ya, I love ya".

Richard's family have also revealed that he had fought a long battle with depression and that he had attempted to take his own life around 10 years ago. Extensive counselling got Richard back on track however just 2 months ago he told his parents he felt lonely and alone. Related item from The Sunday Mail here
Feel you need to talk? LIFELINE on 131 114 or BEYONDBLUE on 1300 224 636

Fearless broadcaster Moore not Faine-hearted

Since July Ali Moore has guest hosted one of ABC local radio's premier morning radio programs. With a foreign posting in China and a decade of business reporting experience behind her, she has been standing in for Jon Faine as the Beijing Olympics and the biggest business story in decades unfolded. Full article

Nic gets the flick

One of the nice guys of radio was made redundant at Adelaide's Fiveaa yesterday. Program director Nic Nolan was informed Friday was to be his last day with the station. Nic who has been in radio for the best part of 35 years is sure to be snapped up and will no doubt surface again very soon.

KG final drive show at Fiveaa

Ken "KG" Cunningham presented his final drive program on Fiveaa today. Click on the following links to listen to KG's final show Part 1 2 3

Comedy duo hit bigtime: National breakfast radio gig

AFTER two years presenting their midnight to dawn show on Triple J, former Warrnambool comedians Tom Ballard and Alex Dyson are set to serve up weekend breakfast radio for listeners.

The pair has been working regular overnight shifts since making the leap to the national broadcaster from their

3WAY FM show.Ballard caught Triple J's attention with his performance at the station's Raw Comedy event. [link=http://www.standard.net.au/news/local/news/general/comedy-duo-hit-bigtime-national-breakfast-radio-gig/1384341.aspx?src=rss]More Warrnambool Standard[/link]

Emily gets Cage gig

Emily Jade O'Keefe will be part of 4MMM breakfast in 2009 it was anoounced today. Much hype surrounded the appointment with the station running "Ten Girls in Ten Days" trial to find who would fit best with the other members of The Cage.

CRA working with receiver manufacturers

Commercial Radio Australia is working with digital receiver manufacturers world-wide in a bid to ensure Australian radio listeners have an extensive range of digital receivers to choose from when the new DAB+ technology launches in May 2009.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner has recently returned from meetings with receiver manufacturers at a global DAB+ forum in Beijing and a digital radio summit in Tokyo attended by leading receiver manufacturers such as Sony, Panasonic and Pioneer, where she explained Australian digital radio would be launching with anything up to 30 channels per multiplex and extensive use of the new visual aspect of radio.




“Australian radio broadcasters going digital next year are planning to provide their listeners with a full range of digital services, including multi-media features from day one of the digital radio launch and we want listeners to have a great choice of well priced receivers to buy,” said Ms Warner.

To encourage receiver manufacturers to test and trial their products using DAB+, CRA has produced a comprehensive Ensemble Transport Interface (ETI) file that contains recorded material from the Australian digital radio trial that includes up to 32 channels, slide show images, Portable Network Graphic (PNG) logos and scrolling text.

This ETI file is being made available free of charge to receiver manufacturers all over the world to assist with the development of receivers that support the mix of audio and multimedia content that broadcasters will be likely to transmit when DAB+ digital radio launches in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane in May 2009.

In addition to the ETI file, CRA has also put together a DVD which demonstrates broadcaster commitment and retailer support for the Australian DAB+ launch. The DVD, targeting key receiver manufacturer decision makers is available in English, Japanese, Cantonese, Indonesian, Korean, Malay and Mandarin.

The DVD illustrates the progress of the digital radio rollout in Australia and highlights some of the radio industry’s plans for a comprehensive consumer marketing campaign.

“There are an estimated 50 million analogue radio receivers in Australia that we hope will be replaced over time by a new digital radio device. We want Australian listeners to tune in to the new free to air digital radio channels and ‘experience‘ the difference in the DAB+ digital technology,” said Ms Warner.

Receiver manufacturers are increasingly interested in supporting DAB+ as this is the standard already adopted in Australia, Switzerland, Malta and Hungary, to be launched in Germany and Italy in 2009 and likely to be the standard, in the Czech Republic, Malaysia China, much of Scandinavia and other European and Asian markets.

The following receiver manufacturers have formally advised that they will have DAB+ receivers available for Australia’s launch and others are working on product development –TEAC, Yamaha, Bush, Intempo, iRiver, PURE, Revo, Roberts Radio and Sangean.

For further information on digital radio in Australia visit: www.digitalradioplus.com.au

Radar Radio launch by Austereo

Austereo is launching the country’s first commercial digital station, which will focus on unearthing new music talent.

Austereo launched the station called Radar Radio at an event in Sydney.

The station will be available on the internet immediately, and to people who have digital receivers from next year - except in Darwin.

Austereo said it would have a heavy focus on Aussie acts and undiscovered artists.



Austereo chief executive Michael Anderson said it was “an incredibly exciting venture”.

“Not just for listeners, but for the hundreds of undiscovered bands in Australia yearning for airplay,” Mr Anderson said.

“Digital radio gives us the opportunity to have more tightly targeted brands, and Radar Radio really shows the potential of digital radio.”

Austereo, which owns popular stations like 2Day FM and Triple M, has had success with podcasting, but this goes a step further as it is the first commercial digital station.

Listeners will be able to see details of the artist as each song is being played.

The station won’t have any big name voices.

“This is probably the first commercial radio station in Australia that isn’t going to have marquee names like Kyle and Jackie O, or Myf Warhurst and Pete Helliar,” an Austereo statement said.

“We’ll be using voice talent from our own ranks and also some new voices to tell listeners on Radar Radio about the great songs they’re listening to and the artists behind them.”

Helmes launches National news in 2009.

Helmes Media Solutions have announced they will launch a national news service in 2009. They will be producing a 90 second bulletin 6am to 6pm ( Sydney time) from Monday the 19th of January.

The bulletin will include 60 seconds of national news and 30 seconds of national sport with short audio grabs included.

Delivery will be via email or ftp at 10 minutes to the hour.
To find out more drop by [link=http://www.helmes.com.au/index.html]Helmes home page[/link].

Clark moves shifts at 2GB.

Philip Clark will sign off for the final time on 2GB drive tomorrow afternoon and will move to evenings from January 19. Clark replaces Murray Wilton, who was recently ousted by the station, in the 7.00 -9.00pm slot.
Jason Morrison will present 2GB drive in 2009.Related item SMH

5KA from the time tunnel

Here is a classic TVC from former Adelaide station 5KA

Moves not over by a long shot, axe is sharp

Word reaches us that a major station has been more than toying with replacing a number of their current on air presenters . The axe will fall swiftly if the rumours are correct.

Ed for breakfast?

It looks like Ed Kavalee will be part of Nova 100 breakfast in 2009, however whispers suggest he may end up elsewhere.

Albury duo heading South

Breakfast team Mel Hope and Greg Allan are leaving 105.7 The River in Albury and heading to LA FM in Launceston. They will kick off breakfast at the station in early 2009.

A gentleman and a joker

It's easy to say nice things about people after they die. But everybody had something good to say about Richard Marsland while he was still alive. His colleagues — and his competitors — invariably described him as "the nicest guy in radio". He was enormously generous, they said. One of the most decent blokes you'll ever meet. And it's true. In an industry where off-the-record attacks are rife, no one said anything bad about him to me. Not once. Full item [link=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/a-gentleman-and-a-joker/2008/12/10/1228584905819.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1]The Age[/link]

Local radio plight heard

Premier John Brumby has thrown his support behind Bendigo’s community radio broadcasters.
He has urged the Federal Government to recognise the benefits of locally-produced content and the importance of local information reaching people in isolated areas.

In a letter to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy Stephen Conroy, Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government attached great importance to the service and effect community radio had on the wellbeing and everyday lives of Bendigo residents
Full item [link=http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/local-radio-plight-heard/1383269.aspx]Bendigo Advertiser[/link]

Who will jump into the cage.

Expect an anouncement on Friday as to who will be the female co-host on 4MMM's The Cage in 2009. Bianca Dye or Emily Jade O'Keefe?

Brendan and Amanda sign for 3 more

WSFM have signed breakfast hosts Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones for 3 more years. Some weeks ago there were whispers that the duo might jump ship to 2MMM. At the same time there were further rumours that had this been the case Jono Coleman was tipped to jump into breakfast.

Talking of Coleman, 2009 will see him reunite with former on air partner Ian ‘Dano’ Rogerson. It is over 20 years since the pair were last together on radio. ‘The Jono & Dano Show’ will air in drive (4.00pm thru until 7.00pm) across WSFM, 4KQ, GOLD and a swag of regional stations from January 2009.

Tributes flow for Richard Marsland

Fans and friends have paid tribute to Melbourne breakfast radio host Richard Marsland, who was found dead in his car on a lonely stretch of road in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges.

A park ranger raised the alarm after finding the 32-year-old's body in his car at Shiprock Falls around 10.30am (AEDT) on Saturday but despite police resuscitation efforts, Marsland was later pronounced dead.

Victoria Police said an investigation had been launched and a brief would be passed to the state coroner but there were no suspicious circumstances.

Marsland started his radio career in Adelaide on SAFM, and went on to work for Fox FM, Triple J and Triple M. He also had several television credits to his name and was a regular writer for Rove Live as well as Shaun Micallef's SBS show Newstopia.

By Sunday, fans had flooded the website of Triple M, where Marsland co-hosted the breakfast program with Pete Helliar and Myf Warhurst.

[link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Marsland]Wiki page[/link] [link=http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/shows/petemyf/features/richard_marsland.html]Triple M tributes[/link]
[link=http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=JmWXmOTTg4M]Richard Marsland Does The Vengabus! YouTube[/link]
[link=http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=krvcP_31O88]Vintage Richard Marsland from Adelaide YouTube[/link]

Tim Blackwell to skip breakfast

Nova 100 breakfast anchor, Tim Blackwell, will leave the early mornings behind and is believed to have been offered a later timeslot gig with the station. Ed Kavalee who up and till now had been part of Nova's networked drive program will more than likely join breakfast alongside hosts Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek.

Berner to share drive duties

Peter Berner will do drive at Triple M in 2009 - but only Tuesday to Thursday. Roy and HG are doing Monday and Friday drive.

Corey Layton joins Austereo

Corey Layton will join Austereo in Melbourne as their Creative Solutions Director. Corey who was with Nova prior to heading overseas is returning from working in radio in London over the last three years.

Akmal Saleh quits radio

Akmal Saleh is quitting radio to write a book and make a documentary movie.

Saleh said he'd had a "great ride" at with Nova during his two years hosting the popular national drive time show The Wrong Way Home but had decided on a new direction.

"My time with Nova has almost been a job," he joked.

"They expected so much of me, I was expected to show up daily and stay for the full three hours each weekday - their expectations were unreasonable."

Saleh is looking forward to writing a book after securing a deal with Random House, and he will return to his birthplace of Egypt to make a documentary.

He is also planning to go back to his roots with a new stand-up show.

"Akmal will continue to be a great mate of Nova while he travels around and we wish him well as he decides to knuckle down to write the book he has been talking about writing for ages," DMG Radio Group program director Dean Buchanan said.

Saleh will be on air until December 12.

An announcement about the future of the show and timeslot is expected in the next couple of weeks, a Nova spokeswoman said.

It is not yet known whether co-hosts Cal Wilson, who is due to give birth early next year, and Ed Kavalee will stay on.

Nat Foster quits 92.9 drive

The moves are coming thick and fast this time of the year. Nat Foster, part of 92.9's drive show, the Big Couch, has quit radio to join the RSPCA as an animal welfare officer.

Nat's co-hosts Dean Clairs and Shane McFarlane are on the look out for a new on air partner.

The Duck does not fit with Triple M

Rob Duckworth has packed his bags and departed 2MMM. It is believed that he does not suit the style of music Triple M want to mix into their playlist - with station now spinning artist such as Potbelleez, MGMT, Sneaky Sound System and The Rogue Traders. Far from traditional 2MMM staples and probably best suited to stations such as NOVA and 2DAY FM.
If it is any solace for Rob Duckworth, his program rated the highest on the station in the latest ratings survey.

Radio ratings round up

[link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24741405-7582,00.html]The Australian [/link] [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24740044-5005368,00.html]PerthNow[/link] [link=http://www.watoday.com.au/entertainment/wippas-wandering-for-love-20081202-6pk3.html]WA today[/link]

Vale Paul Hardy

Voice over artist Paul Hardy has passed away suddenly from what is believed to be a heart condition. Paul is best known as the voice of retailers Harvey Norman and Rebel Sports.

Wippa quits 92.9

Perth’s 92.9 breakfast co-host Wippa, AKA Michael Wipfli, has announced that he has resigned to head back to Melbourne to be with girlfriend, Georgie.

On air partner Emilia Rusciano or Em as she is known to listeners is believed to be staying with 92.9 and the hunt is on for a new co-host.

Tim McDermott new General Manager of 2UE

The Fairfax Radio Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim McDermott as General Manager of 2UE.

Tim has worked in the radio industry for over 20 years has held a variety of senior executive positions.

Radio has always been my passion and working with an iconic station such as 2UE is both an honour and an amazing challenge to help return 2UE to its rightful place as one of Sydney’s leading radio stations in ratings and revenue.

Working for a major media organisation such as Fairfax will be very exciting and the synergies that exist between the various Fairfax media properties is something that I will be very keen to pursue on behalf of 2UE’s key MediaAgencies and clients.

Fairfax Radio Network General Manager, Graham Mott, sees the appointment of someone with such a strong sales background as vital to the continuing improvement of 2UE.

Tim’s experience and passion will help drive 2UE and add value to our network sales operation. Tim will commence on Monday 20 January 2009.

Triple J presenters: Hello & Goodbye

Triple J keeps it fresh with a number of on-air changes for 2009.

The Dools and Linda show (weekdays 3pm) will be re-configured in 2009 without Linda Marigliano as she has chosen to take next year off to travel. The show will continue with Scott Dooley in the driver’s seat.
It’s been a great year for the show: ratings growth, the development of an outstanding on-air partnership and some truly hilarious radio. triple j Manager Linda Bracken says of Linda’s departure “It’s been wonderful having Linda as part of the family, she has a unique way of connecting with her audience and it’s been great to see her talent mature. We wish her happy and safe travels”.

Listeners will be able to stay up to date with Linda when she calls in to share her OS adventures.

It’s goodbye and good luck to HG Nelson (Greig Pickhaver) and "Rampaging" Roy Slaven (John Doyle). The pair has decided to head off to the world of commercial radio after 22 years of presenting the superb This Sporting Life (Sundays 2pm). Roy and HG have produced some amazing radio during their time on triple j. Who could forget their ‘Festival Of The Boot’, ‘Golden Ring Show’, coverage of the 2007 Federal election ‘Indecision 07’ or their insatiable ability to make the serious trivial and the trivial serious. Linda Bracken expressed her sadness at Roy and HG’s departure “They are more than a radio program, they have become their own radio comedy genre. It’s been a joy and a privilege to work with them. They will be missed but we wish them all the best for the future”.

triple j is very excited to introduce new talent Tom Ballard (19) and Alex Dyson (20) who we discovered in Warrnambool, Victoria in 2006 and have been nurturing ever since. They will move from the overnight shift to weekend breakfast (weekends 6.am to 10.am). Now based in Melbourne, comedian Tom Ballard (a finalist in Raw Comedy competition 2006) and uni student Alex Dyson says of the change "We’re delighted to be taking over from the wonderful and irreverent Sam Simmons, and keen to break the stereotype that young guys don't get up early on weekends".

Sam Simmons leaves weekend breakfast duties to spend more late nights on his stand-up career but will continue with triple j as a comedy writer and Breakfast special guest.

These changes are effective Monday 5 January 2009. The triple j team is looking forward to 2009 and the opportunity to continue what they do best: producing great radio and discovering the best new music.

LAFM launches with the 89.3 days of summer.

LAFM launches Monday with the 89.3 days of summer.
Backed with a heavy promotional and branding strategy including LAFM Tune Up Stations and Midday Mini Concerts at iconic Launceston locations for the first 2 weeks, where LAFM will provide music, lunch and a bunch of freebies.

The Grant Broadcasters owned 89.3 LAFM has undergone an amazing transformation over the last few months in readiness for the launch. Far more than throwing on a new logo, this launch is being backed with television, press, taxi backs, outdoor, direct mail, event ownership and a fresh sound.

From Monday 89.3 LAFM will provide local programming 24 hours per day 7 days per week.

The 2 weeks leading up to the launch has seen various parts of the brand released for public consumption and from a programming point of view listeners have been very vocal on the ‘Revamp Line’ as to how they want their new radio station to sound.

This programming initiative culminated in 5 different formats played out over 5 days, the listener feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and sometimes hilarious. Monday was classic hits, Tuesday was Hot country, Wednesday was Awesome 80’s day , Thursday was Hit Music day and Friday was a day of 70’s music.

Launceston has been waiting for commercial FM to arrive for some time and it’s finally here.

Check LAFM's new website…[link=http://www.lafm.com.au ]www.lafm.com.au [/link]and take a peek at their tvc and summer jingle.

Survey 8 Nielsen radio ratings

Nielsen radio ratings survey 8 results for each state are below. Click on each of the links to see the results.

  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Perth
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Anthony Maroon joins Vega 95.3 drive

    Ex Triple M jock, Anthony Maroon, will join Sydney station Vega 95.3 presenting drive starting December 8. Anthony takes over from Vega 95.3fm presenter Jason Staveley, who is heading to Germany to take up a radio role with Stuttgart based BigFM.

    Cyclist French wins defamation payout

    Olympic cyclist Mark French has won a damages payout from a radio station that wrongly implied he was a drug cheat.

    The jury found French had been defamed by comments aired on Triple M in 2004, labelling him un-Australian and a drug cheat.

    The Victorian Supreme Court heard broadcaster James Brayshaw said French was "a dirty, stinking, dobbing cyclist".

    The jury found the comments were defamatory, untrue and malicious and French was awarded $350,000 in damages plus costs and interest of $57,000.

    He hugged his lawyer, partner and family after the verdict was handed down.

    French was found guilty of doping charges in 2004, but the finding was overturned on appeal.
    Source ABC

    Happy 75th 6IX

    [img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/6ix.png[/img]

    Perth station 6IX celebrates 75 years of broadcasting today. 6IX can be heard at 1080 AM frequency whilst listeners in Joondalup or Rockingham can tune in at 105.7 FM. Congratulations 6IX on 75 years of great radio.

    Emily Everywhere short listed for The Cage.

    Hot on her departure from Nova today it has been suggested Emily Jade O'keefe will possibly be teaming up with Ian Skippen, Greg Martin and Greg Sullivan on 4MMM's The Cage in 2009.

    Spoonman over and out at Triple M

    Spoonman AKA Brian Carlton has presented his final program on the Austereo Triple M Network. Carlton, who has had two bites of the cherry as Spoonman on Triple M, may just pop back up on radio in 2009. He has previously worked at both 2UE and 2GB.
    Fans have started a BRING BACK SPOONMAN Facebook page [link=http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53727330927&ref=mf]here[/link]

    ACMA takes action against 2UE

    The Australian Communications and Media Authority today filed an application in the Federal Court of Australia seeking a civil penalty order against Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd for breaching a condition of its licence.

    The 2UE breaches relate to 13 failures by the licensee of 2UE to ensure that on-air announcements disclosing a commercial relationship were made during broadcasts of the John Laws Morning Show.

    ACMA has reached agreement with Fairfax Media Limited (the current owner of 2UE) that 2UE will consent to civil penalty orders in the Federal Court in relation to the breaches and that both parties will submit to the Court that an appropriate penalty would be $130,000. It is ultimately a matter for the court to determine the civil penalty.



    ACMA has taken the step of applying for civil penalty orders against 2UE, having earlier tried to address 2UE’s compliance failures through other means. These latest breaches occurred at a time when 2UE had given ACMA an enforceable undertaking to improve its performance, particularly in relation to the John Laws Morning Show,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

    An enforceable undertaking was offered by 2UE and accepted by ACMA in September 2007 in response to ACMA’s findings that 2UE breached the Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) 20 times during a broadcast in August 2006. The broadcast included extended discussion of the issue of Telstra’s privatisation. Compliance with the Disclosure Standard is a condition that applies to all commercial radio broadcasting licences.

    ‘ACMA notes that Fairfax Media only acquired control of 2UE late in the period during which the breaches occurred, and acknowledges the cooperation of Fairfax inherent in conceding these breaches and working to improve compliance at 2UE,’ said Mr Chapman said.

    ‘However, ACMA —and the Australian Broadcasting Authority before it— has emphasised in previous findings against 2UE that the obligation to comply with program standards lies with the licensee itself; in fact it goes to the heart of a licensee’s obligations.

    ‘Broadcasting licences are not given out lightly by government and convey significant benefit to those to whom a licence is granted. It is a licensee’s unrelenting responsibility to manage its business, including its presenters and production staff, so as to ensure satisfactory compliance with the regulatory requirements.

    ‘Company management put at real risk the retention of these licences when they allow on-air personalities or other staff to breach the rules. One consideration informing the Authority’s agreement to consenting to the civil penalty order was its assessment that Fairfax genuinely accepts that proposition,’ Mr Chapman said.

    ACMA’s findings in relation to the breaches in October and November 2007 are set out in the Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd, published on the ACMA website.

    Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on 02 9334 7980.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Backgrounder
    The Disclosure Standard
    The Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) requires a licensee to cause a disclosure announcement to be broadcast during a current affairs program when the name, products or services of a presenter’s sponsor are mentioned. A licensee must keep a register of commercial agreements between presenters and sponsors and must provide ACMA with details of those agreements.

    Compliance by 2UE with the Disclosure Standard
    In September 2007 ACMA found that 2UE failed to cause disclosure announcements on 20 occasions in August 2006 when Mr Laws mentioned a sponsor, Telstra, including during an interview with the then Prime Minister.

    ACMA’s findings followed earlier findings by the former Australian Broadcasting Authority in December 2003 that 2UE had breached the Disclosure Standard on 19 occasions (in relation to sponsors Telstra and NRMA). At that time, the ABA also found six breaches of the special licence conditions imposed on 2UE in March 2000, following the Commercial Radio Inquiry.

    In response to ACMA’s findings of September 2007, 2UE offered ACMA an enforceable undertaking under which the John Laws Morning Show would be monitored and 2UE would take action if disclosure statements were not made when sponsors were mentioned.

    Under the terms of the undertaking the licensee agreed to implement a number of measures in regard to the John Laws Morning Show which were designed to ensure compliance with the commercial radio standards. One such measure was the provision of periodic monitoring reports. An independent reviewer was appointed by the licensee to review samples of the John Laws Morning Show and provide ACMA with regular reports on 2UE’s compliance with the Disclosure Standard.

    The first monitoring report was provided to ACMA on 18 October 2007 and the final report was provided shortly after Mr Laws retired from broadcasting on 30 November 2007. In total, the reports presented a sample of 17 programs over two months.

    Fairfax Media acquired 2UE from Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, after most of the breaches had occurred.

    Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd
    ACMA reviewed the monitoring reports for compliance with the undertaking and compiled a Compliance Assessment Report (the report). ACMA identified 13 incidents, all amounting to breaches of the Disclosure Standard, when no disclosure announcement had been made. As 2UE had either failed to take action in relation to these breaches, or had failed to report the breaches to ACMA (or both), ACMA found that 2UE had breached its enforceable undertaking on these occasions.

    ACMA also found that 2UE had breached a standard licence condition set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA). One of the standard conditions for commercial radio licences, set out at section 8(1) of Schedule 2 to the BSA, is the requirement that the licensee will comply with program standards applicable under Part 9 of the BSA. As the Disclosure Standard is a program standard made under Part 9, and ACMA found that the licensee breached the standard on 13 occasions, ACMA also found that the licensee breached the standard licence condition on 13 occasions.

    Civil penalties under the Broadcasting Services Act
    Subsection 140A(3) of the BSA provides that a commercial radio broadcasting licensee must not breach a condition of its licence. Subsection 140A(7) states that subsection (3) is a civil penalty provision.

    ACMA can apply to the Federal Court for a civil penalty order to be made under section 205F of the BSA for breach of the licence condition.

    ACMA is taking action in this matter against the licensee, Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd. Under the Disclosure Standard and the licence conditions that apply to commercial radio services, it is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure compliance.

    Fairfax Media acquired full operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, following the acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited by Macquarie Media Group (MMG) and MMG’s sale of 2UE and other commercial radio licences to Fairfax Media. Most of the breaches of the licence condition occurred before Fairfax Media acquired full control of 2UE, and Fairfax Media cooperated with ACMA in investigating the breaches. Fairfax Media has since taken a number of steps to improve compliance at 2UE.

    Although Fairfax Media only gained operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, the licensee has not changed and its enforceable undertaking of 24 September 2007 continues to apply. Fairfax Media has assumed responsibility for compliance with the undertaking and all the other regulatory and legislative obligations attaching to the broadcasting licence.

    ACMA and Fairfax Media have reached agreement that an appropriate level for the penalty would be $130,000, comprising $10,000 for each of the 13 breaches.

    Brenden gets out of the MIX

    Brenden Wood has departed MIX 1065 where he was executive producer of breakfast. No doubt in the world that Brenden will pop up somewhere in radio in 2009, ARN's loss will be somebody elses gain!

    2GB's Ray Hadley rails at filthy 'dish pigs'

    THE dirty dishes in 2GB's Pyrmont studios kitchen have sparked a stink
    between station staff and its star morning host Ray Hadley. [link=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24708056-5001021,00.html]Full story[/link]

    Drive exits at Nova 106.9

    A quick exit yesterday for Nova 106.9's Dan and Ken. The duo decided to walk from the station when they were told their contracts were not being renewed. Brendan boss will cover drive until an announcement is made on a replacement.

    Sigley debut on Nightline.

    Former 3AW afternoon presenter, Ernie Sigley, made his debut as fill in co-host of Nightline last Friday evening. Sigley joined Bruce Mansfield on the 3AW airwaves between 8.00pm and midnight.

    HG to go from J to M?

    More on the rumour suggesting Triple J's HG Nelson heading to Triple M has surfaced today with an article on AdelaideNow giving more legs to the rumour. [link=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24691172-5018092,00.html]More here[/link]

    Macquarie Radio review

    Six weeks after agreeing to pay its star broadcaster Alan Jones a $4.5 million bonus to extend his contract, the John Singleton-controlled Macquarie Radio Network has not ruled out job cuts as part of a review to cut costs and counter a sharp drop in advertising.

    The owner of Sydney's No.1 talkback radio station, 2GB, plans to look at every part of its business - including staff and program production - in coming weeks to find savings after advertising demand in the country's biggest radio market fell off a cliff last month. [link=http://business.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-radio-review-20081121-6e10.html]Full Story SMH[/link]

    Mark Holden and Tamsyn Lewis in at Vega

    Melbourne's Vega 91 will have Mark Holden and Tamsyn Lewis presenting breakfast over summer in place of Dicko, Dave and Chrissie.

    David scores top Regional job

    5RM/MAGIC931 GM, David Bye has been appointed General Manager, Fairfax Radio Regional Network. The appointment follows the retirement of Graham McVean earlier this year. Fairfax Radio have licences in South Australia, QLD and NSW. Well done David!

    Helmes Media two new programs

    Helmes Media have released two new short segment programs. First up is ‘Bare Essentials” a daily sex and relationship segment hosted by well known broadcaster Sandy Kaye.
    Sandy presents ‘Bare Essentials” in a sophisticated and professional manner with some naughty fun thrown into the mix.
    As with all of Helmes segments your listeners can interact and ask Sandy questions on our free call number.
    “Bare Essentials” is offered on a three month contract for only $44 per week (including GST) and will be available from Monday the 8th of December.



    “Feathers, Fur and Fins” a daily look at the world of pets.
    As the name implies this new segment isn’t just restricted to dog and cat issues, but all family pets.
    “Feathers, Fur and Fins” is complied and written by experienced pet journalist and breeder Sue Shoring and voiced by her husband Brisbane radio announcer Murray Shoring.

    Your listeners can also ask questions on our feedback line. This is the pet show you have been looking for!

    “Feathers, Fur and Fins” is offered on a six month contract in exchange for two 30 seconds commercials to be aired between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday – alternatively you can purchase the segment for just $44 per week (including GST).

    More info at Helmes Media [link=http://www.helmes.com.au]here[/link]

    Sami to get ugly at 2MMM

    Triple M Brisbane’s Sami Lukis will join Phil O’Neil at 2MMM for breakfast in 2009. Expect more Triple M appointments for 2009 soon. Word reaching us a Triple J stalwart is rumoured to be in discussion with 2MMM.

    Wooley heading back to Nine

    Macquarie Southern Cross Network has decided to pull the plug on Charles Wooley's Across Australia. The show which comes out of Hobart will not return in 2009 and host Charles Wooley will return to a full-time role with Channel 9's Sixty Minutes.

    Parton joins Canberra's AM sisters

    Former Mix Canberra breakfast presenter, Mark Parton, has joined the team at 2CA and 2CC.

    Lisa Fernandez last week in Adelaide

    After more than 4 years on air on Adelaide's Nova FM Lisa Fernandez heads home to Perth next Friday. Lisa has opted to head home for family reasons so you can expect to hear her on the Perth airwaves in 2009.

    Nova breakfast host in Underbelly

    Nova's Kate Ritchie will star in Underbelly 2. Ritchie who will be returning to her breakfast gig with Nova in 2009 will star as Judi Kane, the wife of slain 1970s standover man Les Kane.

    Holden on Nightline

    Mark Holden co-hosted 3AW's Nightline on Friday night. Holden joined Philip Brady for the evening.

    Outrage over radio stunt

    Perth FM radio station 92.9 has been accused of being heartless over its antics during a competition called Dearly Deported.

    In the competition during the Em and Wippa Show long-lost relatives are flown from a faraway land to Perth. When they get here they are made to answer three questions. If they don’t answer all three correctly they receive less than a few minutes of interaction with their loved ones before being whisked back to the airport to return home. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24650075-5012990,00.html]Full story[/link]

    2008 CBAA Conference

    The CBAA wanted to create a once in a life time experience for the 2008 Conference by taking community broadcasters out of their typical environments and placing them smack bang in the middle of the country for the largest annual gathering of community broadcasters.
    [link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/622.html]Whole story CBAA[/link]

    Blackman keeping his hand in

    Over the last few days John Blackman has been filling in for the absent Arthur Higgins on 1179am Vision Australia. You can hear John until on air between 6.30 and 7.30AM Friday morning 14th November.

    Chris Holland leaving Darwin

    Chris Holland, APD of Hot 100 / Mix 1049 is hanging up the mic (for a little while), getting married and off to see the world! We wish Chris all the best on his forthcoming marriage

    Get Behind the Wheel for an hour

    Helmes Media Solutions has announced their weekly motoring program Behind the Wheel will expand to a one hour offering.

    General Manager of Helmes Media Solutions and host of Behind the Wheel Joel Helmes, says the show has been a hit with stations and listeners.

    “I am just delighted with how the show has come together, we dipped our toe in the water with the half an hour version and quickly found two things, one there is more than enough interesting and relevant content and two half an hour just wasn’t enough time to give that content the coverage it deserved”.



    Mr. Helmes says one major goal for the expanded program is even more listener interaction.

    “We have had some great responses to our national feedback line but we really want motorists from across Australia to hit us with those questions which a lot of people really still don’t know the answer too”.

    “I think it also makes for some really interesting radio”.

    The expanded Behind the Wheel will be available free from Helmes Media Solutions from the week starting Monday the 24th of November.

    ABC Classic FM launches new website

    ABC Classic FM has launched a new website which is packed with many new offerings
    The official launch this month is just the beginning. The first stage allows you to listen to 40 or so Australian works created over the past 100 years. Over the coming months and years the collection will expand, embracing more genres and rare works which have so far been difficult or near-impossible to access. [link=http://www.abc.net.au/classic/australianmusic/]visit [/link]

    3MMM on trial

    Melbourne radio station Triple M is on trial accused of defaming an Olympic cyclist.

    Mark French is suing Triple-M, for comments made on its program The Cage in 2004.

    The Victorian Supreme Court heard the broadcast labelled French a drug cheat, who had dobbed in his teammates to authorities.

    The court heard French was also called "un-Australian" and "a dirty stinking dobbing cyclist."

    French's lawyers told the court, their client was a highly regarded professional cyclist who had found the broadcast very hurtful.
    ABC

    Vega takes a Bath over summer

    Channel Seven's Chris Bath will co-host Vega 95.3FM breakfast with Alex Dean from November 26 until January 9. Bath who is no stranger to radio having started at 2UE will be filling in for Tony Squires, Rebecca Wilson and Mikey Robins.

    Radio retirees

    Two big names of Australian radio retired just over a week apart.

    The legendary John Vertigan has now bid farewell to Sport 927. JV is off to the US where he will marry and settle. This weekend for the last time before jetting off he will join the other members of the Survivors Club at their November get together. Good luck and all the best for the future JV.

    Ernie Sigley wound up his full time duties at 3AW yesterday. Sigley will now move from Afternoons to fill in presenter when either one of the Nightline presenters are away. The tributes flowed at 3AW yesterday and a tribute video is available [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/ernie-blog/your-tributes-to-ernie-sigley/20080929-4q3f.html?page=10]here[/link]

    Vale Robbie McGready

    Veteran radio and TV presenter Robbie McGready passed away recently at the age of 85. Robbie who came to Australia in 1947 is credited with employing John Laws as the breakfast announcer at 2GZ Orange.

    In the late 1950's Robbie devised a TV program called called Grocer and Madam which morphed into the Jackpot Quiz. He compered Jackpot Quiz for over 12 years.

    Robbie was a stalwart of Byron Bay community station Bay FM and his popular Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory was a favourite with locals. Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory first went to air in 1993 and Robbie was still presenting the program until 2 years ago at the age of 83. Full tribute Byron Shire News

    Robb Kidd MD at Vega 91.5

    Rob Kidd, afternoon announcer at Vega 91.5, is now also the station's Music Director. Former MD Kate Mason has left the station.

    What does the future hold for ARN?

    With the decision made that will see Tony O'Reilly's Independent News sell their 39 per cent stake in APN, owners of the Australian Radio Network, it will be interesting to see who puts their hand up to buy it.

    Reports that Seven Network are not interested and Macquarie Group are not keen either leaves the question will the radio and newspaper group be broken up?

    If that was the case there would no doubt be a number of companies, prepared to grab hold of either the business groups.
    Take ARN for example if that was available, now that opens up a pandoras box that could change the radio landscape across the nation.

    3AW covered US election

    Morning host Neil Mitchell was live on the street broadcasting his program from America yesterday for the US elections which saw Barack Obama becoming the country's first black president.

    Neil Mitchell covered his morning program speaking to everyday Americans on who they thought would win while the team around him such as producer Justin Smith gave an insight into results as polling places closed and the results began to come in.

    It was during the Ernie Sigley program that Mitchell returned to air to announce Obama had won. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Barack_Obama1.wma]AUDIO1[/link] [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Neil_Mitchell_Bar.wma]AUDIO2 [/link]
    Also in the US with 3AW amongst others was former Classic Rock breakfast announcer Seb Costello who Derryn Hinch crossed to during his drive program. Richard Arnold has a wrap up of the day. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Richard_Arnold.wma]AUDIO[/link]

    Radio stunt has staff in clover

    Staff at Brisbane radio station Nova 106.9 got an unexpected Melbourne Cup Day surprise this morning when they arrived to find their Teneriffe headquarters converted into a makeshift race track, complete with live ponies.

    One-hundred and thirty square metres of the green stuff was laid across the station's sprawling reception area overnight and the equines brought in this morning, when they were taken to the building's third floor via a lift. [link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/radio-stunt-has-staff-in-clover/2008/11/04/1225560799291.html]Brisbane Times[/link]

    2DU's de Kroo to say Hooroo

    '
    2DU's Leo de Kroo will leave his popular morning program and the station on Christmas Eve to pursue other interests. He has been the voice of Dubbo for over a decade with his unique and passionate style.

    It is de Kroo's wish that he finds a replacement who is prepared to carry the torch on local issues that matter to the Dubbo community (those with a hidden political agenda need not apply) prior to his departure.

    Sigley to exit afternoons this week.

    He came to the station to fill in for Caroline Wilson (who was on maternity leave) well over a decade ago and this Friday Ernie Sigley retires from the 3AW afternoon program.
    As reported here previously Sigley will pop up on 3AW's Nightline from time to time as fill in host.

    Police drop charge against McKenney

    Drug charges against Mix 1065's Todd McKenney have been dropped by police during a brief court hearing today.

    Police discovered a vial of the drug in McKenney's pants pocket when they found him unconscious in Rushcutters Bay Park on Anzac Day, April 25, this year.

    McKenney said the drugs had been planted in his pants when he took them off to have a shower at a party, at which he also said he had his drink spiked.

    Much Improved Digital Radio Channel Plans

    Improved Digital Radio Channel Plans (DRCPs) have been released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for comment.

    Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the industry had been working with ACMA to modify the DRCPs first released in December 2007.

    “We are confident as an industry the latest plans will provide Australia’s radio listeners with a very high level of coverage from day one of the new technology - well over 90% population coverage - which will be further improved over the first few years of operation and represents the highest level of metropolitan DAB+ digital radio coverage in the world,” said Ms Warner.


    The industry will, however, also prepare a submission requesting even more improvements in some areas. Based on the DRCPs, Commercial Radio Australia will formally finalise the technical specifications for the digital antenna infrastructure which ultimately determines how and where radio listeners will be able to hear digital radio in the five capital launch cities; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from May 2009.

    “Radio is a mobile media and listeners expect when we switch-on digital radio next year that it will work in the home, in the office, on the beach and throughout the city when they are listening in the car. With these new plans, and a little more tweaking, we can achieve that,” said Ms Warner.

    Free to air digital radio will allow radio broadcasters to provide additional audio channels, a higher quality sound, a pause and rewind facility, plus a new informative visual aspect to radio, with the introduction of scrolling news, sport and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD, a product picture, or an animated logo on screen.

    Tony O'Reilly's Independent to sell ARN stake

    APN News & Media (owners of the Australian Radio Network) says its major shareholder, Irish media company Independent News & Media, has received approaches from several parties regarding its 39 per cent stake in the company.
    INM, led by chief executive Sir Tony O'Reilly, said it wanted APN to be involved in its strategic review of its holding, to ensure that the outcome is in the best interests of APN's shareholders.

    "APN welcomes this approach," the Sydney-based publisher said.

    APN, which publishes The New Zealand Herald as well as 24 daily and over 100 non-daily newspapers across Australia and New Zealand, said the review "may or may not result in the sale of part or all of INM's interest in APN".

    The company also owns 50 per cent of Australian Radio Network and The Radio Network in New Zealand.

    APN said it had appointed ABN Amro to advise on the review.

    Nine lives for Nova team

    Merrick and Rosso are tempting fate by signing for a ninth year on Nova - but why not? They are enjoying a steady march back to the top and are within a whisker of reclaiming the FM breakfast crown they lost two years ago to 2DayFM's Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O. In radio terms, however, they're well past the expected five-year life cycle of most FM shows. Full story the SMH

    Jennifer Menchin quits 2BS

    Yes it is that time of the year when people are on the move! Jennifer Menchin has resigned from 2BS after 6 years. Jennifer who has held various roles with the station including her popular [i]Talk of the Town[/i] afternoon program initially joined the 2BS as a copy writer. She departs the station on Friday the 21st of November.

    2MMM Shebang now gone, Wil and Lehmo going

    It looks like we will see a very different 2MMM in 2009 with breakfast program The Shebang having now left the building and the announcement today that Wil & Lehmo will not be returning to their Networked drive program next year.
    Jamie Angel is currently hosting 2MMM breakfast while Wil and Lehmo will continue on air until the end of November.

    Holden talking on the radio

    Mark Holden has been hosting Saturday and Sunday afternoons on 3AW this weekend.

    Pete Graham did switch camps

    A regular reader who is in Sydney for the long weekend (Melbourne Cup equals a four day weekend for many in Vic) wanted to know when Pete Graham joined 2UE from 2GB? He had heard him on 2UE's Saturday Night Live last night. We believe it was in September as far as we are aware.

    Brownless to skip breakfast

    SEN's Billy Brownless has decided to leave the 1116 SEN Morning Glory breakfast program. Billy who has been part of the program since day one of SEN will remain with the station.

    The naked truth of a shock jock duped

    An interesting article in the SMH regarding two former Media Monitors employees and 2GB's Chris Smith. A shocking case of cyber bullying is what it really comes down to.

    After monitoring talkback radio for years, Brent Balinski reached breaking point in July. Mucking around at Media Monitors one day he found on the website of 2GB's Chris Smith pictures of the shock jock's little kids in the bath. Balinski hadn't forgotten Smith's role in whipping up the great storm over Bill Henson's pictures of naked children. He thought: "Hypocrisy doesn't do it justice." Read the entire story

    Onward christian soldiers

    United Christian Broadcasters are the new owners of Melbourne frequency 1611am and they will broadcast via their Vision Radio Network of over 330 stations across Australia. [link=http://www.vision.org.au/news.htm]Link[/link]

    Kate on the march

    Kate Neubauer has left Newcastles New FM after 18 months covering both breakfast and nights. Kate is now seeking radio work in Sydney.

    70 years since War of the Worlds (audio)

    Seventy years ago, thousands of American radio listeners fled what they feared was an imminent invasion by space aliens; while others armed themselves in defence against the marauding extraterrestrials.

    Radio listeners, many of whom flooded police emergency phone lines, apparently had missed a disclaimer at the start of the broadcast making it clear that events unfolding over the airwaves were fictional.


    A headline emblazoned across the top of the New York Times the next day told the story: "Radio listeners in panic, taking war drama as fact."

    This year marks seven decades since the historic "War of the Worlds" broadcast unleashed a furore across the country, as Americans by the tens of thousands allowed themselves to be fooled by the radio broadcast's realistic-sounding news bulletins and sound effects.

    A Princeton University study a decade later determined that about a million people were affected in some fashion by the scare.

    One reason so many people were taken in was the extraordinary calibre of the production. The science fiction radio drama -- now seen as an American classic -- was a reworking of an acclaimed H.G. Wells' story originally set in Britain.

    The version broadcast in the United States, adapted by brash and brilliant young actor and director Orson Welles, aired on the evening of October 30, 1938, one day before Halloween. The performers, consummate professionals, were part of Welles' Mercury Theatre.

    For his part, Welles, just 23 at the time of the broadcast, two years later went on to world acclaim as the director, producer and main protagonist in "Citizen Kane." The movie earned him an Oscar and has been hailed as among the greatest films of all time.

    Thousands of radio listeners who tuned in to War of the Worlds believed that space aliens carrying ray guns were advancing toward New York City. The program, produced by the CBS Radio Network, was set in the rural town of Grovers Mill, just south of New York, in the neighbouring state of New Jersey.

    Henry Brylawski, 95, says he wasn't duped by the broadcast, which he said he also knew was fictional, although others in his circle of friends and family were fooled.

    "It didn't make an impression on me at all," he told AFP.

    "I heard that Orson Welles program and, very frankly, it didn't affect me in any way. I din't think whether there was a fake or not because I knew it was fake."

    "The next morning," he said, "I read in the papers about what a sensation the program had been."

    Others however were not so discerning. Among those taken in was Brylawski’s girlfriend’s sister, who, he said "was terrified" by what she believed was to be the alien onslaught.

    Seven decades later, Americans still mark the historic radio program and the histrionic reaction it unleashed. Later this week the anniversary will be marked by a new recording of the script at Ball State University, in the Midwestern state of Indiana.

    Scholars have devoted written tomes in an effort to figure out how and why the public was so readily duped. Some hypothesized that the hysteria was the result of a US public already put on edge by the drumbeat of war elsewhere in the world.

    "The 1938 broadcast of 'War of the Worlds' crystallised tensions and fears for one American night," Scott O'Callaghan, author of an essay "War of the Worlds: Why the Hoax Worked," told AFP.

    "The prospect of a hostile encounter with the unknown was all too real for the American people in any number of ways, and the radio broadcast let us experience those fears safely, for one hour," said O'Callaghan, an assistant professor of humanities, Southern Vermont College.

    "It unleashed a wave of panic, but also seemed to crystallize the fears of the era, coming as it did with the United States poised to take up arms in World War II," he said.

    Download the 1938 audio [link=http://sounds.mercurytheatre.info/mercury/381030.mp3]here[/link]

    Warner Australia Chooses Play MPE

    The Shooting Star Picture Company and Warner Music Australia are pleased to announce a partnership which will see one of Australia's largest record companies migrate to the exclusive use of PLAY MPE® and Spins services, Australia's new industry tools for audio and video delivery and radio monitoring. Both services are marketed exclusively in Australia as part of the D-Star product line.

    PLAY MPE® has been testing throughout 2008 and will now provide delivery of Warner's new release content to all media exclusively on this digital platform. The Play MPE® system allows media to easily preview and download relevant music in CD quality files, transfer tracks to portable music devices such as iPods and easily collate usage data on new releases for Warner Music Australia.

    D-Star Spins also launches this month, providing Australia's most accurate and user-friendly service for tracking radio airplay for label's catalogues. D-Star Spins is an essential planning tool for music companies such as Warner Music Australia to track the success of campaigns in real-time.
    “We are pleased to be extending our existing relationship with Shooting Star and the breadth of services they provide our organisation. Both Play MPE® and Spins are excellent, state of the art services which will provide the important business tools we need to communicate and interact with all our media partners” said Director of Promotions and Publicity for Warner Music Australia - Ben Facey.
    “We are delighted that Warner Music Australia is joining us on this journey to provide Australia's industry standard in promo delivery,” said Shooting Star Picture Company CEO Peter Skillman. “Our D-Star business is based on listening to the needs of both media and our label clients and proving the solutions and ever-improving products that are based on understanding both sides of the fence. Our current success proves that our strategy is the right one and we look forward to a long and prosperous future with Warner as well as our other valued clients.”
    Play MPE® (promotional audio delivery) and D-Star Digital (promotional video delivery) are available now with FREE accounts for media. D-Star welcomes previous users of other services to the D-Star suite for all of their promotional content needs. To sign up for a media account or to find out how either product can assist your business access the media, visit www.dstarmpe.com. D-Star Spins is available now for radio playlist monitoring in all mainland capital cities plus the Gold Coast including all commercial radio, Triple J and selected community stations. For more information on utilising this service, please email Stephen Green at D-Star at stephen@dstarmpe.com.

    Hinch fights charges

    Defiant broadcaster Derryn Hinch said he was morally right to name and shame sexual offenders and will fight charges of breaching court orders.

    Hinch, 64, on Wednesday appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on charges of breaching five Victorian County Court suppression orders.

    It is alleged Hinch named the offenders at a victims of crime rally on the steps of the Victorian parliament in June and on his website.

    Outside court, Hinch said he did the right thing by naming the offenders.

    [link=http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/oct/30/aap-hinch-fights-charges-for-naming-offender/]More[/link]

    Darwin's 104.1 Territory FM a most popular station

    A Territory Radio station has been named the most popular community broadcaster in Australia.
    Darwin's 104.1 Territory FM was revealed the most popular station in a survey by McNair Ingenuity. The research said 42% of Darwin listeners tune in to the Charles Darwin University station. Territory FM general manager Peter Perrin said the results echo local research carried out in 2007 by Roy Morgan research.

    Further on that story, Australian Independent Radio News owner/operator Artie Stevens said he was particularly pleased with the result. "As we provide the local and national news on a daily basis to Territory FM, the numbers vindicate all the hard work we have put in over the last four years to develop a professional service. That 42% of Darwin Radio listeners choose to listen to Territory FM and by default to AIR News is very gratifying, and I congratulate all our hard working team and the 104.1 on air team on a fine result." Well done Territory FM and well done AIR News

    Ratings round up

    While we have been off line for the last few days survey 7 of the radio ratings was released. We are traditionally live with the results on ratings day so you can imagine our frustration around 10.00am yesterday morning.

    [list][/list][link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,24569732-7582,00.html]The Australian Triple M's Ratings Dive[/link]
    [list][/list][link=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/scorned-fm-station-in-the-mix/2008/10/28/1224956037536.html]The Age Scorned FM station in the mix[/link]
    [list][/list][link=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24567373-5003421,00.html]Courier Mail Emily Everywhere cleans up in ratings[/link]
    [list][/list][link=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=5&ContentID=105022]West Australian 94.5 retains crown[/link]
    [list][/list][link=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24568337-5013560,00.html]News.com.au Vega topples Triple M[/link]
    [list][/list][link=hyperlink url]SMH Triple M takes the spoon[/link]

    Denton for breakfast in 2009?

    Gaining legs that two Sydney radio stations have expressed more than a passing interest to secure Andrew Denton for breakfast in 2009.

    BBC under fire radio stunt (audio link)

    British Prime Minister Gordon Brown weighed in on a row over offensive on-air comments by two top BBC presenters which has escalated into a media and political storm.

    Brown today called the comments, in which the presenters made foulmouthed claims about the granddaughter of a famous comedy actor, unacceptable and backed an investigation into the row.

    Flamboyant broadcasters Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand left answer phone messages for the 78-year-old actor Andrew Sachs, famed for his role as bumbling Spanish waiter Manuel in the hit 1970s television comedy series Fawlty Towers.



    The calls, including a claim that Brand had "f....d" Sachs's granddaughter and discussion of how Sachs might hang himself as a result, were recorded and later played on air during a radio show on October 18.

    The BBC apologised yesterday for the comments, but listeners have flooded the broadcaster with more than 10,000 complaints - prompting the prime minister to take the unusual step of intervening.

    "This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, as is now widely recognised," said Brown, in a statement issued by his Downing Street office.

    As the story dominated newspaper and television coverage for a second day, the official Ofcom media watchdog said it had decided to investigate after receiving complaints itself.

    Justice Minister David Hanson urged the two presenters to apologise, saying he did not think their behaviour was "appropriate" or "in keeping with broadcasting".

    "I'm not sure it will result in prosecutions. But I do feel an apology is called for," he said in parliament.

    Sachs himself broke his silence on the affair, telling the BBC that Ross had personally apologised and delivered flowers to him.

    "He made no excuses and was very frank and open. He's in a lot of trouble and I don't want to pile any more on him," he said.

    "My granddaughter hasn't heard from either Ross or Brand and I do think they owe her an apology."

    He added that his granddaughter, 23-year-old Georgina Baillie, feels very guilty at having put her family through the whole thing.

    Investigations are likely to focus on how BBC editors could have approved the broadcast.

    The row is the latest in a string of embarrassments for the BBC. In July it was fined £400,000 ($1 million) after a string of shows faked winners of their competitions.

    Talk show host Ross is one of the country's highest paid media stars ever. His three-year contract with the BBC is reputed to be worth £18 million.

    Comedian Brand, known as one of British entertainment's biggest lotharios, has recently started trying to build a career in Hollywood with a role in the film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall".

    A spokesman for the BBC Trust, which oversees the broadcaster's activities and is independent of its management, said it had asked for a report from BBC bosses on the matter.
    [link=http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/10/28/audio-russell-brand-and-jonathan-ross-prank-phone-calls-to-andrew-sachs-115875-20845857/
    Audio link here[/link]

    Mac Media views tough times

    AUSTRALIA's largest regional media group, Macquarie Media, has accelerated a review of its capital management strategy following a share slump.

    The company, which last year bought the Southern Cross regional TV business which owns most of Channel Ten's regional stations, said it would consider partial pre-payment of its business-level debt.

    Chairman Max Moore-Wilton told shareholders at today's annual meeting in Sydney the option would be considered against other capital management intitiatives or potential acquisitions. [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24570406-7582,00.html]Full story The Australian[/link]

    System failure

    Updates should resume in the next 12 to 24 hours. We have had numerous issues with our database - all of which are slowly being repaired.

    Australian Music and The Wide Open Road on ABC

    Does Brisbane have its own sound? How did sweaty suburban pubs shape generations of Australian musicians? Were The Triffids’ countless road trips across the Nullarbor the catalyst for their eerie brand of Australian gothic?

    The producers of Wide Open Road, coming in November to triple j, ABC Radio National, ABC Local Radio and abc.net.au, sought out some of Australia’s most influential musicians to find out whether Australia’s diverse landscape is integral to our international reputation for unique, original music.


    Hosted by triple j Music Director Richard Kingsmill and divided into four parts - Road, Suburbs, Carpet and Coast - the series examines how the Australian environment has shaped contemporary popular music, creating a singular musical identity.

    See and hear musicians and songwriters in the environments that forged their particular sounds. Take a walk down by Port Phillip Bay with Paul Kelly; hear the tide rise and smell the scent of mangoes in the breeze with the Pigram Brothers of Broome; drive over the dry flatlands with the Waifs; chill out in the suburban backyard of the Hilltop Hoods; sip tea in the coastal home of John Butler; and, drop in on Darren Hanlon in the country caravan where he writes his songs.

    Archival sound and new interviews and recordings bring to life the real and imagined worlds of our songwriters and musicians. You will see where Australian music has come from, and the places and headspaces that still give it its unique sounds.

    For a visual and aural treat, the Wide Open Road website (abc.net.au/wideopenroad) provides extended audio interviews, lyrics, photo gallery and guest book, music downloads, and a road map of Australian music. It is also your opportunity to submit your own stories and memories of favourite gigs, songs and artists.

    Tune in to hear the Wide Open Road series every Saturday for four weeks from 1 November on triple j at 2pm and ABC Radio National at 5pm during Into the Music . All episodes will also be available online as audio on demand at the Wide Open Road website. Selected excerpts will feature on ABC Local Radio.

    For details on how to tune in to ABC Radio visit abc.net.au/radio .

    At a time when Australian music is widely considered to be experiencing its own renaissance, Wide Open Road will traverse the songlines of our musical landscape

    Radio ratings survey 7

    Nielsen radio ratings survey 7 results for each state are available below.

  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Perth
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Labrat appendicitis diagnosed on-air

    B105 breakfast co-host, Jason 'Labrat' Hawkins, got the shock of his life this morning. Labrat was in agony this morning when he was examined by a doctor live on-air. Dr Brian Chong, examined Labrat after he had complained of abdominal pain. The Brisbane Tines has the whole story [link="If it bursts, it increases your chances of death by about four times,"]here[/link].

    Jonesy and Amanda bound for Triple M?

    It is that time of the year again - when the rumour mill starts to gain steam and the one that has been doing more than just the rounds this week is that of WS FM breakfast duo Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller heading to 2MMM breakfast in 2009.

    Herring to head up ARN

    Richard Herring, who now runs APN's outdoor media group, takes the newly formed role of group radio and outdoor chief executive which takes in the Australian Radio Network (ARN). APN own 50 percent of ARN.

    D-Star top 10 downloads

    D-Star Play MPE Digital Delivery System is the industry standard for the delivery of music to both radio and music industry professionals. Every Monday we bring you the 10 most popular downloaded tracks for the previous 7 days.


    Here are last weeks, 12 October through until 19 October llisted by Rank, Artist, Title, Version, Label and Formats

    [list][/list]1 Tracy Chapman Sing For You Warner Music Australia AC,Modern AC
    [list][/list]2 Taylor Swift Love Story Universal Music Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]3 The Veronicas Popular Warner Music Australia Pop,CHR Pop,Top 40
    [list][/list]4 Gyroscope These Days Warner Music Australia Alternative,Rock,Mainstream Rock,CHR Pop
    [list][/list]5 Dash & Will Fighting Over Nothing Mercury Records Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]6 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Moto Blanco Radio Remix) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]7 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Karmatronic Club Radio Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]8 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Dave Aude Radio Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]9 Ladyhawke Dusk Till Dawn Modular Records All Formats
    [list][/list]10 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Digital Dog Club Mix Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats

    Crittenden off air after outburst

    The ABC has taken Stephen Crittenden off air pending an inquiry into comments he made about the axing of several Radio National programs.

    It is understood ABC management told Crittenden yesterday he would not be allowed to broadcast his Religion Report on Wednesday morning
    [link=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/21/2396804.htm?section=entertainment]More ABC[/link]

    Ruhfus out of 2UE

    General Manager of 2UE, Simon Ruhfus, departed the station on Friday. No word of a replacement at this stage.

    Towards a Digital Future

    ABC Managing Director Mark Scott today encouraged ABC audiences to have their say on the future of the ABC and the role of public broadcasting in Australia.

    Mr Scott welcomed the release of the Towards a Digital Future discussion paper by the Minister for Communications Stephen Conroy and said it was an important and timely discussion in order to secure the future of the ABC.

    "The ABC is one of the most significant public institutions in Australia so it is important that audiences have the opportunity to comment on the future of their ABC during the course of this discussion," Mr Scott said.



    "We will be alerting our audiences to the discussion paper through announcements on ABC television and radio, and have established a dedicated website abc.net.au/haveyoursay with links to the discussion paper and resource documents.

    "The ABC's current funding commitment ends in June 2009 so the outcomes of this discussion paper will inform Government as it decides the funding for the next triennium.

    "Our aim is to ensure the ABC is adequately resourced to harness the potential of digital media. The ABC has already delivered much with no extra funding - innovative content driving digital TV take-up on ABC2; ABC iView pioneering internet TV; millions of podcasts and vodcasts; ABC Now and ABC Earth.

    "But we want to do more - provide more programming that millions of Australians want free of charge and commercial free, so the 2009 Federal Budget will be instrumental for the ABC and our plans going into the future."

    The ABC outlined a number of proposals in the lead up to the 2020 Summit that would increase the availability of content and the range of media and delivery platforms to audiences, including a dedicated non-commercial children's channel, with at least 50% Australian content, a public affairs channel and a suite of digital radio services, supported by broadband sites.

    Cronin resigns from 3AW Nightline

    Paul Cronin has resigned from his regular fill in role on 3AW Nightline. Cronin who filled in for either Bruce Mansfield or Philip Brady when ever they were on holidays as well as the regular Friday night co-host is expected to be replaced by Ernie Sigley.
    Marty Fields will co-host for the next 4 weeks.

    4BC's breakfast connection

    Former B105 breakfast presenter Jamie Dunn is leaving Zinc 96, Sunshine Coast, to return to Brisbane radio where he will head up breakfast at 4BC from Jan 2009. His last day at Zinc will be 0ctober 17.

    Dunn will take his current on air team of Ian Calder and Courtney Burns with him to 4BC. Naturally his alter ego of Agro will also be joining the new breakfast program.
    [link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-radio-about-to-get-agro/2008/10/16/1223750198996.html]Brisbane Times article[/link]

    D-STAR'S PLAY MPE PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS

    Shooting Star Picture Company's D-Star is proud to announce its support of the upcoming AIR Independent Music Awards by using their D-STAR PLAY MPE system to enhance the awards judging.

    “A system like Play MPE makes transferring music to media so easy and the feedback from our judges was that they wanted to share that user-friendly experience when judging the more than fifty entries from around Australia.” said AIR CEO Stuart Watters. “We're grateful that a system like this is around and stoked that a company like D-Star understands the importance of the independent sector to the industry as a whole.”

    The AIR Awards recognises the cream of Australia's independent music talent. Play MPE allows the secure delivery of all nominated albums electronically to judges from across the media, retail and radio industries.

    “The independent sector is a rapidly growing part of the industry and its important we support them wherever we can,” said Shooting Star Picture Company CEO Peter Skillman. “Play MPE ensures that judges have all the releases in one place while being able to burn to CD, transfer to their ipod, or simply stream from their computer at the touch of a button.

    Not only does it make the life of judges easier, but it provides access for the independents to an invaluable promotional opportunity.”

    Judging for the AIR Awards is happening now with nominations announced October the 24th. The awards ceremony featuring performances from the cream of Australia’ s independent musicians will be held on November 24th at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel.

    For more information, please contact Stephen Green on stephen@dstarmpe.com or 0412 321 368.
    For information on how to get an account to receive record company promos for media purposes, please visit www.dstarmpe.com.

    ABC Must Not Decimate Radio National

    Friends of the ABC is outraged at ABC plans to axe nine specialist Radio National programs next year, and to increase the number of repeats.

    "These cuts amount to a major downgrading of Radio National,” said Glenys Stradijot, a spokesperson for Friends of the ABC (Vic).

    “Radio National is the essence of what public broadcasting should be. It produces programs of depth that are informative and stimulating.

    “It is inconceivable that the ABC would cut Radio National.

    "With other parts of the ABC, having become more populist and lightweight, audience interest in RN has never been greater. Nor has the community’s need for quality content.


    "Audiences are fed up with the huge number of repeats already broadcast on RN. They don’t want more.”

    Friends of the ABC fears the ABC is cutting RN to divert funds to newer services.

    “While it is essential the ABC keeps up-to-date with new ways of delivering content, the public broadcaster’s future lies in its production of quality content. Moves to increase content delivery options must not be at the expense of traditional services that are needed and are accessible to all Australians.

    “It’s time the ABC’s managing director told the government and the community how much funding the ABC really needs to remain a quality national broadcaster,” said Glenys Stradijot.

    Bob the Mixer arrives in style

    3NE breaky announcer Paul Konik encountered a huge surprise when entering the studio for his regular shift on October 14

    The popular announcer was showered with confetti upon entering a refurbished studio that had been fitted with a brand new panel and desk. To add to the festivities, the studio had been adorned with streamers and balloons.

    Paul had previously been assured the studio wouldn't be ready until a later date, but devious minds were plotting and planning!



    The new panel, nicknamed 'Bob the Mixer', had been planted with dummy commercials, which in reality went to air and played an introductory message from the panel, voiced by 'Bob the Mixer'. Bob also introduced other members of the panel team whilst laying down the new studio rules.

    Staggeringly, these rules included no coffee in the on air studio! To conclude the message, 'Bob' introduced the panel's favourite song which co-incidentally just happened to be the technician's all time favourite song......hmmmm!

    A novel way to christen a new panel, but all taken in good fun by Paul, who was simply elated with the new surrounds.

    .

    Ross to leave 4BC breakfast

    4BC’s breakfast co-host Ross Davie will not be returning to the station in 2009. Ross has decided to concentrate full-time on his advertising agency, Ross Davie Advertising.

    More Australians Tuning Into Community Radio

    [img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/cbaa.png[/img]
    The number of Australians listening to community radio has exploded, with 57 per cent of Australians tuning in compared to 47 per cent only two years ago. Over nine and a half million people are now tuning in.

    This 10 per cent rise in listenership, was revealed in the 2008 Community Radio National Listener Survey, conducted by McNair Ingenuity Research.
    [link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/618.html]Full story CBAA[/link]

    Dubbo’s radio stars shine at awards

    Dubbo radio stations have scooped the pool, winning three prestigious awards between them at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) held on the Gold Coast on the weekend.
    2DU sports presenter Geoff Mann took out the best sports presenter award, while 93.5 Star FM Dubbo’s Damien ‘Will’ Willoughby won best program director and Josie Hand was awarded the best newcomer off-air.

    Commercial Radio Australia CEO, Joan Warner, congratulated the winners on their commitment to providing quality radio to regional listeners and said Dubbo had a history of producing good radio talent.
    [link=http://dubbo.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/dubbos-radio-stars-shine-at-awards/1331862.aspx]Full story[/link]

    King Hamish and King Andy and all the winners

    Fox FM’s comic duo, Hamish and Andy, have take top honours for Best-On Air team at this year’s 20th Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), announced this evening at a gala ceremony on the Gold Coast.

    Taking the crown from last year’s winners, Kyle and Jackie O, the Melbourne pair’s Hamish and Andy Show also took home awards for Best Networked Program; Best Station Promotion and Best On-Air Team Producer for Sam Cavanagh.

    Other major awards announced before a crowd of more than 900 commercial radio leaders and stars at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast tonight were:

    • Best Talk Presenter - Neil Mitchell, 3AW Melbourne (third consecutive year)

    • Best Current Affairs Commentator - Derryn Hinch, 3AW Melbourne

    • Best Sports Presenter - Ray Hadley, 2GB Sydney

    • Best News Presenter - Steve Blanda, 2UE Sydney (AM) and Kristy Warner, Nova Sydney (FM) (second consecutive year)

    • Best Newcomer On-Air - Ian “Dicko” Dickson, Vega Melbourne

    • Best Music Personality – Mike Fitzpatrick, Triple M, Melbourne

    • Laura Tunstall from 2GB took home the Brian White Memorial Award for excellence in journalism

    Special guests at the Awards ceremony were Pakistan’s cricketing legend and politician, Imran Khan, and British television personality, Nigel Lythgoe, well-known for his work in light entertainment, and as a judge on the American hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance”.

    The national Awards, organised by Commercial Radio Australia, cover all metropolitan, provincial and country commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in 31 categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music.

    This year’s MC was Andrew G from Australian Idol who also hosts Australia’s biggest weekly radio countdown, “Take 40 Australia”.





    BEST ON-AIR TEAM
    The Juice with Jase and Josh, Jason Scheidl and Josh Torney, 96.1 Star FM, Mount Gambier, SA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Scotty and Nige for Breakfast, Scott Masters and Nigel Johnson, FM 104.7, Canberra, ACT, ARN/ Austereo P
    The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

    BEST TALK PRESENTER
    Craig Huth, 2RE, Taree, NSW, Super Network C
    Mike Welsh, Mike Welsh Drive Show, 2CC, Canberra, ACT, Capital Radio P
    Neil Mitchell, 3AW Morning, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network M

    BEST MUSIC PERSONALITY
    Cameron Williams, 97.7 Snow FM, Cooma, NSW, Capital Radio C
    Peter 'Scooter' Carter, Sea FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Mike Fitzpatrick, Triple M, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

    BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR
    Derryn Hinch, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network

    BRIAN WHITE MEMORIAL AWARD
    Laura Tunstall, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network

    BEST SPORTS PRESENTER
    Geoff Mann, 2DU Sports, 2DU, Dubbo, NSW, Super Network C
    Steve Allan, 2GO Good Sports, 2GO FM 107.7, Gosford, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Ray Hadley, 2GB Sports, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network M

    BEST NEWS PRESENTER
    Lois Chislett, 3YB, Warrnambool, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
    Rod McLeod, 92.5 Gold FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Steve Blanda, 2UE, Sydney, NSW, Fairfax Radio Network (AM) M
    Kristy Warner, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia (FM) M

    BEST PROGRAM DIRECTOR
    Damien 'Will' Willoughby, 93.5 Star FM, Dubbo, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Andrew Very, KO FM/ NX FM, Newcastle, NSW, Austereo P
    Jamie Angel, 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

    BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR
    Karina Singer, Sea FM, Maryborough, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Olivia Belvedere, 90.9 Sea FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Kate Casey, Nova106.9, Brisbane, QLD, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST SHOW PRODUCER – ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
    Chae Rogan, The Bigger Breakfast, 96.5 Wave FM, Wollongong, NSW, Grant Broadcasting NM
    Sam Cavanagh, The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

    BEST SHOW PRODUCER – TALK & CURRENT AFFAIRS
    Michael Thompson, Mike Welsh Drive Show, 2CC, Canberra, ACT, Capital Radio NM
    Justin Smith, 3AW Mornings - Neil Mitchell, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network M

    BEST DOCUMENTARY
    The Killer Highway, Brooklyn Hulands, 2EC/ Power FM, Bega, NSW, Grant Broadcasting NM
    Remembrance Day, Sideshow Mike Andersen, Triple M, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

    BEST MUSIC SPECIAL
    The Life and Times of Michael Hutchence, The Sea FM Morning Crew, Sea FM, Bundaberg, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Blue Suede Cadillac - 51 Years of Elvis, Rob Sharples and Lachlan Kitchen, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
    Jabba and Foo Fighters, Stefan Mitchell and Daniel Pearson, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST SPORTS EVENT COVERAGE
    2007 South West Football League Finals Series, Daniel Leach, 6TZ RadioWest, Bunbury, WA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
    Melbourne's New Home of Footy, 1116 SEN Football, 1116 SEN, Melbourne, VIC, Victorian Radio Network M

    BEST STATION PRODUCED COMMERCIAL
    Get the Right Translation - Books Plus, Katrina Brown and Christopher Baskerville, 1503 2BS Gold/ B-Rock FM 99.3, Bathurst, NSW, Bathurst Broadcasters C
    Chooks Chickens - The Movies, Rob Sharples and Clinton James, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
    QLD Racing 'Jockeys', Nathan Russell, Nova 106.9, Brisbane, QLD, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR
    Tania Kimmins, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation NM
    Kate Edwards, 2GB/ 2CH, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network M

    BEST STATION PROMOTION
    Counting Down the Countdowns, David Bauche and Louise Poole, 2NM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasting C
    NX FM's Save Wayne Campaign, NX FM Promotions Team, NX FM, Newcastle, NSW, Austereo P
    Caravan of Courage, The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

    BEST STATION PRODUCED COMEDY SEGMENT
    Ben Cousins Nasal Delivery, David Greensmith, Sea FM, Maryborough, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Organ Donation, Luke Bradnam, 102.9 FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Hot Tomato P
    Help I'm An Ant, Matt Hale, 96 FM, Perth, WA, Fairfax Radio Network M

    BEST NETWORKED PROGRAM
    The Dirty 30, Trent McCurdy, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
    The Benchwarmers, Ant and Becks, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    The Hamish and Andy Show, Today Network, Austereo M

    BEST SYNDICATED AUSTRALIAN PROGRAM
    Cover to Cover, MCM Entertainment, Melbourne, VIC

    BEST STATION SALES ACHIEVEMENT
    Esperance Radio Centre, 747 RadioWest, Esperance, WA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Flow FM Sales Team, Flow FM, Kapunda, SA, W&L Phillips P
    Radio 4BC Sales Team, 4BC, Brisbane, QLD, Fairfax Radio Network M

    BEST AGENCY SALESPERSON
    Paul Friend, Sydney, NSW, Regional Mediaworks, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
    Melody Rowe, Mix 102.3, Adelaide, SA, Australian Radio Network M

    BEST DIRECT SALESPERSON
    Jenni Puccini, 6MM/ Coast FM, Mandurah, WA, West Coast Radio C
    Michelle Imbruglia, 90.9 Sea FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Sean Jenkins, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST SALES PROMOTION
    Mount Gambier 4 Hour Sale, Rosangela Crispino, 5SE/ 96.1 Star FM, Mount Gambier, SA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Sea FM's Brain Freeze with McDonald's Frozen Coke, 90.9 Sea FM , Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Unilever 'Win a Desperate Housewives House' Promotion, Scott Player, 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

    BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
    Plasma For A Plasma, Liana Lambert and Stephany Winter, Sea FM, Bundaberg, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Marty and Erica's Camp Quality Convoy for Kids, Marty Haynes, Erica Hodge and Tania Kimmins, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
    Girls Bike Convoy, Merrick Watts, Tim Ross, Kate Ritchie, Tim Dwyer and Emily Murch, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION
    Trent McCurdy, 3WM/ Mixx FM, Horsham, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
    Mike Young, The Edge 96.1, Western Sydney, NSW, Australian Radio Network P
    Sideshow Mike Andersen, Triple M, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

    ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
    John Pearce, Paperless Creative Production, Sea FM 101.3/ 2GO FM 107.7, Gosford, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
    Bryan Amos, Playout System Remote Audio Import System, Triple M Network, Austereo M

    BEST MULTIMEDIA EXECUTION - SALES
    The Thank You Project, Eric Stephens and Claudine Hall, Mix FM Network, Australian Radio Network

    BEST MULTIMEDIA EXECUTION - STATION
    Matt and Jo's Nude Wedding, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo

    MOST POPULAR STATION MANAGER
    Paul Gadsen, 3SH/ Mixx FM, Swan Hill, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
    John Williams, Sea FM/ 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Richard Barker, B105/ Triple M, Brisbane, QLD, Austereo M

    BEST NEWCOMER ON-AIR
    Simone Jade Kelly, FM 104.7, Grafton, NSW, Super Network C
    Brad Blissett, Sea FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Ian 'Dicko' Dickson, Vega 91.5, Melbourne, VIC, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST NEWCOMER OFF-AIR
    Josie Hand, 93.5 Star FM, Dubbo, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Rebecca Bell, 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Jacqueline Levett, 2UE, Sydney, NSW, Fairfax Radio Network M

    Deborah Kennedy to leave 6PR newsroom

    6PR breakfast news reader Deborah Kennedy will be leaving the stations newsroom next month after almost five years. At this stage it is understood she will continue to have some involvement with the station.

    Reality TV man Lythgoe hopes reality dies

    UK TV producer Nigel Lythgoe, who created So You Think You Can Dance, says it’s time to move on from reality television and the b grade nobodies that it creates.

    Speaking at the National Radio Conference on the Gold Coast, Lythgoe said reality television was partly responsible for creating disposable celebrities who have no real talent.

    An insider suggested there were some ears burning and beetroot faces amongst the audience, specially from one network head that once gave the direction to chase anything that showed 'promise' from numerous Reality TV programmes.

    Wayne Roberts gone from 94.9

    Wayne Roberts has quit as breakfast announcer at River 94.9 Ipswich. He made the announcement this morning

    Radio stations Nova 93.7 and 92.9

    WHAT started out yesterday as gentle jibes between Nova's Nathan and Nat and 92.9 rivals Em and Wippa has turned nasty today.

    The battle of 'he said, she said' over claims the audio clip of Beyonce’s new song was doctored during Nova 93.7 and 92.9’s radio broadcast yesterday morning has lifted a notch today.

    It was suggested by Nova yesterday that 92.9 had recorded the song played on Nova and that you could hear breakfast host Nathan Morris at the end of the song played by 92.9. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24475156-5012990,00.html]Full story PerthNow[/link]

    Get well soon Greg

    Macquarie Southern Cross Radio news director, Greg Henricks, is recovering in hospital after surgery for Osophogeal Cancer.

    Brough on a Sunday

    Televisions Spicks and Specks regular, Alan Brough, is joining ABC 774 and will present Sunday mornings.

    Brough recently filled in for Richard Stubbs who presents weekday afternoons on the station.

    Radio ad market steady for first quarter

    [img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/cra.bmp[/img]

    Metropolitan commercial radio stations generated advertising revenue of $164.67 million in the first quarter of this financial year, a drop of 0.52% compared to the same timeframe last year, according to the 2008 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue as sourced by Deloitte, and released today by industry body, Commercial Radio Australia.

    Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said this was a steady performance from the radio industry given the economic uncertainty and tough times facing many businesses.


    “The metropolitan radio ad revenue continues to be resilient in what are tougher economic times and a period of uncertainty,” Ms Warner said.

    “Some markets like Perth have continued to perform strongly in the first three months of the financial year and some like Sydney continue to be a challenge.”

    The figures show that for the three months of July, August and September of this year, Sydney generated $54.08 million (down 5.5%); Melbourne was $47.3 million (up 0.66%); Brisbane was $26.3 million (up 0.99%); Adelaide was $14.9 million (down 2.69%) and Perth generated $21.9 million (up 10.9%) compared to the same timeframe last year.

    Ms Warner said the monthly growth was also patchy with July about even; August down by about five per cent and September up by about two per cent – highlighting the volatile nature of the economic climate and also the short-term nature of some city markets.

    “Radio is a very resilient advertising medium and has performed well in times of tough economic circumstances so the industry is positive about the coming months,” Ms Warner said.

    “However, the radio industry must continue to be innovative and lead the way in developing new opportunities for attracting advertising revenue. The link between radio and online continues to present significant opportunities for commercial radio stations this year as does the launch of digital radio early next year,” Ms Warner said.

    Jones signs on for another 5 years

    2GB's Alan Jones has signed with the station for a further 5 years and will be heard on air until at least 2013. Jones will soon revert his program back to a 9.00am finish as opposed to the current 10.00am.

    Interactive Heidi

    Austereo have partnered with Nine MSN to launch a social networking tool for Windows Live Messenger.

    The tool features Heidi, a unique “Windows Live Agent', who is a young hip 19 year old blonde girl that can be added as a contact on Windows Live Messenger and answer on-line questions about the Austereo HOT 30 countdown.

    Fancy a bit of Paul Kelly?

    It seems that the Melbourne 1611 am frequency is back on the air, well sort of. If you tune to 1611am in Melbourne you will hear Paul Kelly and Paul Kelly, with a bit of Paul Kelly thrown in - um.... more Paul Kelly and of course Paul Kelly at the top of the hour.
    You get the picture, they are playing a continuous loop of Paul Kelly.

    Sentinel Broadcasts Australia's First Digital Radio

    Sentinel Content and Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) revealed today that they have successfully begun live demonstration broadcasts of real-time traffic information on digital radio.

    Digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth in the first half of 2009. Digital radio will provide a platform for Australians to have superior sound quality, greater listening choice, as well as a new visual aspect to radio with the introduction of scrolling news, sport, traffic and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD or an animated logo on screen. Additional information such as detailed traffic reports and traveller information can also be streamed as data directly to satellite navigation systems or portable navigation devices.




    Sentinel, an Australian live content and service provision company, has been working closely with CRA since March this year to access and develop the first live Australian demonstration of traffic reports and other traveller information broadcast over Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) Traffic using digital radio technology.

    The demonstration service and technology will be on display at the National Radio Conference, at Conrad Jupiters Hotel on the Gold Coast on Friday 10th October 2008.

    With the rising cost of motoring and transport services, having access to LIVE and real-time information about traffic congestion, latest petrol prices and journey planning will save Australian commuters and businesses time and money.

    “We offer more than just traffic information” says Sentinel Content’s General Manager, Danny Woolard. “Through the next generation of digital radios, the information we can provide to people on the move will allow them to plan the best time to leave and what route to take to a destination, taking into account traffic incidents, road-works, travel times and road safety information.”

    “You will also get real-time petrol pricing, not just where you are, but where you are going,” Mr Woolard said. “And when you get there you can get information ahead of time about how many parking spots are left in a car park as well as accommodation pricing and vacancies.”

    “It is all about arriving at your destination safely, efficiently and more cost effectively”.

    Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said Commercial Radio Australia has worked closely with Sentinel in the development of the demonstration of this exciting use of digital radio technology. “Digital radio will enhance the radio experience for listeners, broadcasters and advertisers. The Sentinel demonstration is just the start of broadcasters and listeners understanding the many and varied applications of this powerful and compelling technology.”
    Sentinel has been working with German technology partner GEWI, to deliver the technical TPEG Digital Radio standard. With their joint experience they have been extensively involved in the development of the new broadcast data service standards and deployments of traffic services. The new Australian service uses a similar technology platform which is proven and widely deployed throughout Europe.

    Mr Woolard says “Europe’s success in deploying digital radio, and developing and implementing these types of valuable services means that Australians would also be able to benefit from the time, efficiency, lower cost and safety benefits that our services provide”.

    Sentinel’s Road Sense® Traffic and its other live information services cover major population areas in all Australian States. The information services have been constantly improved and moved into live production systems over the past twelve months. They can be accessed through Sentinel’s demonstration web site myDrive.com.au and 197drive.com.au; a premium rate SMS text message service. The company has also recently released a GPRS-TMC server to server service which delivers traffic information direct to mobile phones and in-vehicle GPS satellite navigation devices.

    Source traffic information for Road Sense® includes real-time data from Australia’s road authorities and independent sources of road incident data. Sentinel’s journalistic traffic editors and data entry staff based in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, also check and collate information for accuracy and quality as incidents occur on the road network. The information also includes planned and scheduled events that affect traffic flow.

    KG and The General

    Friday, December 26, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Recently replaced Fiveaa drive co-host Ken "KG" Cunningham will host an internet based Sports show with Phil Smyth that will go head to head with Fiveaa's program. Related item Adelaide Advertiser

    Sea change!

    | 0 comments »

    Kim Geale and Dave Noonan have quit their long running breakfast gig at Sea FM Hobart in search of new challenges.
    "We both need some time out," said Noonan, who has been working for the radio station for 14 years.
    "And we need to sleep," added Geale, who gets up at 4.20am every day ready to be on air at 5.30am.
    "We've been together for eight years but it's been a big year and it's time for some changes. Related item here Hobart Mercury

    Banned radio presenter angry over arrest

    | 0 comments »

    The board of Wollongong community radio station VOX FM says it still supports the program Struggle Street, despite taking its presenter Paul Matters off the air.

    Mr Matters is one of up to four presenters at the New South Wales south coast station, who have been told not to return, but their ban is subject to an appeal.

    He says he is considering charging police for illegal detention, pending a review of footage taken of his arrest.



    Mr Matters says the cameraman, a local community activist, was told by police to turn his camera off.

    "I'm checking the law on that, that is another serious attack on free speech and it seems to me that some senior police in Wollongong are very politically partisan," he said.

    "Basically they have four police cars there with a police inspector, a sergeant and a number of other police which just indicates how political the whole thing now is."

    SOURCE ABC

    Kev drives you home in 2009

    | 0 comments »

    Kevin Mulchay joins the Adelaide's Triple M lineup in a fulltime capacity from January 27.

    As he has demonstrated in a casual capacity over the past 12 months, Kev brings a wealth of talent, local knowledge, tremendous music knowledge, plus many years of experience which will further give Triple M's drive show a true point of difference 3-7pm.

    Kevin also gets to straps on the coaches cap and will Produce Triple M Footy next season.

    New Nova drive team announced

    Monday, December 15, 2008 | 0 comments »

    DMG's Nova network have announced their new national drive team. From Monday January 19th Ryan, Monty and Wippa will drive you home across the entire Nova network. Ryan Shelton and Monty AKA Kate Dimond have both worked on Nova together before while Michael "Wippa" Wipfli has recently departed Perth's 92.9 breakfast.

    Former Crow Rowe to replace KG

    Sunday, December 14, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Stephen Rowe, a former Adelaide Crows footballer, will replace Ken "KG" Cunningham on Fiveaa's drive time sports show. From January 19 Rowe will join co-host Graham Cornes who was once couch of Rowe at the Adelaide Crows Football Club.

    The Em and Sam Mac show on 92.9

    | 0 comments »

    Sam Mac will join Emelia Rusciano on Perth's 92.9 breakfast from early next year. Sam replaces Michael "Wippa" Wipfli who has left Perth to return to Melbourne. Also joining the pair in an extended role will be Basil Zempilas. Basil will be in the studio from 6.30 until 8.30 and will be very much part of the show however his main role will be sport reporting. Em and Sam previously worked together on radio in Adelaide.

    Richard let mum know he loved her

    Saturday, December 13, 2008 | 1 comments »

    Much has been spoken about Richard Marsland's sad and lonely death last Saturday. The much loved and respected radio and comedy star took his own life and was found in his car at Shiprock Falls in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges.

    It has been revealed that Richard's final words to his mother around 8.30 Friday night prior to his death were those that he often ended his phone calls home to Adelaide, "I'm fine mum", and "I love ya, I love ya, I love ya".

    Richard's family have also revealed that he had fought a long battle with depression and that he had attempted to take his own life around 10 years ago. Extensive counselling got Richard back on track however just 2 months ago he told his parents he felt lonely and alone. Related item from The Sunday Mail here
    Feel you need to talk? LIFELINE on 131 114 or BEYONDBLUE on 1300 224 636

    Fearless broadcaster Moore not Faine-hearted

    Friday, December 12, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Since July Ali Moore has guest hosted one of ABC local radio's premier morning radio programs. With a foreign posting in China and a decade of business reporting experience behind her, she has been standing in for Jon Faine as the Beijing Olympics and the biggest business story in decades unfolded. Full article

    Nic gets the flick

    | 0 comments »

    One of the nice guys of radio was made redundant at Adelaide's Fiveaa yesterday. Program director Nic Nolan was informed Friday was to be his last day with the station. Nic who has been in radio for the best part of 35 years is sure to be snapped up and will no doubt surface again very soon.

    KG final drive show at Fiveaa

    Thursday, December 11, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Ken "KG" Cunningham presented his final drive program on Fiveaa today. Click on the following links to listen to KG's final show Part 1 2 3

    Comedy duo hit bigtime: National breakfast radio gig

    | 0 comments »

    AFTER two years presenting their midnight to dawn show on Triple J, former Warrnambool comedians Tom Ballard and Alex Dyson are set to serve up weekend breakfast radio for listeners.

    The pair has been working regular overnight shifts since making the leap to the national broadcaster from their

    3WAY FM show.Ballard caught Triple J's attention with his performance at the station's Raw Comedy event. [link=http://www.standard.net.au/news/local/news/general/comedy-duo-hit-bigtime-national-breakfast-radio-gig/1384341.aspx?src=rss]More Warrnambool Standard[/link]

    Emily gets Cage gig

    | 0 comments »

    Emily Jade O'Keefe will be part of 4MMM breakfast in 2009 it was anoounced today. Much hype surrounded the appointment with the station running "Ten Girls in Ten Days" trial to find who would fit best with the other members of The Cage.

    CRA working with receiver manufacturers

    Wednesday, December 10, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Commercial Radio Australia is working with digital receiver manufacturers world-wide in a bid to ensure Australian radio listeners have an extensive range of digital receivers to choose from when the new DAB+ technology launches in May 2009.

    Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia (CRA), Joan Warner has recently returned from meetings with receiver manufacturers at a global DAB+ forum in Beijing and a digital radio summit in Tokyo attended by leading receiver manufacturers such as Sony, Panasonic and Pioneer, where she explained Australian digital radio would be launching with anything up to 30 channels per multiplex and extensive use of the new visual aspect of radio.




    “Australian radio broadcasters going digital next year are planning to provide their listeners with a full range of digital services, including multi-media features from day one of the digital radio launch and we want listeners to have a great choice of well priced receivers to buy,” said Ms Warner.

    To encourage receiver manufacturers to test and trial their products using DAB+, CRA has produced a comprehensive Ensemble Transport Interface (ETI) file that contains recorded material from the Australian digital radio trial that includes up to 32 channels, slide show images, Portable Network Graphic (PNG) logos and scrolling text.

    This ETI file is being made available free of charge to receiver manufacturers all over the world to assist with the development of receivers that support the mix of audio and multimedia content that broadcasters will be likely to transmit when DAB+ digital radio launches in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane in May 2009.

    In addition to the ETI file, CRA has also put together a DVD which demonstrates broadcaster commitment and retailer support for the Australian DAB+ launch. The DVD, targeting key receiver manufacturer decision makers is available in English, Japanese, Cantonese, Indonesian, Korean, Malay and Mandarin.

    The DVD illustrates the progress of the digital radio rollout in Australia and highlights some of the radio industry’s plans for a comprehensive consumer marketing campaign.

    “There are an estimated 50 million analogue radio receivers in Australia that we hope will be replaced over time by a new digital radio device. We want Australian listeners to tune in to the new free to air digital radio channels and ‘experience‘ the difference in the DAB+ digital technology,” said Ms Warner.

    Receiver manufacturers are increasingly interested in supporting DAB+ as this is the standard already adopted in Australia, Switzerland, Malta and Hungary, to be launched in Germany and Italy in 2009 and likely to be the standard, in the Czech Republic, Malaysia China, much of Scandinavia and other European and Asian markets.

    The following receiver manufacturers have formally advised that they will have DAB+ receivers available for Australia’s launch and others are working on product development –TEAC, Yamaha, Bush, Intempo, iRiver, PURE, Revo, Roberts Radio and Sangean.

    For further information on digital radio in Australia visit: www.digitalradioplus.com.au

    Radar Radio launch by Austereo

    | 0 comments »

    Austereo is launching the country’s first commercial digital station, which will focus on unearthing new music talent.

    Austereo launched the station called Radar Radio at an event in Sydney.

    The station will be available on the internet immediately, and to people who have digital receivers from next year - except in Darwin.

    Austereo said it would have a heavy focus on Aussie acts and undiscovered artists.



    Austereo chief executive Michael Anderson said it was “an incredibly exciting venture”.

    “Not just for listeners, but for the hundreds of undiscovered bands in Australia yearning for airplay,” Mr Anderson said.

    “Digital radio gives us the opportunity to have more tightly targeted brands, and Radar Radio really shows the potential of digital radio.”

    Austereo, which owns popular stations like 2Day FM and Triple M, has had success with podcasting, but this goes a step further as it is the first commercial digital station.

    Listeners will be able to see details of the artist as each song is being played.

    The station won’t have any big name voices.

    “This is probably the first commercial radio station in Australia that isn’t going to have marquee names like Kyle and Jackie O, or Myf Warhurst and Pete Helliar,” an Austereo statement said.

    “We’ll be using voice talent from our own ranks and also some new voices to tell listeners on Radar Radio about the great songs they’re listening to and the artists behind them.”

    Helmes launches National news in 2009.

    | 0 comments »

    Helmes Media Solutions have announced they will launch a national news service in 2009. They will be producing a 90 second bulletin 6am to 6pm ( Sydney time) from Monday the 19th of January.

    The bulletin will include 60 seconds of national news and 30 seconds of national sport with short audio grabs included.

    Delivery will be via email or ftp at 10 minutes to the hour.
    To find out more drop by [link=http://www.helmes.com.au/index.html]Helmes home page[/link].

    Clark moves shifts at 2GB.

    | 0 comments »

    Philip Clark will sign off for the final time on 2GB drive tomorrow afternoon and will move to evenings from January 19. Clark replaces Murray Wilton, who was recently ousted by the station, in the 7.00 -9.00pm slot.
    Jason Morrison will present 2GB drive in 2009.Related item SMH

    5KA from the time tunnel

    | 0 comments »

    Here is a classic TVC from former Adelaide station 5KA

    Moves not over by a long shot, axe is sharp

    | 0 comments »

    Word reaches us that a major station has been more than toying with replacing a number of their current on air presenters . The axe will fall swiftly if the rumours are correct.

    Ed for breakfast?

    | 0 comments »

    It looks like Ed Kavalee will be part of Nova 100 breakfast in 2009, however whispers suggest he may end up elsewhere.

    Albury duo heading South

    | 0 comments »

    Breakfast team Mel Hope and Greg Allan are leaving 105.7 The River in Albury and heading to LA FM in Launceston. They will kick off breakfast at the station in early 2009.

    A gentleman and a joker

    | 0 comments »

    It's easy to say nice things about people after they die. But everybody had something good to say about Richard Marsland while he was still alive. His colleagues — and his competitors — invariably described him as "the nicest guy in radio". He was enormously generous, they said. One of the most decent blokes you'll ever meet. And it's true. In an industry where off-the-record attacks are rife, no one said anything bad about him to me. Not once. Full item [link=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/a-gentleman-and-a-joker/2008/12/10/1228584905819.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1]The Age[/link]

    Local radio plight heard

    | 0 comments »

    Premier John Brumby has thrown his support behind Bendigo’s community radio broadcasters.
    He has urged the Federal Government to recognise the benefits of locally-produced content and the importance of local information reaching people in isolated areas.

    In a letter to the Minister for Broadband, Communications and Digital Economy Stephen Conroy, Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government attached great importance to the service and effect community radio had on the wellbeing and everyday lives of Bendigo residents
    Full item [link=http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/news/local/news/general/local-radio-plight-heard/1383269.aspx]Bendigo Advertiser[/link]

    Who will jump into the cage.

    Tuesday, December 9, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Expect an anouncement on Friday as to who will be the female co-host on 4MMM's The Cage in 2009. Bianca Dye or Emily Jade O'Keefe?

    Brendan and Amanda sign for 3 more

    | 0 comments »

    WSFM have signed breakfast hosts Amanda Keller and Brendan Jones for 3 more years. Some weeks ago there were whispers that the duo might jump ship to 2MMM. At the same time there were further rumours that had this been the case Jono Coleman was tipped to jump into breakfast.

    Talking of Coleman, 2009 will see him reunite with former on air partner Ian ‘Dano’ Rogerson. It is over 20 years since the pair were last together on radio. ‘The Jono & Dano Show’ will air in drive (4.00pm thru until 7.00pm) across WSFM, 4KQ, GOLD and a swag of regional stations from January 2009.

    Tributes flow for Richard Marsland

    Saturday, December 6, 2008 | 1 comments »

    Fans and friends have paid tribute to Melbourne breakfast radio host Richard Marsland, who was found dead in his car on a lonely stretch of road in Victoria's Dandenong Ranges.

    A park ranger raised the alarm after finding the 32-year-old's body in his car at Shiprock Falls around 10.30am (AEDT) on Saturday but despite police resuscitation efforts, Marsland was later pronounced dead.

    Victoria Police said an investigation had been launched and a brief would be passed to the state coroner but there were no suspicious circumstances.

    Marsland started his radio career in Adelaide on SAFM, and went on to work for Fox FM, Triple J and Triple M. He also had several television credits to his name and was a regular writer for Rove Live as well as Shaun Micallef's SBS show Newstopia.

    By Sunday, fans had flooded the website of Triple M, where Marsland co-hosted the breakfast program with Pete Helliar and Myf Warhurst.

    [link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Marsland]Wiki page[/link] [link=http://www.triplem.com.au/melbourne/shows/petemyf/features/richard_marsland.html]Triple M tributes[/link]
    [link=http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=JmWXmOTTg4M]Richard Marsland Does The Vengabus! YouTube[/link]
    [link=http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=krvcP_31O88]Vintage Richard Marsland from Adelaide YouTube[/link]

    Tim Blackwell to skip breakfast

    Wednesday, December 3, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Nova 100 breakfast anchor, Tim Blackwell, will leave the early mornings behind and is believed to have been offered a later timeslot gig with the station. Ed Kavalee who up and till now had been part of Nova's networked drive program will more than likely join breakfast alongside hosts Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek.

    Berner to share drive duties

    | 0 comments »

    Peter Berner will do drive at Triple M in 2009 - but only Tuesday to Thursday. Roy and HG are doing Monday and Friday drive.

    Corey Layton joins Austereo

    | 0 comments »

    Corey Layton will join Austereo in Melbourne as their Creative Solutions Director. Corey who was with Nova prior to heading overseas is returning from working in radio in London over the last three years.

    Akmal Saleh quits radio

    Tuesday, December 2, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Akmal Saleh is quitting radio to write a book and make a documentary movie.

    Saleh said he'd had a "great ride" at with Nova during his two years hosting the popular national drive time show The Wrong Way Home but had decided on a new direction.

    "My time with Nova has almost been a job," he joked.

    "They expected so much of me, I was expected to show up daily and stay for the full three hours each weekday - their expectations were unreasonable."

    Saleh is looking forward to writing a book after securing a deal with Random House, and he will return to his birthplace of Egypt to make a documentary.

    He is also planning to go back to his roots with a new stand-up show.

    "Akmal will continue to be a great mate of Nova while he travels around and we wish him well as he decides to knuckle down to write the book he has been talking about writing for ages," DMG Radio Group program director Dean Buchanan said.

    Saleh will be on air until December 12.

    An announcement about the future of the show and timeslot is expected in the next couple of weeks, a Nova spokeswoman said.

    It is not yet known whether co-hosts Cal Wilson, who is due to give birth early next year, and Ed Kavalee will stay on.

    Nat Foster quits 92.9 drive

    Monday, December 1, 2008 | 0 comments »

    The moves are coming thick and fast this time of the year. Nat Foster, part of 92.9's drive show, the Big Couch, has quit radio to join the RSPCA as an animal welfare officer.

    Nat's co-hosts Dean Clairs and Shane McFarlane are on the look out for a new on air partner.

    The Duck does not fit with Triple M

    | 0 comments »

    Rob Duckworth has packed his bags and departed 2MMM. It is believed that he does not suit the style of music Triple M want to mix into their playlist - with station now spinning artist such as Potbelleez, MGMT, Sneaky Sound System and The Rogue Traders. Far from traditional 2MMM staples and probably best suited to stations such as NOVA and 2DAY FM.
    If it is any solace for Rob Duckworth, his program rated the highest on the station in the latest ratings survey.

    Radio ratings round up

    | 0 comments »

    [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,24741405-7582,00.html]The Australian [/link] [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24740044-5005368,00.html]PerthNow[/link] [link=http://www.watoday.com.au/entertainment/wippas-wandering-for-love-20081202-6pk3.html]WA today[/link]

    Vale Paul Hardy

    | 0 comments »

    Voice over artist Paul Hardy has passed away suddenly from what is believed to be a heart condition. Paul is best known as the voice of retailers Harvey Norman and Rebel Sports.

    Wippa quits 92.9

    | 0 comments »

    Perth’s 92.9 breakfast co-host Wippa, AKA Michael Wipfli, has announced that he has resigned to head back to Melbourne to be with girlfriend, Georgie.

    On air partner Emilia Rusciano or Em as she is known to listeners is believed to be staying with 92.9 and the hunt is on for a new co-host.

    Tim McDermott new General Manager of 2UE

    | 0 comments »

    The Fairfax Radio Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim McDermott as General Manager of 2UE.

    Tim has worked in the radio industry for over 20 years has held a variety of senior executive positions.

    Radio has always been my passion and working with an iconic station such as 2UE is both an honour and an amazing challenge to help return 2UE to its rightful place as one of Sydney’s leading radio stations in ratings and revenue.

    Working for a major media organisation such as Fairfax will be very exciting and the synergies that exist between the various Fairfax media properties is something that I will be very keen to pursue on behalf of 2UE’s key MediaAgencies and clients.

    Fairfax Radio Network General Manager, Graham Mott, sees the appointment of someone with such a strong sales background as vital to the continuing improvement of 2UE.

    Tim’s experience and passion will help drive 2UE and add value to our network sales operation. Tim will commence on Monday 20 January 2009.

    Triple J presenters: Hello & Goodbye

    | 0 comments »

    Triple J keeps it fresh with a number of on-air changes for 2009.

    The Dools and Linda show (weekdays 3pm) will be re-configured in 2009 without Linda Marigliano as she has chosen to take next year off to travel. The show will continue with Scott Dooley in the driver’s seat.
    It’s been a great year for the show: ratings growth, the development of an outstanding on-air partnership and some truly hilarious radio. triple j Manager Linda Bracken says of Linda’s departure “It’s been wonderful having Linda as part of the family, she has a unique way of connecting with her audience and it’s been great to see her talent mature. We wish her happy and safe travels”.

    Listeners will be able to stay up to date with Linda when she calls in to share her OS adventures.

    It’s goodbye and good luck to HG Nelson (Greig Pickhaver) and "Rampaging" Roy Slaven (John Doyle). The pair has decided to head off to the world of commercial radio after 22 years of presenting the superb This Sporting Life (Sundays 2pm). Roy and HG have produced some amazing radio during their time on triple j. Who could forget their ‘Festival Of The Boot’, ‘Golden Ring Show’, coverage of the 2007 Federal election ‘Indecision 07’ or their insatiable ability to make the serious trivial and the trivial serious. Linda Bracken expressed her sadness at Roy and HG’s departure “They are more than a radio program, they have become their own radio comedy genre. It’s been a joy and a privilege to work with them. They will be missed but we wish them all the best for the future”.

    triple j is very excited to introduce new talent Tom Ballard (19) and Alex Dyson (20) who we discovered in Warrnambool, Victoria in 2006 and have been nurturing ever since. They will move from the overnight shift to weekend breakfast (weekends 6.am to 10.am). Now based in Melbourne, comedian Tom Ballard (a finalist in Raw Comedy competition 2006) and uni student Alex Dyson says of the change "We’re delighted to be taking over from the wonderful and irreverent Sam Simmons, and keen to break the stereotype that young guys don't get up early on weekends".

    Sam Simmons leaves weekend breakfast duties to spend more late nights on his stand-up career but will continue with triple j as a comedy writer and Breakfast special guest.

    These changes are effective Monday 5 January 2009. The triple j team is looking forward to 2009 and the opportunity to continue what they do best: producing great radio and discovering the best new music.

    LAFM launches with the 89.3 days of summer.

    | 0 comments »

    LAFM launches Monday with the 89.3 days of summer.
    Backed with a heavy promotional and branding strategy including LAFM Tune Up Stations and Midday Mini Concerts at iconic Launceston locations for the first 2 weeks, where LAFM will provide music, lunch and a bunch of freebies.

    The Grant Broadcasters owned 89.3 LAFM has undergone an amazing transformation over the last few months in readiness for the launch. Far more than throwing on a new logo, this launch is being backed with television, press, taxi backs, outdoor, direct mail, event ownership and a fresh sound.

    From Monday 89.3 LAFM will provide local programming 24 hours per day 7 days per week.

    The 2 weeks leading up to the launch has seen various parts of the brand released for public consumption and from a programming point of view listeners have been very vocal on the ‘Revamp Line’ as to how they want their new radio station to sound.

    This programming initiative culminated in 5 different formats played out over 5 days, the listener feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and sometimes hilarious. Monday was classic hits, Tuesday was Hot country, Wednesday was Awesome 80’s day , Thursday was Hit Music day and Friday was a day of 70’s music.

    Launceston has been waiting for commercial FM to arrive for some time and it’s finally here.

    Check LAFM's new website…[link=http://www.lafm.com.au ]www.lafm.com.au [/link]and take a peek at their tvc and summer jingle.

    Survey 8 Nielsen radio ratings

    Sunday, November 30, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Nielsen radio ratings survey 8 results for each state are below. Click on each of the links to see the results.

  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Perth
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Anthony Maroon joins Vega 95.3 drive

    | 0 comments »

    Ex Triple M jock, Anthony Maroon, will join Sydney station Vega 95.3 presenting drive starting December 8. Anthony takes over from Vega 95.3fm presenter Jason Staveley, who is heading to Germany to take up a radio role with Stuttgart based BigFM.

    Cyclist French wins defamation payout

    | 0 comments »

    Olympic cyclist Mark French has won a damages payout from a radio station that wrongly implied he was a drug cheat.

    The jury found French had been defamed by comments aired on Triple M in 2004, labelling him un-Australian and a drug cheat.

    The Victorian Supreme Court heard broadcaster James Brayshaw said French was "a dirty, stinking, dobbing cyclist".

    The jury found the comments were defamatory, untrue and malicious and French was awarded $350,000 in damages plus costs and interest of $57,000.

    He hugged his lawyer, partner and family after the verdict was handed down.

    French was found guilty of doping charges in 2004, but the finding was overturned on appeal.
    Source ABC

    Happy 75th 6IX

    Saturday, November 29, 2008 | 0 comments »

    [img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/6ix.png[/img]

    Perth station 6IX celebrates 75 years of broadcasting today. 6IX can be heard at 1080 AM frequency whilst listeners in Joondalup or Rockingham can tune in at 105.7 FM. Congratulations 6IX on 75 years of great radio.

    Emily Everywhere short listed for The Cage.

    Thursday, November 27, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Hot on her departure from Nova today it has been suggested Emily Jade O'keefe will possibly be teaming up with Ian Skippen, Greg Martin and Greg Sullivan on 4MMM's The Cage in 2009.

    Spoonman over and out at Triple M

    Wednesday, November 26, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Spoonman AKA Brian Carlton has presented his final program on the Austereo Triple M Network. Carlton, who has had two bites of the cherry as Spoonman on Triple M, may just pop back up on radio in 2009. He has previously worked at both 2UE and 2GB.
    Fans have started a BRING BACK SPOONMAN Facebook page [link=http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53727330927&ref=mf]here[/link]

    ACMA takes action against 2UE

    Tuesday, November 25, 2008 | 0 comments »

    The Australian Communications and Media Authority today filed an application in the Federal Court of Australia seeking a civil penalty order against Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd for breaching a condition of its licence.

    The 2UE breaches relate to 13 failures by the licensee of 2UE to ensure that on-air announcements disclosing a commercial relationship were made during broadcasts of the John Laws Morning Show.

    ACMA has reached agreement with Fairfax Media Limited (the current owner of 2UE) that 2UE will consent to civil penalty orders in the Federal Court in relation to the breaches and that both parties will submit to the Court that an appropriate penalty would be $130,000. It is ultimately a matter for the court to determine the civil penalty.



    ACMA has taken the step of applying for civil penalty orders against 2UE, having earlier tried to address 2UE’s compliance failures through other means. These latest breaches occurred at a time when 2UE had given ACMA an enforceable undertaking to improve its performance, particularly in relation to the John Laws Morning Show,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

    An enforceable undertaking was offered by 2UE and accepted by ACMA in September 2007 in response to ACMA’s findings that 2UE breached the Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) 20 times during a broadcast in August 2006. The broadcast included extended discussion of the issue of Telstra’s privatisation. Compliance with the Disclosure Standard is a condition that applies to all commercial radio broadcasting licences.

    ‘ACMA notes that Fairfax Media only acquired control of 2UE late in the period during which the breaches occurred, and acknowledges the cooperation of Fairfax inherent in conceding these breaches and working to improve compliance at 2UE,’ said Mr Chapman said.

    ‘However, ACMA —and the Australian Broadcasting Authority before it— has emphasised in previous findings against 2UE that the obligation to comply with program standards lies with the licensee itself; in fact it goes to the heart of a licensee’s obligations.

    ‘Broadcasting licences are not given out lightly by government and convey significant benefit to those to whom a licence is granted. It is a licensee’s unrelenting responsibility to manage its business, including its presenters and production staff, so as to ensure satisfactory compliance with the regulatory requirements.

    ‘Company management put at real risk the retention of these licences when they allow on-air personalities or other staff to breach the rules. One consideration informing the Authority’s agreement to consenting to the civil penalty order was its assessment that Fairfax genuinely accepts that proposition,’ Mr Chapman said.

    ACMA’s findings in relation to the breaches in October and November 2007 are set out in the Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd, published on the ACMA website.

    Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on 02 9334 7980.


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Backgrounder
    The Disclosure Standard
    The Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) requires a licensee to cause a disclosure announcement to be broadcast during a current affairs program when the name, products or services of a presenter’s sponsor are mentioned. A licensee must keep a register of commercial agreements between presenters and sponsors and must provide ACMA with details of those agreements.

    Compliance by 2UE with the Disclosure Standard
    In September 2007 ACMA found that 2UE failed to cause disclosure announcements on 20 occasions in August 2006 when Mr Laws mentioned a sponsor, Telstra, including during an interview with the then Prime Minister.

    ACMA’s findings followed earlier findings by the former Australian Broadcasting Authority in December 2003 that 2UE had breached the Disclosure Standard on 19 occasions (in relation to sponsors Telstra and NRMA). At that time, the ABA also found six breaches of the special licence conditions imposed on 2UE in March 2000, following the Commercial Radio Inquiry.

    In response to ACMA’s findings of September 2007, 2UE offered ACMA an enforceable undertaking under which the John Laws Morning Show would be monitored and 2UE would take action if disclosure statements were not made when sponsors were mentioned.

    Under the terms of the undertaking the licensee agreed to implement a number of measures in regard to the John Laws Morning Show which were designed to ensure compliance with the commercial radio standards. One such measure was the provision of periodic monitoring reports. An independent reviewer was appointed by the licensee to review samples of the John Laws Morning Show and provide ACMA with regular reports on 2UE’s compliance with the Disclosure Standard.

    The first monitoring report was provided to ACMA on 18 October 2007 and the final report was provided shortly after Mr Laws retired from broadcasting on 30 November 2007. In total, the reports presented a sample of 17 programs over two months.

    Fairfax Media acquired 2UE from Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, after most of the breaches had occurred.

    Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd
    ACMA reviewed the monitoring reports for compliance with the undertaking and compiled a Compliance Assessment Report (the report). ACMA identified 13 incidents, all amounting to breaches of the Disclosure Standard, when no disclosure announcement had been made. As 2UE had either failed to take action in relation to these breaches, or had failed to report the breaches to ACMA (or both), ACMA found that 2UE had breached its enforceable undertaking on these occasions.

    ACMA also found that 2UE had breached a standard licence condition set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA). One of the standard conditions for commercial radio licences, set out at section 8(1) of Schedule 2 to the BSA, is the requirement that the licensee will comply with program standards applicable under Part 9 of the BSA. As the Disclosure Standard is a program standard made under Part 9, and ACMA found that the licensee breached the standard on 13 occasions, ACMA also found that the licensee breached the standard licence condition on 13 occasions.

    Civil penalties under the Broadcasting Services Act
    Subsection 140A(3) of the BSA provides that a commercial radio broadcasting licensee must not breach a condition of its licence. Subsection 140A(7) states that subsection (3) is a civil penalty provision.

    ACMA can apply to the Federal Court for a civil penalty order to be made under section 205F of the BSA for breach of the licence condition.

    ACMA is taking action in this matter against the licensee, Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd. Under the Disclosure Standard and the licence conditions that apply to commercial radio services, it is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure compliance.

    Fairfax Media acquired full operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, following the acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited by Macquarie Media Group (MMG) and MMG’s sale of 2UE and other commercial radio licences to Fairfax Media. Most of the breaches of the licence condition occurred before Fairfax Media acquired full control of 2UE, and Fairfax Media cooperated with ACMA in investigating the breaches. Fairfax Media has since taken a number of steps to improve compliance at 2UE.

    Although Fairfax Media only gained operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, the licensee has not changed and its enforceable undertaking of 24 September 2007 continues to apply. Fairfax Media has assumed responsibility for compliance with the undertaking and all the other regulatory and legislative obligations attaching to the broadcasting licence.

    ACMA and Fairfax Media have reached agreement that an appropriate level for the penalty would be $130,000, comprising $10,000 for each of the 13 breaches.

    Brenden gets out of the MIX

    | 0 comments »

    Brenden Wood has departed MIX 1065 where he was executive producer of breakfast. No doubt in the world that Brenden will pop up somewhere in radio in 2009, ARN's loss will be somebody elses gain!

    2GB's Ray Hadley rails at filthy 'dish pigs'

    | 0 comments »

    THE dirty dishes in 2GB's Pyrmont studios kitchen have sparked a stink
    between station staff and its star morning host Ray Hadley. [link=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24708056-5001021,00.html]Full story[/link]

    Drive exits at Nova 106.9

    | 0 comments »

    A quick exit yesterday for Nova 106.9's Dan and Ken. The duo decided to walk from the station when they were told their contracts were not being renewed. Brendan boss will cover drive until an announcement is made on a replacement.

    Sigley debut on Nightline.

    Saturday, November 22, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Former 3AW afternoon presenter, Ernie Sigley, made his debut as fill in co-host of Nightline last Friday evening. Sigley joined Bruce Mansfield on the 3AW airwaves between 8.00pm and midnight.

    HG to go from J to M?

    | 0 comments »

    More on the rumour suggesting Triple J's HG Nelson heading to Triple M has surfaced today with an article on AdelaideNow giving more legs to the rumour. [link=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24691172-5018092,00.html]More here[/link]

    Macquarie Radio review

    | 0 comments »

    Six weeks after agreeing to pay its star broadcaster Alan Jones a $4.5 million bonus to extend his contract, the John Singleton-controlled Macquarie Radio Network has not ruled out job cuts as part of a review to cut costs and counter a sharp drop in advertising.

    The owner of Sydney's No.1 talkback radio station, 2GB, plans to look at every part of its business - including staff and program production - in coming weeks to find savings after advertising demand in the country's biggest radio market fell off a cliff last month. [link=http://business.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-radio-review-20081121-6e10.html]Full Story SMH[/link]

    Mark Holden and Tamsyn Lewis in at Vega

    Wednesday, November 19, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Melbourne's Vega 91 will have Mark Holden and Tamsyn Lewis presenting breakfast over summer in place of Dicko, Dave and Chrissie.

    David scores top Regional job

    Tuesday, November 18, 2008 | 0 comments »

    5RM/MAGIC931 GM, David Bye has been appointed General Manager, Fairfax Radio Regional Network. The appointment follows the retirement of Graham McVean earlier this year. Fairfax Radio have licences in South Australia, QLD and NSW. Well done David!

    Helmes Media two new programs

    | 0 comments »

    Helmes Media have released two new short segment programs. First up is ‘Bare Essentials” a daily sex and relationship segment hosted by well known broadcaster Sandy Kaye.
    Sandy presents ‘Bare Essentials” in a sophisticated and professional manner with some naughty fun thrown into the mix.
    As with all of Helmes segments your listeners can interact and ask Sandy questions on our free call number.
    “Bare Essentials” is offered on a three month contract for only $44 per week (including GST) and will be available from Monday the 8th of December.



    “Feathers, Fur and Fins” a daily look at the world of pets.
    As the name implies this new segment isn’t just restricted to dog and cat issues, but all family pets.
    “Feathers, Fur and Fins” is complied and written by experienced pet journalist and breeder Sue Shoring and voiced by her husband Brisbane radio announcer Murray Shoring.

    Your listeners can also ask questions on our feedback line. This is the pet show you have been looking for!

    “Feathers, Fur and Fins” is offered on a six month contract in exchange for two 30 seconds commercials to be aired between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday – alternatively you can purchase the segment for just $44 per week (including GST).

    More info at Helmes Media [link=http://www.helmes.com.au]here[/link]

    Sami to get ugly at 2MMM

    Monday, November 17, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Triple M Brisbane’s Sami Lukis will join Phil O’Neil at 2MMM for breakfast in 2009. Expect more Triple M appointments for 2009 soon. Word reaching us a Triple J stalwart is rumoured to be in discussion with 2MMM.

    Wooley heading back to Nine

    Sunday, November 16, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Macquarie Southern Cross Network has decided to pull the plug on Charles Wooley's Across Australia. The show which comes out of Hobart will not return in 2009 and host Charles Wooley will return to a full-time role with Channel 9's Sixty Minutes.

    Parton joins Canberra's AM sisters

    | 0 comments »

    Former Mix Canberra breakfast presenter, Mark Parton, has joined the team at 2CA and 2CC.

    Lisa Fernandez last week in Adelaide

    Saturday, November 15, 2008 | 0 comments »

    After more than 4 years on air on Adelaide's Nova FM Lisa Fernandez heads home to Perth next Friday. Lisa has opted to head home for family reasons so you can expect to hear her on the Perth airwaves in 2009.

    Nova breakfast host in Underbelly

    | 0 comments »

    Nova's Kate Ritchie will star in Underbelly 2. Ritchie who will be returning to her breakfast gig with Nova in 2009 will star as Judi Kane, the wife of slain 1970s standover man Les Kane.

    Holden on Nightline

    | 0 comments »

    Mark Holden co-hosted 3AW's Nightline on Friday night. Holden joined Philip Brady for the evening.

    Outrage over radio stunt

    Thursday, November 13, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Perth FM radio station 92.9 has been accused of being heartless over its antics during a competition called Dearly Deported.

    In the competition during the Em and Wippa Show long-lost relatives are flown from a faraway land to Perth. When they get here they are made to answer three questions. If they don’t answer all three correctly they receive less than a few minutes of interaction with their loved ones before being whisked back to the airport to return home. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24650075-5012990,00.html]Full story[/link]

    2008 CBAA Conference

    Wednesday, November 12, 2008 | 0 comments »

    The CBAA wanted to create a once in a life time experience for the 2008 Conference by taking community broadcasters out of their typical environments and placing them smack bang in the middle of the country for the largest annual gathering of community broadcasters.
    [link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/622.html]Whole story CBAA[/link]

    Blackman keeping his hand in

    | 0 comments »

    Over the last few days John Blackman has been filling in for the absent Arthur Higgins on 1179am Vision Australia. You can hear John until on air between 6.30 and 7.30AM Friday morning 14th November.

    Chris Holland leaving Darwin

    Monday, November 10, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Chris Holland, APD of Hot 100 / Mix 1049 is hanging up the mic (for a little while), getting married and off to see the world! We wish Chris all the best on his forthcoming marriage

    Get Behind the Wheel for an hour

    | 0 comments »

    Helmes Media Solutions has announced their weekly motoring program Behind the Wheel will expand to a one hour offering.

    General Manager of Helmes Media Solutions and host of Behind the Wheel Joel Helmes, says the show has been a hit with stations and listeners.

    “I am just delighted with how the show has come together, we dipped our toe in the water with the half an hour version and quickly found two things, one there is more than enough interesting and relevant content and two half an hour just wasn’t enough time to give that content the coverage it deserved”.



    Mr. Helmes says one major goal for the expanded program is even more listener interaction.

    “We have had some great responses to our national feedback line but we really want motorists from across Australia to hit us with those questions which a lot of people really still don’t know the answer too”.

    “I think it also makes for some really interesting radio”.

    The expanded Behind the Wheel will be available free from Helmes Media Solutions from the week starting Monday the 24th of November.

    ABC Classic FM launches new website

    | 0 comments »

    ABC Classic FM has launched a new website which is packed with many new offerings
    The official launch this month is just the beginning. The first stage allows you to listen to 40 or so Australian works created over the past 100 years. Over the coming months and years the collection will expand, embracing more genres and rare works which have so far been difficult or near-impossible to access. [link=http://www.abc.net.au/classic/australianmusic/]visit [/link]

    3MMM on trial

    | 1 comments »

    Melbourne radio station Triple M is on trial accused of defaming an Olympic cyclist.

    Mark French is suing Triple-M, for comments made on its program The Cage in 2004.

    The Victorian Supreme Court heard the broadcast labelled French a drug cheat, who had dobbed in his teammates to authorities.

    The court heard French was also called "un-Australian" and "a dirty stinking dobbing cyclist."

    French's lawyers told the court, their client was a highly regarded professional cyclist who had found the broadcast very hurtful.
    ABC

    Vega takes a Bath over summer

    | 0 comments »

    Channel Seven's Chris Bath will co-host Vega 95.3FM breakfast with Alex Dean from November 26 until January 9. Bath who is no stranger to radio having started at 2UE will be filling in for Tony Squires, Rebecca Wilson and Mikey Robins.

    Radio retirees

    Friday, November 7, 2008 | 1 comments »

    Two big names of Australian radio retired just over a week apart.

    The legendary John Vertigan has now bid farewell to Sport 927. JV is off to the US where he will marry and settle. This weekend for the last time before jetting off he will join the other members of the Survivors Club at their November get together. Good luck and all the best for the future JV.

    Ernie Sigley wound up his full time duties at 3AW yesterday. Sigley will now move from Afternoons to fill in presenter when either one of the Nightline presenters are away. The tributes flowed at 3AW yesterday and a tribute video is available [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/ernie-blog/your-tributes-to-ernie-sigley/20080929-4q3f.html?page=10]here[/link]

    Vale Robbie McGready

    Wednesday, November 5, 2008 | 1 comments »

    Veteran radio and TV presenter Robbie McGready passed away recently at the age of 85. Robbie who came to Australia in 1947 is credited with employing John Laws as the breakfast announcer at 2GZ Orange.

    In the late 1950's Robbie devised a TV program called called Grocer and Madam which morphed into the Jackpot Quiz. He compered Jackpot Quiz for over 12 years.

    Robbie was a stalwart of Byron Bay community station Bay FM and his popular Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory was a favourite with locals. Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory first went to air in 1993 and Robbie was still presenting the program until 2 years ago at the age of 83. Full tribute Byron Shire News

    Robb Kidd MD at Vega 91.5

    | 0 comments »

    Rob Kidd, afternoon announcer at Vega 91.5, is now also the station's Music Director. Former MD Kate Mason has left the station.

    What does the future hold for ARN?

    | 0 comments »

    With the decision made that will see Tony O'Reilly's Independent News sell their 39 per cent stake in APN, owners of the Australian Radio Network, it will be interesting to see who puts their hand up to buy it.

    Reports that Seven Network are not interested and Macquarie Group are not keen either leaves the question will the radio and newspaper group be broken up?

    If that was the case there would no doubt be a number of companies, prepared to grab hold of either the business groups.
    Take ARN for example if that was available, now that opens up a pandoras box that could change the radio landscape across the nation.

    3AW covered US election

    | 0 comments »

    Morning host Neil Mitchell was live on the street broadcasting his program from America yesterday for the US elections which saw Barack Obama becoming the country's first black president.

    Neil Mitchell covered his morning program speaking to everyday Americans on who they thought would win while the team around him such as producer Justin Smith gave an insight into results as polling places closed and the results began to come in.

    It was during the Ernie Sigley program that Mitchell returned to air to announce Obama had won. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Barack_Obama1.wma]AUDIO1[/link] [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Neil_Mitchell_Bar.wma]AUDIO2 [/link]
    Also in the US with 3AW amongst others was former Classic Rock breakfast announcer Seb Costello who Derryn Hinch crossed to during his drive program. Richard Arnold has a wrap up of the day. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Richard_Arnold.wma]AUDIO[/link]

    Radio stunt has staff in clover

    Monday, November 3, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Staff at Brisbane radio station Nova 106.9 got an unexpected Melbourne Cup Day surprise this morning when they arrived to find their Teneriffe headquarters converted into a makeshift race track, complete with live ponies.

    One-hundred and thirty square metres of the green stuff was laid across the station's sprawling reception area overnight and the equines brought in this morning, when they were taken to the building's third floor via a lift. [link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/radio-stunt-has-staff-in-clover/2008/11/04/1225560799291.html]Brisbane Times[/link]

    2DU's de Kroo to say Hooroo

    | 0 comments »

    '
    2DU's Leo de Kroo will leave his popular morning program and the station on Christmas Eve to pursue other interests. He has been the voice of Dubbo for over a decade with his unique and passionate style.

    It is de Kroo's wish that he finds a replacement who is prepared to carry the torch on local issues that matter to the Dubbo community (those with a hidden political agenda need not apply) prior to his departure.

    Sigley to exit afternoons this week.

    Sunday, November 2, 2008 | 0 comments »

    He came to the station to fill in for Caroline Wilson (who was on maternity leave) well over a decade ago and this Friday Ernie Sigley retires from the 3AW afternoon program.
    As reported here previously Sigley will pop up on 3AW's Nightline from time to time as fill in host.

    Police drop charge against McKenney

    | 0 comments »

    Drug charges against Mix 1065's Todd McKenney have been dropped by police during a brief court hearing today.

    Police discovered a vial of the drug in McKenney's pants pocket when they found him unconscious in Rushcutters Bay Park on Anzac Day, April 25, this year.

    McKenney said the drugs had been planted in his pants when he took them off to have a shower at a party, at which he also said he had his drink spiked.

    Much Improved Digital Radio Channel Plans

    | 0 comments »

    Improved Digital Radio Channel Plans (DRCPs) have been released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for comment.

    Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the industry had been working with ACMA to modify the DRCPs first released in December 2007.

    “We are confident as an industry the latest plans will provide Australia’s radio listeners with a very high level of coverage from day one of the new technology - well over 90% population coverage - which will be further improved over the first few years of operation and represents the highest level of metropolitan DAB+ digital radio coverage in the world,” said Ms Warner.


    The industry will, however, also prepare a submission requesting even more improvements in some areas. Based on the DRCPs, Commercial Radio Australia will formally finalise the technical specifications for the digital antenna infrastructure which ultimately determines how and where radio listeners will be able to hear digital radio in the five capital launch cities; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from May 2009.

    “Radio is a mobile media and listeners expect when we switch-on digital radio next year that it will work in the home, in the office, on the beach and throughout the city when they are listening in the car. With these new plans, and a little more tweaking, we can achieve that,” said Ms Warner.

    Free to air digital radio will allow radio broadcasters to provide additional audio channels, a higher quality sound, a pause and rewind facility, plus a new informative visual aspect to radio, with the introduction of scrolling news, sport and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD, a product picture, or an animated logo on screen.

    Tony O'Reilly's Independent to sell ARN stake

    | 0 comments »

    APN News & Media (owners of the Australian Radio Network) says its major shareholder, Irish media company Independent News & Media, has received approaches from several parties regarding its 39 per cent stake in the company.
    INM, led by chief executive Sir Tony O'Reilly, said it wanted APN to be involved in its strategic review of its holding, to ensure that the outcome is in the best interests of APN's shareholders.

    "APN welcomes this approach," the Sydney-based publisher said.

    APN, which publishes The New Zealand Herald as well as 24 daily and over 100 non-daily newspapers across Australia and New Zealand, said the review "may or may not result in the sale of part or all of INM's interest in APN".

    The company also owns 50 per cent of Australian Radio Network and The Radio Network in New Zealand.

    APN said it had appointed ABN Amro to advise on the review.

    Nine lives for Nova team

    | 0 comments »

    Merrick and Rosso are tempting fate by signing for a ninth year on Nova - but why not? They are enjoying a steady march back to the top and are within a whisker of reclaiming the FM breakfast crown they lost two years ago to 2DayFM's Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O. In radio terms, however, they're well past the expected five-year life cycle of most FM shows. Full story the SMH

    Jennifer Menchin quits 2BS

    | 0 comments »

    Yes it is that time of the year when people are on the move! Jennifer Menchin has resigned from 2BS after 6 years. Jennifer who has held various roles with the station including her popular [i]Talk of the Town[/i] afternoon program initially joined the 2BS as a copy writer. She departs the station on Friday the 21st of November.

    2MMM Shebang now gone, Wil and Lehmo going

    | 0 comments »

    It looks like we will see a very different 2MMM in 2009 with breakfast program The Shebang having now left the building and the announcement today that Wil & Lehmo will not be returning to their Networked drive program next year.
    Jamie Angel is currently hosting 2MMM breakfast while Wil and Lehmo will continue on air until the end of November.

    Holden talking on the radio

    Saturday, November 1, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Mark Holden has been hosting Saturday and Sunday afternoons on 3AW this weekend.

    Pete Graham did switch camps

    | 0 comments »

    A regular reader who is in Sydney for the long weekend (Melbourne Cup equals a four day weekend for many in Vic) wanted to know when Pete Graham joined 2UE from 2GB? He had heard him on 2UE's Saturday Night Live last night. We believe it was in September as far as we are aware.

    Brownless to skip breakfast

    | 0 comments »

    SEN's Billy Brownless has decided to leave the 1116 SEN Morning Glory breakfast program. Billy who has been part of the program since day one of SEN will remain with the station.

    The naked truth of a shock jock duped

    Friday, October 31, 2008 | 0 comments »

    An interesting article in the SMH regarding two former Media Monitors employees and 2GB's Chris Smith. A shocking case of cyber bullying is what it really comes down to.

    After monitoring talkback radio for years, Brent Balinski reached breaking point in July. Mucking around at Media Monitors one day he found on the website of 2GB's Chris Smith pictures of the shock jock's little kids in the bath. Balinski hadn't forgotten Smith's role in whipping up the great storm over Bill Henson's pictures of naked children. He thought: "Hypocrisy doesn't do it justice." Read the entire story

    Onward christian soldiers

    | 0 comments »

    United Christian Broadcasters are the new owners of Melbourne frequency 1611am and they will broadcast via their Vision Radio Network of over 330 stations across Australia. [link=http://www.vision.org.au/news.htm]Link[/link]

    Kate on the march

    Thursday, October 30, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Kate Neubauer has left Newcastles New FM after 18 months covering both breakfast and nights. Kate is now seeking radio work in Sydney.

    70 years since War of the Worlds (audio)

    | 0 comments »

    Seventy years ago, thousands of American radio listeners fled what they feared was an imminent invasion by space aliens; while others armed themselves in defence against the marauding extraterrestrials.

    Radio listeners, many of whom flooded police emergency phone lines, apparently had missed a disclaimer at the start of the broadcast making it clear that events unfolding over the airwaves were fictional.


    A headline emblazoned across the top of the New York Times the next day told the story: "Radio listeners in panic, taking war drama as fact."

    This year marks seven decades since the historic "War of the Worlds" broadcast unleashed a furore across the country, as Americans by the tens of thousands allowed themselves to be fooled by the radio broadcast's realistic-sounding news bulletins and sound effects.

    A Princeton University study a decade later determined that about a million people were affected in some fashion by the scare.

    One reason so many people were taken in was the extraordinary calibre of the production. The science fiction radio drama -- now seen as an American classic -- was a reworking of an acclaimed H.G. Wells' story originally set in Britain.

    The version broadcast in the United States, adapted by brash and brilliant young actor and director Orson Welles, aired on the evening of October 30, 1938, one day before Halloween. The performers, consummate professionals, were part of Welles' Mercury Theatre.

    For his part, Welles, just 23 at the time of the broadcast, two years later went on to world acclaim as the director, producer and main protagonist in "Citizen Kane." The movie earned him an Oscar and has been hailed as among the greatest films of all time.

    Thousands of radio listeners who tuned in to War of the Worlds believed that space aliens carrying ray guns were advancing toward New York City. The program, produced by the CBS Radio Network, was set in the rural town of Grovers Mill, just south of New York, in the neighbouring state of New Jersey.

    Henry Brylawski, 95, says he wasn't duped by the broadcast, which he said he also knew was fictional, although others in his circle of friends and family were fooled.

    "It didn't make an impression on me at all," he told AFP.

    "I heard that Orson Welles program and, very frankly, it didn't affect me in any way. I din't think whether there was a fake or not because I knew it was fake."

    "The next morning," he said, "I read in the papers about what a sensation the program had been."

    Others however were not so discerning. Among those taken in was Brylawski’s girlfriend’s sister, who, he said "was terrified" by what she believed was to be the alien onslaught.

    Seven decades later, Americans still mark the historic radio program and the histrionic reaction it unleashed. Later this week the anniversary will be marked by a new recording of the script at Ball State University, in the Midwestern state of Indiana.

    Scholars have devoted written tomes in an effort to figure out how and why the public was so readily duped. Some hypothesized that the hysteria was the result of a US public already put on edge by the drumbeat of war elsewhere in the world.

    "The 1938 broadcast of 'War of the Worlds' crystallised tensions and fears for one American night," Scott O'Callaghan, author of an essay "War of the Worlds: Why the Hoax Worked," told AFP.

    "The prospect of a hostile encounter with the unknown was all too real for the American people in any number of ways, and the radio broadcast let us experience those fears safely, for one hour," said O'Callaghan, an assistant professor of humanities, Southern Vermont College.

    "It unleashed a wave of panic, but also seemed to crystallize the fears of the era, coming as it did with the United States poised to take up arms in World War II," he said.

    Download the 1938 audio [link=http://sounds.mercurytheatre.info/mercury/381030.mp3]here[/link]

    Warner Australia Chooses Play MPE

    | 0 comments »

    The Shooting Star Picture Company and Warner Music Australia are pleased to announce a partnership which will see one of Australia's largest record companies migrate to the exclusive use of PLAY MPE® and Spins services, Australia's new industry tools for audio and video delivery and radio monitoring. Both services are marketed exclusively in Australia as part of the D-Star product line.

    PLAY MPE® has been testing throughout 2008 and will now provide delivery of Warner's new release content to all media exclusively on this digital platform. The Play MPE® system allows media to easily preview and download relevant music in CD quality files, transfer tracks to portable music devices such as iPods and easily collate usage data on new releases for Warner Music Australia.

    D-Star Spins also launches this month, providing Australia's most accurate and user-friendly service for tracking radio airplay for label's catalogues. D-Star Spins is an essential planning tool for music companies such as Warner Music Australia to track the success of campaigns in real-time.
    “We are pleased to be extending our existing relationship with Shooting Star and the breadth of services they provide our organisation. Both Play MPE® and Spins are excellent, state of the art services which will provide the important business tools we need to communicate and interact with all our media partners” said Director of Promotions and Publicity for Warner Music Australia - Ben Facey.
    “We are delighted that Warner Music Australia is joining us on this journey to provide Australia's industry standard in promo delivery,” said Shooting Star Picture Company CEO Peter Skillman. “Our D-Star business is based on listening to the needs of both media and our label clients and proving the solutions and ever-improving products that are based on understanding both sides of the fence. Our current success proves that our strategy is the right one and we look forward to a long and prosperous future with Warner as well as our other valued clients.”
    Play MPE® (promotional audio delivery) and D-Star Digital (promotional video delivery) are available now with FREE accounts for media. D-Star welcomes previous users of other services to the D-Star suite for all of their promotional content needs. To sign up for a media account or to find out how either product can assist your business access the media, visit www.dstarmpe.com. D-Star Spins is available now for radio playlist monitoring in all mainland capital cities plus the Gold Coast including all commercial radio, Triple J and selected community stations. For more information on utilising this service, please email Stephen Green at D-Star at stephen@dstarmpe.com.

    Hinch fights charges

    Wednesday, October 29, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Defiant broadcaster Derryn Hinch said he was morally right to name and shame sexual offenders and will fight charges of breaching court orders.

    Hinch, 64, on Wednesday appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on charges of breaching five Victorian County Court suppression orders.

    It is alleged Hinch named the offenders at a victims of crime rally on the steps of the Victorian parliament in June and on his website.

    Outside court, Hinch said he did the right thing by naming the offenders.

    [link=http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2008/oct/30/aap-hinch-fights-charges-for-naming-offender/]More[/link]

    Darwin's 104.1 Territory FM a most popular station

    Tuesday, October 28, 2008 | 0 comments »

    A Territory Radio station has been named the most popular community broadcaster in Australia.
    Darwin's 104.1 Territory FM was revealed the most popular station in a survey by McNair Ingenuity. The research said 42% of Darwin listeners tune in to the Charles Darwin University station. Territory FM general manager Peter Perrin said the results echo local research carried out in 2007 by Roy Morgan research.

    Further on that story, Australian Independent Radio News owner/operator Artie Stevens said he was particularly pleased with the result. "As we provide the local and national news on a daily basis to Territory FM, the numbers vindicate all the hard work we have put in over the last four years to develop a professional service. That 42% of Darwin Radio listeners choose to listen to Territory FM and by default to AIR News is very gratifying, and I congratulate all our hard working team and the 104.1 on air team on a fine result." Well done Territory FM and well done AIR News

    Ratings round up

    | 0 comments »

    While we have been off line for the last few days survey 7 of the radio ratings was released. We are traditionally live with the results on ratings day so you can imagine our frustration around 10.00am yesterday morning.

    [list][/list][link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/business/story/0,28124,24569732-7582,00.html]The Australian Triple M's Ratings Dive[/link]
    [list][/list][link=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/scorned-fm-station-in-the-mix/2008/10/28/1224956037536.html]The Age Scorned FM station in the mix[/link]
    [list][/list][link=http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,24567373-5003421,00.html]Courier Mail Emily Everywhere cleans up in ratings[/link]
    [list][/list][link=http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=5&ContentID=105022]West Australian 94.5 retains crown[/link]
    [list][/list][link=http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,26278,24568337-5013560,00.html]News.com.au Vega topples Triple M[/link]
    [list][/list][link=hyperlink url]SMH Triple M takes the spoon[/link]

    Denton for breakfast in 2009?

    | 0 comments »

    Gaining legs that two Sydney radio stations have expressed more than a passing interest to secure Andrew Denton for breakfast in 2009.

    BBC under fire radio stunt (audio link)

    | 0 comments »

    British Prime Minister Gordon Brown weighed in on a row over offensive on-air comments by two top BBC presenters which has escalated into a media and political storm.

    Brown today called the comments, in which the presenters made foulmouthed claims about the granddaughter of a famous comedy actor, unacceptable and backed an investigation into the row.

    Flamboyant broadcasters Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand left answer phone messages for the 78-year-old actor Andrew Sachs, famed for his role as bumbling Spanish waiter Manuel in the hit 1970s television comedy series Fawlty Towers.



    The calls, including a claim that Brand had "f....d" Sachs's granddaughter and discussion of how Sachs might hang himself as a result, were recorded and later played on air during a radio show on October 18.

    The BBC apologised yesterday for the comments, but listeners have flooded the broadcaster with more than 10,000 complaints - prompting the prime minister to take the unusual step of intervening.

    "This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, as is now widely recognised," said Brown, in a statement issued by his Downing Street office.

    As the story dominated newspaper and television coverage for a second day, the official Ofcom media watchdog said it had decided to investigate after receiving complaints itself.

    Justice Minister David Hanson urged the two presenters to apologise, saying he did not think their behaviour was "appropriate" or "in keeping with broadcasting".

    "I'm not sure it will result in prosecutions. But I do feel an apology is called for," he said in parliament.

    Sachs himself broke his silence on the affair, telling the BBC that Ross had personally apologised and delivered flowers to him.

    "He made no excuses and was very frank and open. He's in a lot of trouble and I don't want to pile any more on him," he said.

    "My granddaughter hasn't heard from either Ross or Brand and I do think they owe her an apology."

    He added that his granddaughter, 23-year-old Georgina Baillie, feels very guilty at having put her family through the whole thing.

    Investigations are likely to focus on how BBC editors could have approved the broadcast.

    The row is the latest in a string of embarrassments for the BBC. In July it was fined £400,000 ($1 million) after a string of shows faked winners of their competitions.

    Talk show host Ross is one of the country's highest paid media stars ever. His three-year contract with the BBC is reputed to be worth £18 million.

    Comedian Brand, known as one of British entertainment's biggest lotharios, has recently started trying to build a career in Hollywood with a role in the film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall".

    A spokesman for the BBC Trust, which oversees the broadcaster's activities and is independent of its management, said it had asked for a report from BBC bosses on the matter.
    [link=http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/10/28/audio-russell-brand-and-jonathan-ross-prank-phone-calls-to-andrew-sachs-115875-20845857/
    Audio link here[/link]

    Mac Media views tough times

    | 0 comments »

    AUSTRALIA's largest regional media group, Macquarie Media, has accelerated a review of its capital management strategy following a share slump.

    The company, which last year bought the Southern Cross regional TV business which owns most of Channel Ten's regional stations, said it would consider partial pre-payment of its business-level debt.

    Chairman Max Moore-Wilton told shareholders at today's annual meeting in Sydney the option would be considered against other capital management intitiatives or potential acquisitions. [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24570406-7582,00.html]Full story The Australian[/link]

    System failure

    Monday, October 27, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Updates should resume in the next 12 to 24 hours. We have had numerous issues with our database - all of which are slowly being repaired.

    Australian Music and The Wide Open Road on ABC

    | 0 comments »

    Does Brisbane have its own sound? How did sweaty suburban pubs shape generations of Australian musicians? Were The Triffids’ countless road trips across the Nullarbor the catalyst for their eerie brand of Australian gothic?

    The producers of Wide Open Road, coming in November to triple j, ABC Radio National, ABC Local Radio and abc.net.au, sought out some of Australia’s most influential musicians to find out whether Australia’s diverse landscape is integral to our international reputation for unique, original music.


    Hosted by triple j Music Director Richard Kingsmill and divided into four parts - Road, Suburbs, Carpet and Coast - the series examines how the Australian environment has shaped contemporary popular music, creating a singular musical identity.

    See and hear musicians and songwriters in the environments that forged their particular sounds. Take a walk down by Port Phillip Bay with Paul Kelly; hear the tide rise and smell the scent of mangoes in the breeze with the Pigram Brothers of Broome; drive over the dry flatlands with the Waifs; chill out in the suburban backyard of the Hilltop Hoods; sip tea in the coastal home of John Butler; and, drop in on Darren Hanlon in the country caravan where he writes his songs.

    Archival sound and new interviews and recordings bring to life the real and imagined worlds of our songwriters and musicians. You will see where Australian music has come from, and the places and headspaces that still give it its unique sounds.

    For a visual and aural treat, the Wide Open Road website (abc.net.au/wideopenroad) provides extended audio interviews, lyrics, photo gallery and guest book, music downloads, and a road map of Australian music. It is also your opportunity to submit your own stories and memories of favourite gigs, songs and artists.

    Tune in to hear the Wide Open Road series every Saturday for four weeks from 1 November on triple j at 2pm and ABC Radio National at 5pm during Into the Music . All episodes will also be available online as audio on demand at the Wide Open Road website. Selected excerpts will feature on ABC Local Radio.

    For details on how to tune in to ABC Radio visit abc.net.au/radio .

    At a time when Australian music is widely considered to be experiencing its own renaissance, Wide Open Road will traverse the songlines of our musical landscape

    Radio ratings survey 7

    | 0 comments »

    Nielsen radio ratings survey 7 results for each state are available below.

  • Adelaide
  • Brisbane
  • Perth
  • Melbourne
  • Sydney
  • Labrat appendicitis diagnosed on-air

    Wednesday, October 22, 2008 | 0 comments »

    B105 breakfast co-host, Jason 'Labrat' Hawkins, got the shock of his life this morning. Labrat was in agony this morning when he was examined by a doctor live on-air. Dr Brian Chong, examined Labrat after he had complained of abdominal pain. The Brisbane Tines has the whole story [link="If it bursts, it increases your chances of death by about four times,"]here[/link].

    Jonesy and Amanda bound for Triple M?

    | 0 comments »

    It is that time of the year again - when the rumour mill starts to gain steam and the one that has been doing more than just the rounds this week is that of WS FM breakfast duo Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller heading to 2MMM breakfast in 2009.

    Herring to head up ARN

    | 0 comments »

    Richard Herring, who now runs APN's outdoor media group, takes the newly formed role of group radio and outdoor chief executive which takes in the Australian Radio Network (ARN). APN own 50 percent of ARN.

    D-Star top 10 downloads

    Monday, October 20, 2008 | 0 comments »

    D-Star Play MPE Digital Delivery System is the industry standard for the delivery of music to both radio and music industry professionals. Every Monday we bring you the 10 most popular downloaded tracks for the previous 7 days.


    Here are last weeks, 12 October through until 19 October llisted by Rank, Artist, Title, Version, Label and Formats

    [list][/list]1 Tracy Chapman Sing For You Warner Music Australia AC,Modern AC
    [list][/list]2 Taylor Swift Love Story Universal Music Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]3 The Veronicas Popular Warner Music Australia Pop,CHR Pop,Top 40
    [list][/list]4 Gyroscope These Days Warner Music Australia Alternative,Rock,Mainstream Rock,CHR Pop
    [list][/list]5 Dash & Will Fighting Over Nothing Mercury Records Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]6 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Moto Blanco Radio Remix) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]7 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Karmatronic Club Radio Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]8 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Dave Aude Radio Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats
    [list][/list]9 Ladyhawke Dusk Till Dawn Modular Records All Formats
    [list][/list]10 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Digital Dog Club Mix Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats

    Crittenden off air after outburst

    | 0 comments »

    The ABC has taken Stephen Crittenden off air pending an inquiry into comments he made about the axing of several Radio National programs.

    It is understood ABC management told Crittenden yesterday he would not be allowed to broadcast his Religion Report on Wednesday morning
    [link=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/21/2396804.htm?section=entertainment]More ABC[/link]

    Ruhfus out of 2UE

    Sunday, October 19, 2008 | 0 comments »

    General Manager of 2UE, Simon Ruhfus, departed the station on Friday. No word of a replacement at this stage.

    Towards a Digital Future

    Wednesday, October 15, 2008 | 0 comments »

    ABC Managing Director Mark Scott today encouraged ABC audiences to have their say on the future of the ABC and the role of public broadcasting in Australia.

    Mr Scott welcomed the release of the Towards a Digital Future discussion paper by the Minister for Communications Stephen Conroy and said it was an important and timely discussion in order to secure the future of the ABC.

    "The ABC is one of the most significant public institutions in Australia so it is important that audiences have the opportunity to comment on the future of their ABC during the course of this discussion," Mr Scott said.



    "We will be alerting our audiences to the discussion paper through announcements on ABC television and radio, and have established a dedicated website abc.net.au/haveyoursay with links to the discussion paper and resource documents.

    "The ABC's current funding commitment ends in June 2009 so the outcomes of this discussion paper will inform Government as it decides the funding for the next triennium.

    "Our aim is to ensure the ABC is adequately resourced to harness the potential of digital media. The ABC has already delivered much with no extra funding - innovative content driving digital TV take-up on ABC2; ABC iView pioneering internet TV; millions of podcasts and vodcasts; ABC Now and ABC Earth.

    "But we want to do more - provide more programming that millions of Australians want free of charge and commercial free, so the 2009 Federal Budget will be instrumental for the ABC and our plans going into the future."

    The ABC outlined a number of proposals in the lead up to the 2020 Summit that would increase the availability of content and the range of media and delivery platforms to audiences, including a dedicated non-commercial children's channel, with at least 50% Australian content, a public affairs channel and a suite of digital radio services, supported by broadband sites.

    Cronin resigns from 3AW Nightline

    | 0 comments »

    Paul Cronin has resigned from his regular fill in role on 3AW Nightline. Cronin who filled in for either Bruce Mansfield or Philip Brady when ever they were on holidays as well as the regular Friday night co-host is expected to be replaced by Ernie Sigley.
    Marty Fields will co-host for the next 4 weeks.

    4BC's breakfast connection

    | 0 comments »

    Former B105 breakfast presenter Jamie Dunn is leaving Zinc 96, Sunshine Coast, to return to Brisbane radio where he will head up breakfast at 4BC from Jan 2009. His last day at Zinc will be 0ctober 17.

    Dunn will take his current on air team of Ian Calder and Courtney Burns with him to 4BC. Naturally his alter ego of Agro will also be joining the new breakfast program.
    [link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-radio-about-to-get-agro/2008/10/16/1223750198996.html]Brisbane Times article[/link]

    D-STAR'S PLAY MPE PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT MUSIC AWARDS

    Tuesday, October 14, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Shooting Star Picture Company's D-Star is proud to announce its support of the upcoming AIR Independent Music Awards by using their D-STAR PLAY MPE system to enhance the awards judging.

    “A system like Play MPE makes transferring music to media so easy and the feedback from our judges was that they wanted to share that user-friendly experience when judging the more than fifty entries from around Australia.” said AIR CEO Stuart Watters. “We're grateful that a system like this is around and stoked that a company like D-Star understands the importance of the independent sector to the industry as a whole.”

    The AIR Awards recognises the cream of Australia's independent music talent. Play MPE allows the secure delivery of all nominated albums electronically to judges from across the media, retail and radio industries.

    “The independent sector is a rapidly growing part of the industry and its important we support them wherever we can,” said Shooting Star Picture Company CEO Peter Skillman. “Play MPE ensures that judges have all the releases in one place while being able to burn to CD, transfer to their ipod, or simply stream from their computer at the touch of a button.

    Not only does it make the life of judges easier, but it provides access for the independents to an invaluable promotional opportunity.”

    Judging for the AIR Awards is happening now with nominations announced October the 24th. The awards ceremony featuring performances from the cream of Australia’ s independent musicians will be held on November 24th at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel.

    For more information, please contact Stephen Green on stephen@dstarmpe.com or 0412 321 368.
    For information on how to get an account to receive record company promos for media purposes, please visit www.dstarmpe.com.

    ABC Must Not Decimate Radio National

    | 0 comments »

    Friends of the ABC is outraged at ABC plans to axe nine specialist Radio National programs next year, and to increase the number of repeats.

    "These cuts amount to a major downgrading of Radio National,” said Glenys Stradijot, a spokesperson for Friends of the ABC (Vic).

    “Radio National is the essence of what public broadcasting should be. It produces programs of depth that are informative and stimulating.

    “It is inconceivable that the ABC would cut Radio National.

    "With other parts of the ABC, having become more populist and lightweight, audience interest in RN has never been greater. Nor has the community’s need for quality content.


    "Audiences are fed up with the huge number of repeats already broadcast on RN. They don’t want more.”

    Friends of the ABC fears the ABC is cutting RN to divert funds to newer services.

    “While it is essential the ABC keeps up-to-date with new ways of delivering content, the public broadcaster’s future lies in its production of quality content. Moves to increase content delivery options must not be at the expense of traditional services that are needed and are accessible to all Australians.

    “It’s time the ABC’s managing director told the government and the community how much funding the ABC really needs to remain a quality national broadcaster,” said Glenys Stradijot.

    Bob the Mixer arrives in style

    Monday, October 13, 2008 | 1 comments »

    3NE breaky announcer Paul Konik encountered a huge surprise when entering the studio for his regular shift on October 14

    The popular announcer was showered with confetti upon entering a refurbished studio that had been fitted with a brand new panel and desk. To add to the festivities, the studio had been adorned with streamers and balloons.

    Paul had previously been assured the studio wouldn't be ready until a later date, but devious minds were plotting and planning!



    The new panel, nicknamed 'Bob the Mixer', had been planted with dummy commercials, which in reality went to air and played an introductory message from the panel, voiced by 'Bob the Mixer'. Bob also introduced other members of the panel team whilst laying down the new studio rules.

    Staggeringly, these rules included no coffee in the on air studio! To conclude the message, 'Bob' introduced the panel's favourite song which co-incidentally just happened to be the technician's all time favourite song......hmmmm!

    A novel way to christen a new panel, but all taken in good fun by Paul, who was simply elated with the new surrounds.

    .

    Ross to leave 4BC breakfast

    | 1 comments »

    4BC’s breakfast co-host Ross Davie will not be returning to the station in 2009. Ross has decided to concentrate full-time on his advertising agency, Ross Davie Advertising.

    More Australians Tuning Into Community Radio

    | 0 comments »

    [img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/cbaa.png[/img]
    The number of Australians listening to community radio has exploded, with 57 per cent of Australians tuning in compared to 47 per cent only two years ago. Over nine and a half million people are now tuning in.

    This 10 per cent rise in listenership, was revealed in the 2008 Community Radio National Listener Survey, conducted by McNair Ingenuity Research.
    [link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/618.html]Full story CBAA[/link]

    Dubbo’s radio stars shine at awards

    | 0 comments »

    Dubbo radio stations have scooped the pool, winning three prestigious awards between them at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) held on the Gold Coast on the weekend.
    2DU sports presenter Geoff Mann took out the best sports presenter award, while 93.5 Star FM Dubbo’s Damien ‘Will’ Willoughby won best program director and Josie Hand was awarded the best newcomer off-air.

    Commercial Radio Australia CEO, Joan Warner, congratulated the winners on their commitment to providing quality radio to regional listeners and said Dubbo had a history of producing good radio talent.
    [link=http://dubbo.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/dubbos-radio-stars-shine-at-awards/1331862.aspx]Full story[/link]

    King Hamish and King Andy and all the winners

    Friday, October 10, 2008 | 2 comments »

    Fox FM’s comic duo, Hamish and Andy, have take top honours for Best-On Air team at this year’s 20th Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), announced this evening at a gala ceremony on the Gold Coast.

    Taking the crown from last year’s winners, Kyle and Jackie O, the Melbourne pair’s Hamish and Andy Show also took home awards for Best Networked Program; Best Station Promotion and Best On-Air Team Producer for Sam Cavanagh.

    Other major awards announced before a crowd of more than 900 commercial radio leaders and stars at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast tonight were:

    • Best Talk Presenter - Neil Mitchell, 3AW Melbourne (third consecutive year)

    • Best Current Affairs Commentator - Derryn Hinch, 3AW Melbourne

    • Best Sports Presenter - Ray Hadley, 2GB Sydney

    • Best News Presenter - Steve Blanda, 2UE Sydney (AM) and Kristy Warner, Nova Sydney (FM) (second consecutive year)

    • Best Newcomer On-Air - Ian “Dicko” Dickson, Vega Melbourne

    • Best Music Personality – Mike Fitzpatrick, Triple M, Melbourne

    • Laura Tunstall from 2GB took home the Brian White Memorial Award for excellence in journalism

    Special guests at the Awards ceremony were Pakistan’s cricketing legend and politician, Imran Khan, and British television personality, Nigel Lythgoe, well-known for his work in light entertainment, and as a judge on the American hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance”.

    The national Awards, organised by Commercial Radio Australia, cover all metropolitan, provincial and country commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in 31 categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music.

    This year’s MC was Andrew G from Australian Idol who also hosts Australia’s biggest weekly radio countdown, “Take 40 Australia”.





    BEST ON-AIR TEAM
    The Juice with Jase and Josh, Jason Scheidl and Josh Torney, 96.1 Star FM, Mount Gambier, SA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Scotty and Nige for Breakfast, Scott Masters and Nigel Johnson, FM 104.7, Canberra, ACT, ARN/ Austereo P
    The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

    BEST TALK PRESENTER
    Craig Huth, 2RE, Taree, NSW, Super Network C
    Mike Welsh, Mike Welsh Drive Show, 2CC, Canberra, ACT, Capital Radio P
    Neil Mitchell, 3AW Morning, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network M

    BEST MUSIC PERSONALITY
    Cameron Williams, 97.7 Snow FM, Cooma, NSW, Capital Radio C
    Peter 'Scooter' Carter, Sea FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Mike Fitzpatrick, Triple M, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

    BEST CURRENT AFFAIRS COMMENTATOR
    Derryn Hinch, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network

    BRIAN WHITE MEMORIAL AWARD
    Laura Tunstall, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network

    BEST SPORTS PRESENTER
    Geoff Mann, 2DU Sports, 2DU, Dubbo, NSW, Super Network C
    Steve Allan, 2GO Good Sports, 2GO FM 107.7, Gosford, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Ray Hadley, 2GB Sports, 2GB, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network M

    BEST NEWS PRESENTER
    Lois Chislett, 3YB, Warrnambool, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
    Rod McLeod, 92.5 Gold FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Steve Blanda, 2UE, Sydney, NSW, Fairfax Radio Network (AM) M
    Kristy Warner, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia (FM) M

    BEST PROGRAM DIRECTOR
    Damien 'Will' Willoughby, 93.5 Star FM, Dubbo, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Andrew Very, KO FM/ NX FM, Newcastle, NSW, Austereo P
    Jamie Angel, 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

    BEST MUSIC DIRECTOR
    Karina Singer, Sea FM, Maryborough, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Olivia Belvedere, 90.9 Sea FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Kate Casey, Nova106.9, Brisbane, QLD, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST SHOW PRODUCER – ENTERTAINMENT & MUSIC
    Chae Rogan, The Bigger Breakfast, 96.5 Wave FM, Wollongong, NSW, Grant Broadcasting NM
    Sam Cavanagh, The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

    BEST SHOW PRODUCER – TALK & CURRENT AFFAIRS
    Michael Thompson, Mike Welsh Drive Show, 2CC, Canberra, ACT, Capital Radio NM
    Justin Smith, 3AW Mornings - Neil Mitchell, 3AW, Melbourne, VIC, Fairfax Radio Network M

    BEST DOCUMENTARY
    The Killer Highway, Brooklyn Hulands, 2EC/ Power FM, Bega, NSW, Grant Broadcasting NM
    Remembrance Day, Sideshow Mike Andersen, Triple M, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

    BEST MUSIC SPECIAL
    The Life and Times of Michael Hutchence, The Sea FM Morning Crew, Sea FM, Bundaberg, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Blue Suede Cadillac - 51 Years of Elvis, Rob Sharples and Lachlan Kitchen, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
    Jabba and Foo Fighters, Stefan Mitchell and Daniel Pearson, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST SPORTS EVENT COVERAGE
    2007 South West Football League Finals Series, Daniel Leach, 6TZ RadioWest, Bunbury, WA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
    Melbourne's New Home of Footy, 1116 SEN Football, 1116 SEN, Melbourne, VIC, Victorian Radio Network M

    BEST STATION PRODUCED COMMERCIAL
    Get the Right Translation - Books Plus, Katrina Brown and Christopher Baskerville, 1503 2BS Gold/ B-Rock FM 99.3, Bathurst, NSW, Bathurst Broadcasters C
    Chooks Chickens - The Movies, Rob Sharples and Clinton James, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
    QLD Racing 'Jockeys', Nathan Russell, Nova 106.9, Brisbane, QLD, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST PROMOTIONS DIRECTOR
    Tania Kimmins, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation NM
    Kate Edwards, 2GB/ 2CH, Sydney, NSW, Macquarie Radio Network M

    BEST STATION PROMOTION
    Counting Down the Countdowns, David Bauche and Louise Poole, 2NM, Muswellbrook, NSW, Grant Broadcasting C
    NX FM's Save Wayne Campaign, NX FM Promotions Team, NX FM, Newcastle, NSW, Austereo P
    Caravan of Courage, The Hamish and Andy Show, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo M

    BEST STATION PRODUCED COMEDY SEGMENT
    Ben Cousins Nasal Delivery, David Greensmith, Sea FM, Maryborough, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Organ Donation, Luke Bradnam, 102.9 FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Hot Tomato P
    Help I'm An Ant, Matt Hale, 96 FM, Perth, WA, Fairfax Radio Network M

    BEST NETWORKED PROGRAM
    The Dirty 30, Trent McCurdy, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
    The Benchwarmers, Ant and Becks, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    The Hamish and Andy Show, Today Network, Austereo M

    BEST SYNDICATED AUSTRALIAN PROGRAM
    Cover to Cover, MCM Entertainment, Melbourne, VIC

    BEST STATION SALES ACHIEVEMENT
    Esperance Radio Centre, 747 RadioWest, Esperance, WA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Flow FM Sales Team, Flow FM, Kapunda, SA, W&L Phillips P
    Radio 4BC Sales Team, 4BC, Brisbane, QLD, Fairfax Radio Network M

    BEST AGENCY SALESPERSON
    Paul Friend, Sydney, NSW, Regional Mediaworks, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
    Melody Rowe, Mix 102.3, Adelaide, SA, Australian Radio Network M

    BEST DIRECT SALESPERSON
    Jenni Puccini, 6MM/ Coast FM, Mandurah, WA, West Coast Radio C
    Michelle Imbruglia, 90.9 Sea FM, Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Sean Jenkins, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST SALES PROMOTION
    Mount Gambier 4 Hour Sale, Rosangela Crispino, 5SE/ 96.1 Star FM, Mount Gambier, SA, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Sea FM's Brain Freeze with McDonald's Frozen Coke, 90.9 Sea FM , Gold Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Unilever 'Win a Desperate Housewives House' Promotion, Scott Player, 2Day FM, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

    BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT
    Plasma For A Plasma, Liana Lambert and Stephany Winter, Sea FM, Bundaberg, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Marty and Erica's Camp Quality Convoy for Kids, Marty Haynes, Erica Hodge and Tania Kimmins, i98, Wollongong, NSW, Win Corporation P
    Girls Bike Convoy, Merrick Watts, Tim Ross, Kate Ritchie, Tim Dwyer and Emily Murch, Nova 969, Sydney, NSW, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST ACHIEVEMENT IN PRODUCTION
    Trent McCurdy, 3WM/ Mixx FM, Horsham, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
    Mike Young, The Edge 96.1, Western Sydney, NSW, Australian Radio Network P
    Sideshow Mike Andersen, Triple M, Sydney, NSW, Austereo M

    ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE
    John Pearce, Paperless Creative Production, Sea FM 101.3/ 2GO FM 107.7, Gosford, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media NM
    Bryan Amos, Playout System Remote Audio Import System, Triple M Network, Austereo M

    BEST MULTIMEDIA EXECUTION - SALES
    The Thank You Project, Eric Stephens and Claudine Hall, Mix FM Network, Australian Radio Network

    BEST MULTIMEDIA EXECUTION - STATION
    Matt and Jo's Nude Wedding, Fox FM 101.9, Melbourne, VIC, Austereo

    MOST POPULAR STATION MANAGER
    Paul Gadsen, 3SH/ Mixx FM, Swan Hill, VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters C
    John Williams, Sea FM/ 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Richard Barker, B105/ Triple M, Brisbane, QLD, Austereo M

    BEST NEWCOMER ON-AIR
    Simone Jade Kelly, FM 104.7, Grafton, NSW, Super Network C
    Brad Blissett, Sea FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Ian 'Dicko' Dickson, Vega 91.5, Melbourne, VIC, DMG Radio Australia M

    BEST NEWCOMER OFF-AIR
    Josie Hand, 93.5 Star FM, Dubbo, NSW, Macquarie Southern Cross Media C
    Rebecca Bell, 92.7 Mix FM, Sunshine Coast, QLD, Macquarie Southern Cross Media P
    Jacqueline Levett, 2UE, Sydney, NSW, Fairfax Radio Network M

    Deborah Kennedy to leave 6PR newsroom

    Thursday, October 9, 2008 | 0 comments »

    6PR breakfast news reader Deborah Kennedy will be leaving the stations newsroom next month after almost five years. At this stage it is understood she will continue to have some involvement with the station.

    Reality TV man Lythgoe hopes reality dies

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    UK TV producer Nigel Lythgoe, who created So You Think You Can Dance, says it’s time to move on from reality television and the b grade nobodies that it creates.

    Speaking at the National Radio Conference on the Gold Coast, Lythgoe said reality television was partly responsible for creating disposable celebrities who have no real talent.

    An insider suggested there were some ears burning and beetroot faces amongst the audience, specially from one network head that once gave the direction to chase anything that showed 'promise' from numerous Reality TV programmes.

    Wayne Roberts gone from 94.9

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    Wayne Roberts has quit as breakfast announcer at River 94.9 Ipswich. He made the announcement this morning

    Radio stations Nova 93.7 and 92.9

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    WHAT started out yesterday as gentle jibes between Nova's Nathan and Nat and 92.9 rivals Em and Wippa has turned nasty today.

    The battle of 'he said, she said' over claims the audio clip of Beyonce’s new song was doctored during Nova 93.7 and 92.9’s radio broadcast yesterday morning has lifted a notch today.

    It was suggested by Nova yesterday that 92.9 had recorded the song played on Nova and that you could hear breakfast host Nathan Morris at the end of the song played by 92.9. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24475156-5012990,00.html]Full story PerthNow[/link]

    Get well soon Greg

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    Macquarie Southern Cross Radio news director, Greg Henricks, is recovering in hospital after surgery for Osophogeal Cancer.

    Brough on a Sunday

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    Televisions Spicks and Specks regular, Alan Brough, is joining ABC 774 and will present Sunday mornings.

    Brough recently filled in for Richard Stubbs who presents weekday afternoons on the station.

    Radio ad market steady for first quarter

    Wednesday, October 8, 2008 | 0 comments »

    [img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/cra.bmp[/img]

    Metropolitan commercial radio stations generated advertising revenue of $164.67 million in the first quarter of this financial year, a drop of 0.52% compared to the same timeframe last year, according to the 2008 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue as sourced by Deloitte, and released today by industry body, Commercial Radio Australia.

    Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said this was a steady performance from the radio industry given the economic uncertainty and tough times facing many businesses.


    “The metropolitan radio ad revenue continues to be resilient in what are tougher economic times and a period of uncertainty,” Ms Warner said.

    “Some markets like Perth have continued to perform strongly in the first three months of the financial year and some like Sydney continue to be a challenge.”

    The figures show that for the three months of July, August and September of this year, Sydney generated $54.08 million (down 5.5%); Melbourne was $47.3 million (up 0.66%); Brisbane was $26.3 million (up 0.99%); Adelaide was $14.9 million (down 2.69%) and Perth generated $21.9 million (up 10.9%) compared to the same timeframe last year.

    Ms Warner said the monthly growth was also patchy with July about even; August down by about five per cent and September up by about two per cent – highlighting the volatile nature of the economic climate and also the short-term nature of some city markets.

    “Radio is a very resilient advertising medium and has performed well in times of tough economic circumstances so the industry is positive about the coming months,” Ms Warner said.

    “However, the radio industry must continue to be innovative and lead the way in developing new opportunities for attracting advertising revenue. The link between radio and online continues to present significant opportunities for commercial radio stations this year as does the launch of digital radio early next year,” Ms Warner said.

    Jones signs on for another 5 years

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    2GB's Alan Jones has signed with the station for a further 5 years and will be heard on air until at least 2013. Jones will soon revert his program back to a 9.00am finish as opposed to the current 10.00am.

    Interactive Heidi

    Tuesday, October 7, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Austereo have partnered with Nine MSN to launch a social networking tool for Windows Live Messenger.

    The tool features Heidi, a unique “Windows Live Agent', who is a young hip 19 year old blonde girl that can be added as a contact on Windows Live Messenger and answer on-line questions about the Austereo HOT 30 countdown.

    Fancy a bit of Paul Kelly?

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    It seems that the Melbourne 1611 am frequency is back on the air, well sort of. If you tune to 1611am in Melbourne you will hear Paul Kelly and Paul Kelly, with a bit of Paul Kelly thrown in - um.... more Paul Kelly and of course Paul Kelly at the top of the hour.
    You get the picture, they are playing a continuous loop of Paul Kelly.

    Sentinel Broadcasts Australia's First Digital Radio

    Monday, October 6, 2008 | 0 comments »

    Sentinel Content and Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) revealed today that they have successfully begun live demonstration broadcasts of real-time traffic information on digital radio.

    Digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth in the first half of 2009. Digital radio will provide a platform for Australians to have superior sound quality, greater listening choice, as well as a new visual aspect to radio with the introduction of scrolling news, sport, traffic and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD or an animated logo on screen. Additional information such as detailed traffic reports and traveller information can also be streamed as data directly to satellite navigation systems or portable navigation devices.




    Sentinel, an Australian live content and service provision company, has been working closely with CRA since March this year to access and develop the first live Australian demonstration of traffic reports and other traveller information broadcast over Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) Traffic using digital radio technology.

    The demonstration service and technology will be on display at the National Radio Conference, at Conrad Jupiters Hotel on the Gold Coast on Friday 10th October 2008.

    With the rising cost of motoring and transport services, having access to LIVE and real-time information about traffic congestion, latest petrol prices and journey planning will save Australian commuters and businesses time and money.

    “We offer more than just traffic information” says Sentinel Content’s General Manager, Danny Woolard. “Through the next generation of digital radios, the information we can provide to people on the move will allow them to plan the best time to leave and what route to take to a destination, taking into account traffic incidents, road-works, travel times and road safety information.”

    “You will also get real-time petrol pricing, not just where you are, but where you are going,” Mr Woolard said. “And when you get there you can get information ahead of time about how many parking spots are left in a car park as well as accommodation pricing and vacancies.”

    “It is all about arriving at your destination safely, efficiently and more cost effectively”.

    Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said Commercial Radio Australia has worked closely with Sentinel in the development of the demonstration of this exciting use of digital radio technology. “Digital radio will enhance the radio experience for listeners, broadcasters and advertisers. The Sentinel demonstration is just the start of broadcasters and listeners understanding the many and varied applications of this powerful and compelling technology.”
    Sentinel has been working with German technology partner GEWI, to deliver the technical TPEG Digital Radio standard. With their joint experience they have been extensively involved in the development of the new broadcast data service standards and deployments of traffic services. The new Australian service uses a similar technology platform which is proven and widely deployed throughout Europe.

    Mr Woolard says “Europe’s success in deploying digital radio, and developing and implementing these types of valuable services means that Australians would also be able to benefit from the time, efficiency, lower cost and safety benefits that our services provide”.

    Sentinel’s Road Sense® Traffic and its other live information services cover major population areas in all Australian States. The information services have been constantly improved and moved into live production systems over the past twelve months. They can be accessed through Sentinel’s demonstration web site myDrive.com.au and 197drive.com.au; a premium rate SMS text message service. The company has also recently released a GPRS-TMC server to server service which delivers traffic information direct to mobile phones and in-vehicle GPS satellite navigation devices.

    Source traffic information for Road Sense® includes real-time data from Australia’s road authorities and independent sources of road incident data. Sentinel’s journalistic traffic editors and data entry staff based in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, also check and collate information for accuracy and quality as incidents occur on the road network. The information also includes planned and scheduled events that affect traffic flow.