Off the bench moves to 1116 SEN

From next Saturday morning Craig Hutchison and Liam Pickering will present Off the Bench on 1116 SEN which covers many topical football issues . The program which was previously heard on selected ACE Radio Network stations and as a podcast on FootyHeads will air from 9.00am.

Eddie McGuire joins 1116 SEN

Eddie McGuire has joined Melbourne's 1116 SEN radio to call Friday night AFL in 2008, with the exception of all Collingwood Friday night games. In 2007 McGuire called a couple of games for SEN, basically to keep the lungs oiled. SEN held extensive talks with him in 2007 to come on board, however 3AW showed interest in obtaining his services. Today's announcement ends weeks of speculation of McGuire joining 3AW in a non sporting on air role. There had also been whispers of him returning to Triple M, where he was previously part of the AFL commentary team.

Vale Barry Seeber

Former Radio Australia presenter Barry Seeber has lost a four year battle with cancer. Barry passed away on Thursday Feb 28 at the age of 65. At Radio Australia Barry presented the popular  DX and communications program “Talkback”. He retired from Radio Australia in 1997. Melbourne radio listeners would remember Barry from his days at 3XY in the late 1960's.

Has radio blown the future?

Australia got a policy about digital radio in 1998, but no digital radio services. Then it got another policy in 2005. In January next year, it will finally get digital radio services, 14 years after the UK. But one of the biggest commercial radio operators there has just announced it is quitting the medium. In its view, Digital Audio Broadcasting [DAB] “is not an economically viable platform for the Company”. Read the entire article by Jock Given Here

Mix 92.7 Feb 29 proposal!

Mix 92.7 breakfast announcer Mark Darin got engaged this morning live on air. Mark's girlfriend, Tracy, took full advantage of February 29 as the only opportunity for her to propose marriage to her man. Mix Management had been in on it for weeks so things had to go according to plan. In front of 100's of listeners at an OB at Caloundra State School Tracy got down on bended knee and gave Mark a ring and asked if he would accept the ring so they could wed. Mark's answer was a tearful "Of course I will sweetheart''. We have the audio here

News Radio hits the slopes

 Source and entire article from The ABC

ABC Radio has just expanded its coverage into the Central West Slopes on New South Wales.

News Radio can now be heard on 106.3FM offering a 24 hour news and current affairs service. The network also broadcasts from Federal Parliament during sitting times.

Don't Touch That Dial - Sold Out

Last month we mentioned that stocks were low on Wayne Mac's marvellous book 'Don't Touch That Dial' and now it is official, they have all gone. Wayne's website reports:Congratulations if you own a copy of "DTTD"; it's now a Collector's Item.

Frank Avis’s Memoirs of 42 Years in Radio

Well worth a visit and well worth a read. Former radio news man Frank Avis has been putting together an interesting blog recounting his days in radio and more. Frank talks of time at 2MG, 3XY, 7HO and various other stations. Drop by and have a read and enjoy

From the time tunnel:Radio 10 1984

From the time tunnel we have the offical opening of  Brisbane's Radio 10's new studio complex  in July of 1984.  Runs 10.51

Flip on Fox

Former 3AW Mitchell program regular Flip Shelton can now be heard on Fox 101.9's 'The Weighting Room' with Higgo and Tamsyn Lewis each Sunday afternoon.

Green Guide: 28 Feb 2008

 Source and entire article from The Age Green Guide

"MEANINGLESS", "inane" and "pathetic" are just a few of the barbs fired at 774 ABC Melbourne's stand-in breakfast host Tony Moclair, but to all those listeners who complained — he's ba-ack!

The Brunswick comedian and 3RRR graduate will be keeping Red Symons' seat warm again on Monday. For critics who swamped the Green Guide letters pages when Moclair filled in with fellow comic Rachel Berger over summer, perhaps a one-day switch to Radio National might be in order.

Clive Robertson exits 2UE

Clive Robertson has departed  2UE mid-dawns. Clive resigned on Wednesday, having done his last program last Friday morning. At this stage Ian McCrae has been filling the slot.

Bruce Eva joins 6PR

After doing the rounds of the rumour mill it has been announced that Bruce Eva has joined 6PR's 2008 AFL coverage alongside Brad Hardie and Graham 'Smokey' Dawson. Bruce is a former editor of Inside Football and was also previously on 1116SEN as host of 'Beva after Dark'.

Macquarie upbeat amid slide

MACQUARIE Media Group, Australia's largest regional radio broadcaster, has put away the cheque book, saying it will focus on bedding down its $1.35 billion takeover of Southern Cross Broadcasting and its newspaper acquisitions in the US. FULL ITEM THE AGE

Wikipedia pest moves onto Clinton

Cowards that come along and edit Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, with totally unsubstantiated claims are one of the constant battles the program faces.  

More for Mike on Big Brother

Rumour has it that Mike Goldman will as well continuing to voice the daily program  will host the Monday night Nominations Show and special mid-week  episodes when Big Brother returns this year. Furthermore 2DAYFM's Kyle and Jackie may only host the Sunday night Eviction program and therefore playing a smaller role than that of former host Gretel Killeen.

History of ABC Central West

On Thursday the 29th of April 1937, the Strand Palais was filled with people waiting eagerly for the first broadcast of 2CR (Central Regions). The Orange Leader, the predecessor to the Central Western Daily described the opening with a lot of flourish:

“On the softly hissing carrier wave which was to be heard a few minutes before 8 o’clock last night was intruded on the stroke of the hour an announcer’s voice, a burst of music, and another voice – that of the Mayor of Orange, Dr. W.F. Matthews.” Full article ABC

Canberra's 2CC new PD

Duncan McCrae has departed Canberra's 2CC. Peter Davidson has been promoted and will now take on the role of that of Program Director.

Why digital radio is doomed

Source and entire item is from The Age 

Podcasting and the ubiquity of MP3 players have doomed digital radio before it even launches in Australia, one of the country's leading broadcasting academics says.

2BH Hill FM movement

2BH 567am and Hill FM 106.9 Broken Hill welomes Steve Monro to the team.

Beth Morgan Facebook group set up by i98's Ryan Cram

Sourve and entire item Daily Telegraph

BETH Morgan, the woman at the centre of the Wollongong sex-for-development ICAC scandal, is the hot subject of a Facebook group entitled 'I haven't had sex with Beth Morgan'.
The Facebook group has already attracted 190 members, and has been described as "Just for fun - Totally Random".

Radio changes to improve reception in Noosa/Tewantin

Press release

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has varied the technical specifications of the Gympie commercial radio services 4GY and 4NNN to improve coverage and reception of their translator services in the Noosa/Tewantin area of Queensland.

The changes are included in the revised licence area plan for Gympie radio released today, which also makes channel capacity available for the existing national radio service, 4PNN, on 94.5 MHz at Gympie.

Star Lewis rips into radio fool

Sydney Confidential has reported Academy Award-winner Daniel Day Lewis used the "F" word during a heated press conference exchange with the 2DAYFM Kyle and Jakie radio show's correspondent - soon after accepting his golden gong.The There Will Be Blood star was antagonised by radio reporter Michael "Sydney" O'Neill, who annoyed the serious actor with inquiries about how he relaxes.

Prime may pursue Ipswich for radio stable

PRIME Media Group has signalled it may look to buy Fairfax Media's radio station in Ipswich, which the publisher is forced to unload to appease competition concerns."Regional radio continues to be an area of interest to us," Prime's chief executive, Warwick Syphers, said yesterday. Full item here SMH

ACMA finds 4TTT Townsville breached licence conditions

Press release 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that Townsville Community Broadcasting Company Limited, the licensee of community radio station 4TTT Townsville, breached its licence conditions by broadcasting advertisements and by exceeding its hourly limit on sponsorship announcements.

ACMA’s investigation found that 4TTT broadcast advertisements on 6, 7 and 8 March 2007 and that it broadcast sponsorship announcements in excess of the five minute per hour limit on 7 and 8 March 2007. However, as the licensee has already taken appropriate measures to ensure its obligations under the Broadcasting Services Act are met, ACMA is not proposing to take action at this time.

John & Cecile Blackman ACA interview

John Blackman and his wife Cecile were tonight interviewed by Tracy Grimshaw on Channel 9's A Current Affair about his amazing Christmas Eve mercy dash. John collapsed at home on December 24 last year and was found lying next to his desk by Cecile. Cecile swung into action and John was soon transported to The Alfred Hospital  by ambulance  where it was discovered he had a brain tumour the size of a golf ball.

Tables turned on DJ Downer

The former foreign affairs minister Alexander Downer has been questioned about his political future during his first shift as a radio talkback host.

The Liberal backbencher and his wife Nicky are co-hosting a program called 'The Long Lunch' on Adelaide radio station Fiveaa

Top end moves!

Josh Batters has swapped 8HA for Mix 104.9 replacing Chris Corcoran.

Alex and Nicky on Fiveaa

Starting today former Foreign Minister in the Howard Government Alexander Downer and his wife Nicky Downer are special guest afternoon presenters on Fiveaa afternoons.

Radio downturn may signal tightening

Source and entire item The Australian

A SLOWDOWN in the Sydney radio market could be the first sign of trouble on the horizon for the $12 billion advertising industry.Radio executives of AM and FM stations are reporting advertising revenues for March will be well behind those for the same period last year, and there are some reports of prices being discounted as a result.That follows a 7.9 per cent shortfall in the Sydney radio market in January compared with a 3.7 per cent increase nationally, according to official industry revenue figures. Read the full story here

Station of the week:Hot 91.1 Sunshine Coast

Sunshine Coast's Hot 91.1 is our station of the week. What more can you say about Hot 91.1 with a great line-up throughout the day including Ronnie Stanton  part of breakfast, Sammy Power part of the team on drive and Bevo at night! Click on the Hot91.1 image above to check out the entire on air crew and while there have a listen online

Is Eddie still on 3AW's wish-list?

Our sources continue to indicate otherwise however the Herald Sun today reported Eddie McGuire is still on 3AW's wish-list!. In the case of the Herald Sun report: 'This weeks ratings results have intensified speculation Eddie McGuire will go to 3AW after all, but not for the microphone space alongside Rex Hunt and Dennis Cometti rather to assume the coveted drive position.'

Radio Rumours Website believes Derryn Hinch is contracted to host drive until the end of 2009, early 2010.

From the time tunnel:2SM Sydney 1979 TVC

From the time tunnel we have this 2SM TVC circa 1979, enjoy! 

Cornes 'wanted to whack' TV man

Fiveaa's Graham Cornes has revealed he wanted to hit senior ABC journalist Tony Jones in the face over the treatment he gave his wife Nicole after her federal election loss. Full story AdelaideNow here

One survey down seven to go!

Survey one of the radio ratings has certainly caused some feathers to be ruffled in the Sydney market. Corks popped for 2GB last Tuesday as they celebrated their outright victory against the rest of the field.

Andrew G settles in Los Angeles

Host of Take 40 Australia Andrew G, now living in LA has dumped Agent of 3 years, David Wilson for Actors Rep Mark Morrissey Management. It has been confirmed Andrew will continue to do the Take 40 program from LA, however he is out of contract with Channel 10. It is reported that negotiations are currently taking place in regards to his Australian Idol hosting role and if successful will see him back when it (Idol) returns in August. related article here

Fallout from Sonia's comment continues!

Mix 106.5 breakfast co-host Sonia Kruger has made the headlines more than once  this week in reference to her flippant comment on Today Tonight in reference to 2GB's Alan Jones. It seems regardless Mix 106.5 have had to sharpen the axe this week with the victim being station marketing man David Smith being shown the door. Related item here

From the time tunnel:Fox 101.9 1986 TVC

From the time tunnel we have this 1986 FOX 101.9 television commercial. Gotta love the 1986 fashions! Runs 29 sec.

Tiger Mick joins Before the Game in 2008

Former Triple M presenter and mad Richmond Tiger's supporter Mick Molloy will fill the seat left vacant by Pete Helliar on Channel 10's Before The Game. Mick is no stranger to TV sports programming having previously co-hosted Any Given Sunday on Channel 9. The show is made up of a lot of radio heads including Andrew Maher (1116 SEN) Dave Hughes (NOVA100) and Lehmo (TripleM). The cast of thousands returns on March 22. 

Helliar quit Before The Game at the end of last years AFL season to spend more time with his family. He is now hosting Triple M breakfast alongside Myf Warhurst.

ACMA not to renew youth community radio licence in Perth

Press release

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has decided not to renew the community radio broadcasting licence held by Youth Media Society of Western Australia Inc (YMS). YMS provides the service known as Groove FM for the youth community of Perth. The licence expires at midnight on 28 February 2008.

‘ACMA is responsible for ensuring that broadcasting spectrum, which is a valuable and scarce public resource, is used in a manner that best promotes the public interest, as contemplated by the Broadcasting Services Act 1992,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman. ‘YMS has not performed at the level and with the outcomes expected of community broadcasters.’

Could the darkhorse snatch a station?

Word has reached our inbox on more than one occasion over the last few months that there has been a smaller operator of radio stations showing more than a passing interest for a stand alone station amongst those that are up for grabs from MMG. In total the MMG stations to be sold are in Mareeba, Charters Towers, Emerald, Kingaroy, Mount Isa and Roma,
Queensland; Burnie, Devonport, Queenstown and Scottsdale (two licences each) in Tasmania; Young in NSW; and Warragul in Victoria. At this stage expect the darkhorse not to give up without a fight. An announcement is expected in the next week or two.

Cometti joins 3AW

Dennis Cometti has signed a two year deal to join 3AW Football. He will call Saturday afternoon games with Rex Hunt from round one of the 2008 AFL season.

Cometti replaces Clinton Grybas who died suddenly on January 5th of this year.

Where does this leave Eddie McGuire in 2008, will he join 1116 SEN or will he head home to 3MMM?

In other AFL news THE National Indigenous Radio Service will dump its football coverage this season unless it receives $150,000 from the AFL.

From the time tunnel: 2JJ Flashez

From the time tunnel we have this look back at 2JJ, then 1540 on the AM band. Runs 4.22

Joel Helmes joins 2UE

Joel Helmes has joined Sydney's 2UE newsroom, which means a move from his current Brisbane base. Joel also runs Helmes Media Solutions which provides short segment speciality programs including his popular Behind the wheel motoring program heard on around 30 stations across Australia.

Mark Day: Singo has eye on regional star

 Source and entire item is from The Australian 

MEDIA and advertising personality John Singleton is believed to be negotiating to buy radio station Star 104.5 FM on the NSW central coast. The move comes amid reports he plans to sell his majority stake in Macquarie Radio Network, which owns Sydney's 2GB and 2CH.

Mr Singleton's interest in Star is believed to be personal rather than on behalf of MRN. He has close ties to the area through football and real estate interests.

Peter Holden lands a classic gig!

Peter Holden is the new breakfast announcer on Classic Rock 102.5 FM Echuca/Deniliquin, replacing Sebba Costello who is heading back to studies. Well done Peter!

Radcomms08 - ACMA’s conference on spectrum management

 Press release ACMA

The Australian Communications and Media Authority’s conference on the management of the radiofrequency spectrum, Radcomms08, will be held in Melbourne from Wednesday 30 April to Friday 2 May and promises to offer a unique opportunity to hear the latest developments in spectrum management.

‘ACMA has set itself the task of transforming spectrum management in Australia and sees this annual conference as a very important tool in that process,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager of ACMA’s Inputs to Industry Division.

Millionaire factory feels watchdog’s bite

Mark Day on MMG and how the ACMA are watcing closely. Read the full article in The Australian here.

Green Guide 21 Feb 2008

Source and entire item The Green Guide

Triple M, Vega and Mix spent a fortune on new breakfast shows but each lost a chunk of its early morning audience in the first radio ratings survey of the year.

Talk giant 3AW remains Melbourne's top station, despite a half-point drop overall and big losses for afternoon host Ernie Sigley (now languishing in fifth place — 3AW's worst performer).

Sonia calls Jones a queen!

Sydney's Mix 106.5 breakfast presenter Sonia Kruger has come under fire for a flippant remark in reference to Tuesdays ratings results. Speaking on Today Tonight Sonia quipped "Now we know the real queen of breakfast radio is Alan Jones." Read the full story Sydney Confidential. 

Brett Clark quits radio

After a career of close to 20 years Brett Clark has decided to leave radio and will finish at 4CC this Friday, 22 Feb 2008.

2GB to share the fun and Games, if the price is right

Source and entire article The Australian

MACQUARIE Radio Network is in discussions with Fairfax Radio and other groups with stations outside Sydney to sell its rights to coverage of the Beijing Olympics.

The network also confirmed yesterday it had reached an in-principle agreement with ABC radio for non-commercial radio coverage of the Games, which begin on August 8.

Macquarie owns Sydney radio station 2GB, which will be spending a record amount on its coverage of the Beijing Olympics, but will be selling the syndication rights to stations in other capital cities and the regions.

Fairfax Radio - which owns stations such as 3AW in Melbourne, 4BC in Brisbane and 6PR in Perth - is believed to be involved in the negotiations. Read the full article here

Radio helps to boosts Fairfax coffers

Fairfax Media's November 2007 acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting radio stations has helped to contribute an extra $8.7 of the coffers. Fairfax took control of Southern Cross Broadcasting on 9 November 2007 from then until the end of 2007 Fairfax said those businesses contributed $41.4 million in revenue, with EBITDA of $8.7 million. Related article SMH here

APN wants all of ARN

APN media group is keen to take full ownership of the Australian Radio Network from partner Clear Channel Communications. With Clear Channel currently off loading various media assets to private equity firms around the world it makes sense that APN strikes while the iron is hot.

Countdown on for Digital Radio

 Press release Commercial Radio Australia

The countdown has begun for the introduction of digital radio in Australia with listeners, broadcasters, advertisers and retailers set to benefit from this world-best radio service in less than 12 months.

Digital radio represents a breakthrough ‘multi-media experience’ – delivering text, images, extra advertising information, crystal-clear sound and bonus-channels.  Free to air digital radio services will be on air from 1 January 2009 in specified capital cities.

2DAY FM's Kyle gets an award!

Well the 'Ralph' awards are here again and 2DAY FM's Kyle Sandilands has been given the Mark Holden Wanker of the Year Award, with Melbourne party boy Corey Worthington (who?) and actor Matt Newton coming equal second in that category.

Peter Harvey guest spot on 2MMM

Channel Nine's Peter Harvey has returned to radio after almost 40 years as a special guest newsreader on 2MMM's The SheBang. He was this mornings celebrity newsreader on the breakfast show, and later said"It's a once off, it's been a few years between news bulletins". Marquarie National News site LIVENEWS has a related article here with a sound grab of it.

1Radio listen to all your radio from one page

1Radio is a fantastic site where you can listen to all your Australian radio from the one location and it features all the major capital city stations that have online streaming.

A very simple interface and easy to navigate, 1Radio is a pleasure to use. Check it out now and start listening here

Survey 1 2008 Radio Ratings

Results are in and state by state survey winners are Perth Mix 94.5 Adelaide Fiveaa, Melbourne 3AW, Brisbane Nova, Sydney 2GB.

Snapshot: Sydney 2GB has increased by 2.6 points, 2UE down 1.7 (Mornings down by 2.1), Melbourne 3AW clear winner although down 0.6 (afternoons now coming fifth on 3AW), Fox 10.9 and Nova 10.5 breakfast will be neck and neck soon. SEN down but not out. Adelaide Fiveaa winner with a big drop of 3.9 points with Cruise the bolter up 2.7. Brisbane and Nova clear winner however suffered a 1.6 drop. 4BC fell 1.4 in at number six. Perth's Mix 94.5 way out in front, up 3.1, 96FM dropped 2 points.

 Survey one results are below, click on the active links, . We will bring you other snippets of news as they come to hand today.

Adelaide Brisbane Perth Melbourne Sydney

Triple M duo take hit in radio ratings war

Source and entire item The Age

A huge billboard marketing campaign touting new presenters Myf Warhurst and Peter Helliar has failed to lift Triple M's ratings in Melbourne's FM breakfast radio battle for supremacy.

The station has spent thousands promoting the duo - who replaced breakfast show The Cage - but the first radio ratings for 2008 show Triple M slipped slightly in audience share from 6.4% to 6.3%, retaining its overall sixth placing.

APN boosts profit

APN, parent company of The Australian Radio Network has announced an 8% rise in annual net profit covering back growth of their key market areas.

It said trading in the year to date was in line with expectations, but it did not make any specific forecast for the coming year because of the current market turmoil.

Related article here

Grandmother of all kisses

 Source and entire article from The Courier Mail 

It's the photo set to send shockwaves through retirement villages across the state - Merrick Watts "pashing" the 79-year-old grandmother of the bride at his sidekick Tim "Rosso" Ross's weekend wedding.
Due to popular demand the brekky radio duo put the snap up on Nova's website yesterday, resulting in nearly three times the number of usual hits.

2UE's Robbo on Media Watch!

ABC TV's Media Watch have slammed 2UE's mid-dawn presenter Clive Robertson and his reported views on women. They made comparisons to disgraced Muslim Sheik Hilaly in relation to comments and views Clive has reportedly expressed on his program. 

Kyle Sandilands Henry VIII in Archibald Prize

 Source and entire article from The Daily Telegraph

Kyle Sandilands might have a good face for radio - but he scrubbed up well for this year's Archibald Prize, where he is portrayed as Henry VIII.

Sandilands' portrait by Arith Mohamad was delivered to the Art Gallery of NSW yesterday, as the $50,000 painting prize got off to a strong start.

3AW's Jim Wilson has a lucky escape

Late last Friday night 3AW's Hinch program sport reporter and Channel 7 regular Jim Wilson was sitting down to a late dinner in Perth when his wallet was snatched right before his eyes.

From the time tunnel: 92.3 EON FM TVC 1985

From the time tunnel we have a futuristic 92.3 EON FM television commercial.  92.3 the rock force!

Fairfax radio websites on the way

Further to our recent article that all Fairfax radio stations would drop the My Talk website we can now confirm that it will happen once a couple of technical issues are sorted out. Magic 1278, 4BH, 4BC, 6PR, 3AW and 2UE will all revert to their own separate sites over the next week or so.

Jamie McDonald heads to 4KQ & 97.3

Former Triple M Brisbane producer of The Cage Jamie McDonald is now at ARN Brisbane's 4KQ and 97.3 FM as breakfast producer.

Wippa after a super model!

The Cleo top 50 Bachelor's of the year finalists have been announced and Perth's 92.9 breakfast presenter Michael “Wippa” Wipfli is amongst them. Rumour has it Andy Lee told Wippa that if he wins he will be able to date a super model!

Just Kidding

Source and entire article SMH Sue Javes

Hamish Blake and Andy Lee earn big money, date beautiful women, make the A-list social set and guest-star on top-rating television shows. Yet tune into 2Day FM on any afternoon during the week and you would swear you were listening to two knockabout university mates goofing off between classes. As far as the two comics are concerned that's what they still are, in their heads at least, despite all the trappings of success.

"It's like when you're a teenager; sometimes you have to pull on a suit and go to your uncle's wedding," Blake says. "It doesn't mean that's who you are."

Ratings tomorrow morning

Survey 1 of the 2008 radio ratings will be released tomorrow morning 19 February and we will bring you the results from just after 10.00am.

Laws country hour?

Speculation continues that recently retired John Laws may do a weekend Country Music program. We first heard this a few weeks ago, however various sources are now suggesting it may be about to happen and others we have contacted have simply giggled.

Bruno heads to Mix 106.5

97.3 & 4KQ's Bruno Bouchet is now co-producing 'Mix Mornings with Sonia and Todd' on Sydney's 106.5.

A history of local radio in Brisbane

612 ABC Brisbane has published an interesting article on the history of early local radio (ABC) from the 1920's through to the 90's. It is available on the 612 website here

From the time tunnel: 3XY and the taste of summer

From the time tunnel we have a 3XY summer promotional jingle to the tune of 'Beach Baby' by First Class. The video has a continuous loop of two different 3XY logos however from the point of archival sound it is well worth a listen, enjoy.

WSFM's Jonesy jumps camps

Source and entire item from Adelaide Confidential 

It's not quite as bad as their big hit Underbelly being banned in Victoria this week, but Channel 9 is also losing one of its regular guests to a rival network.WSFM brekky host Brendan Jones, who did a regular spot No Junk Male on Mornings With Kerri-Anne Kennerley last year, has been lured to Channel 7's The Morning Show.Jonesy and his sidekick Amanda Keller will now appear as a duo on the program, hosted by Larry Emdur and Kylie Gillies.

It puts the pair in direct competition with the small-screen queen's high-flying national show.You win some, you lose some hey KAK?

Update on the passing of Andrew Harwood

Andrew Harwood was given a final farewell at his funeral in Sydney yesterday (Friday 15 Feb) with family, friends, radio and TV industry colleagues paying their respect. Andrew passed away on Feb 7 following a severe asthma attack.

Nova's Rosso ties the knot

Nova's Tim 'Rosso' Ross will marry his sweetheart Michelle Glew today (16 Feb) in a location just outside of Melbourne. With over a 100 people on the guest list there are bound to be a few radio heads in attendance. As well as his Nova co-hosts it is believed Triple M's new breakfast team of Myf Warhurst and Peter Helliar will be there. Speaking of Myf, her brother Kit Warhurst will be best man.

Austereo advertises confidence

Source and entire item from SMH

Austereo, the owner of the 2Day and the Triple M radio networks, has forecast a slowdown of radio advertising growth rates, but reckons the industry will be more protected than other media sectors from the global fallout of a US recession.

Advertising spending in the metropolitan radio market may rise between 2 and 4 per cent in the June half, easing from 7.9 per cent growth in the six months through December and 7.1 per cent in the June half last year, the broadcaster said when it posted first-half results yesterday.

Lleyton Hewitt's Revenge: Kingy learns a tough lesson!

Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt finally has some consolation after his Australian Open disappointment, with one of his media detractors suffering painful consequences for predicting the champion's early exit from the 2008 tournament.

Prior to this year's Open K-Rock sports presenter Tom King laid his left nipple on the line after claiming Hewitt would not survive the first week. Live on air, King accepted a challenge from newsreader Rob McLennan to have his nipple pierced during the station's new breakfast program if we was wrong.

Internet & radio - latest radio campaign highlights combined strengths

 Press release Commercial Radio Australia

The commercial radio industry in Australia has committed around $1 million in airtime and research funding to underpin the findings for its latest advertising campaign, which will highlight the effectiveness of radio supporting an online campaign.

The industry will launch its latest series of ads next week as part of its ongoing multimillion dollar brand campaign. Called “Radio and Online – We Just Click!”, the campaign is based on research which shows that over 80 per cent of people who hear a radio commercial have visited that website as a result.

The research was conducted by TNS last year. It was commissioned to explore the relationship between radio and online following an earlier study which showed radio advertisements with a strong call to action increased website hits by 60 per cent.

Austereo PD's to become CD's

In an ever changing world we live in Austereo Program Directors will now become Content Directors. More than corporate spin, the role has evolved and it reflects the broad reach of a radio station and its sporn in 2008. New media such as Mp3 content, web content and emerging technology will see the role of the Content Director become even more important with the dawning of the digital era.

From the time tunnel:2WS TVC 1986

From the time tunnel we have a 2WS commercial from 1986, back in the days when the station was at 1224 on the AM dial and based at Seven Hills in Sydney's Western suburbs.

Richard Freedman to quit 2KY breakfast

2KY breakfast co-host Richard Freedman has joined the Australian Jockey Club as executive director of racing operations and will relinquish all media commitments when he takes up the role in March. As well as his 2KY breakfast role he will also resign from Sky Channel.

Nathan Buckley update

What role Nathan Buckley will be playing at 3AW has now been confirmed. He will provide special comments during the main Saturday afternoon AFL call. He will also have a regular Monday night spot (from 6.30) with the boys from Sports Today. Buckley will provide special comments for the Channel 7 AFL call each Friday night.

David Rymer quits the M's

David Rymer program director  for 2MMM  has resigned. At this stage David intends to have a break from radio and do some travelling.

Revealed: 4BH's 'best song of all time'

Source and entire article Brisbane times

Brisbane radio station 882 4BH throws the topic open every year, with the top 1000 most popular songs - as voted by listeners - played over a two-week period to a final, nail-biting finale which usually sees the Beatles battling with ABBA or the Righteous Brothers.

Program manager Geoff Harrison said the radio stations takes "thousands" of votes from listeners over a three-week period.

Moves at Hot Tomato

Al Dobie has quit Hot Tomato 102.9 and is heading to KOFM Newcastle as Assistant Program Director. Simon Dawson is Hot Tomato's new Music Director.

Radio legend Smokie Dawson dies

Smokie Dawson has passed away today at the age of 94. The veteran country music artist (reportedly the oldest recording artist in the world) is also being remembered for his long running radio show 'The Adventures of Smokey Dawson' which had over a ten year run from 1952. The show was networked to over 65 stations and it was that show that gave Smokie the title of Australia's first cowboy.

Smokey was born Herbert Henry Dawson in Collingwood, Victoria, raised in the rural area of Warrnambool. He was orphaned at a young age. He met his wife, Dot at 3KZ and they were married in 1944. Dot or 'Aunty June' as she was known then was a very successful radio actress in the 1930's and 40's.
Smokie was still recording country music until recently and is survived by his wife Dot.

Green Guide: 14 Feb 2008

Source and entire article from The Age

NAKED newlyweds, office pony rides and ferocious dogs — it is all in a day's work for Melbourne's world of FM breakfast radio.

Desperate to start the year with a ratings win, radio stations are locked in a battle of stunts and humiliating competitions.

Ernie has great hair for radio

3AW afternoon presenter Ernie Sigley is going to dye his hair all in the name of a good cause, and listeners get to choose the colour! Ernie is taking part in the Leukaemia Foundation World's Greatest Shave during March. He and 3AW are inviting listeners to vote on what colour by visiting the following link and finding out more. here

From the time tunnel: 3AK TVC 1986

Every now and then you can come across a rare gem (well we're excited!) and here is a 29second 3AK television commercial from 1986. The positioning was 'The new 3AK , Radio for the kids that have grown up'

Fairfax Media undertakes to divest Ipswich radio station

 ACMA press release

The Australian Communications and Media Authority has accepted an enforceable undertaking from Fairfax Media Limited (Fairfax) to divest its commercial radio licence in Ipswich, River 94.9.

‘The new enforceable undertaking requires Fairfax to divest its commercial radio licence in Ipswich and to appoint an independent manager to operate the business during the divestment period,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.

Life 107.9 PD moves!

Program Director for Life 107.9fm in Adelaide, Sarah McIlwraith, is leaving the station to return to full-time study. Until a replacemant can be found Drive time announcer Jason Evans will cover the role.

Deb's stuff-ups are daily fodder

 source and entire item Courier Mail Qconfidential

You wouldn't read about the problems the ABC's bumbling brekky host Deborah Cameron has had settling into the job.Only they are so frequent her stuff-ups have become daily fodder for amused media commentators.Yesterday was no exception when her Fred Cheney interview dropped out - twice.Clearly she thought her listeners were already in a coma when she remarked about the cut-out: "I'd like to get him back because I think he was getting to something interesting."When the chat fell out again, Cameron exclaimed: "You wouldn't read about it." Um, you would, actually, and you just have, Deb.

You wouldn't read about Deb's stuff-ups. Whoops

From the time tunnel: Paul Konik

From the time tunnel we have a very special video from YouTube featuring The Masters Apprentices 'Elevator Driver' which was filmed in and around Melbourne in 1968. Look very closely and you will notice the 'Elevator Driver' is current 3NE breakfast presenter Paul Konik. 

SCOPE ad wins Round 4 of the '08 Siren Awards

 Source Commercial Radio Australia press release

An ad encouraging people to change their mindset about people with disabilities, using the voice of Penny, who has cerebral palsy, has won the overall and single categories for round four of the 2008 Siren Awards.

The ad, called “Do I sound different to you?”, was written for SCOPE, Victoria, a not-for-profit organisation providing disability services throughout Victoria to thousands of children and adults with physical and multiple disabilities.

Sorry to dominate morning radio

News networks from across Australia tonight are bedding down in Canberra for what will be one of the most historic days in Parliament house tomorrow when the Prime Minister Kevin Rudd makes an apology speech to  the Stolen Generation.

The term stolen generation refers to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders who were removed from their families over varying periods of time. University of Sydney historian Peter Read coined the phrase in 1981. Morning radio from across the nation will be blanketed with live coverage from 8.55am Wednesday morning.

The ABC will cover the speech live on all of the mediums, SBS Radio’s Aboriginal program will feature live coverage from Parliament House. Faifax radio network is expected to air the speech live and will more than likely hold the 9.00am news over. 2GB and Fiveaa will provide indepth coverage. There will be varying coverage on the FM band, however more community stations are expected to take the feed live than commercial stations.

Breakfast mix up on 5MMM

After quitting Adelaide's Mix 102.3 at the end of 2007 Kym Dillon, Ali Carle and Chris Dzelde made their long awaited debut on 5MMM breakfast yesterday morning. The trio's sleep-ins and over 2 months of not setting the alarm for the middle of the night came to a close and things seemed seamless as they got the show under way, until Chris Dzelde almost forgot where he was 'launching into Mix 102.3 speak' but stopping short on giving out the Mix call sign.

3AW returns to its tipping point

The Ash Wednesday fires in 1983 cemented 3AW's hold on a format some 25 years later is now common place if a disaster or big news story breaks.

On that day normal programming was put on hold as bush fires burned across Victoria and South Australia. Crews were dispatched from the newsroom and it was all hands on deck. South Australian correspondent Murray Nichol described vividly on air of a house burning before his eyes, his own family home.

The most significant contributors that day were the listeners, the 3AW family of listeners that sprung into action providing reports, telling their story and seeking news on missing loved ones. On that day something was identified by 3AW presenters and management, the power of their audience and unity of that audience in times of trouble and disaster.

This Friday 15 February 3AW's Derryn Hinch will broadcast his drive program live from the Mount Macedon Hotel and relive what was a horrific day in Victoria's history and a tipping point in what 3AW and their audience swing into in trying times.

Jonesy & Amanda Big in the 'burbs

Source and entire item SMH Sue Javes 

Wet washing going mouldy on the line, kids throwing sickies in their second week back at school, in-your-face hardware salesmen, mortgage stresses and new mothers suffering from baby brain - the patter on WS FM at breakfast time is unashamedly suburban and family-orientated. And for co-hosts Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller, that is a two-edged sword.

"It's very unsexy to target the 40-plus market," Jones says. "We fly under the radar when it comes to media coverage. Even our sales assistants are too young to listen. Most people say they listen to Nova because it's cool to say that."

Hugh Finnane goes green

Sydney based 2UE Fairfax news network reporter Hugh Finnane is opting out of  full-time news to take on a new career in landscape design. Although he is not turning his back on radio altogether he will at this stage remain a casual in the 2UE newsroom.

2GB'S Jones loses challenge

This morning in the NSW District Court 2GB's Alan Jones lost his challenge against his conviction for broadcasting the name of a juvenile involved in a murder trial. It relates to Jones who named the juvenile on his breakfast program in July 2005. In April 2007, a magistrate found he had breached the Childrens' Proceedings Act when he read out an on air from an article published in the Daily Telegraph that day, which named the teenager. Jones was fined $1000 and placed on a nine-month good behaviour bond.

Station of the week: 6IX

Perth's 6IX is our station of the week. Click on the website image above and visit their home page.

Cornes toilet talk

Graham Cornes and controversy have never been far apart and so it was in Dubai on Saturday when he and his radio colleague Ken Cunningham called the Adelaide-Collingwood match for Fiveaa. Operating from a makeshift media booth at the ground, at one point Cornes inquired: "Where can a bloke get a leak around here." The only trouble was the mic wasn't turned off and the remark was heard loud and clear on the airwaves. Source The Age Geoff McClure column

John Blackman's scare

source and entire article Herald Sun Fiona Byrne

FORMER Hey Hey It's Saturday funnyman John Blackman has spoken of his Christmas Eve brush with death.
Blackman has told Woman's Day of the massive seizure that struck him down at home and the dash to hospital where tests revealed he had a brain tumour the size of a golf ball.

Blackman was allowed to leave hospital to be with his family for several hours on Christmas Day.

Merrick, Rosso and Kate's own Grammys

Nova's Merrick and Rosso along with their new co-host Kate Ritchie will compere an invite only live screening of the 50th Grammy Awards. The event will take place from 11.00am Monday from Sydney's Luna Park.

Alan Jones ordered back to court

Source and entire item from The Daily Telegraph 

Alan Jones has been ordered back to court over another attack on the Muslim community
A year after Jones was found guilty of breaching the industry's code of practice, Jones and his employer, leading Sydney radio station 2GB, have been accused of racial vilification and inciting violence against Muslims.
The case was brought by father-of-eight Sam Ekermawi, of Moorebank. Mr Ekermawi first lodged his complaint with the Anti-Discrimination Board in 2005.

Hinch hits 64

Derryn Hinch who turns 64 today possibly has two songs on high rotation. There is the obvious one by The Beatles, When I'm Sixty Four and the likely other song would be Staying Alive by The Bee Gee's, judging by his comment when asked what the highlight of 2007 was he answered 'staying alive'. His comment reflected his battle with ill health since early 2006 and after in August 2007 revealling he has an inoperable liver tumour, just 1cm from his heart.

Fiveaa star on Australian Story.

Fiveaa's Graham Cornes and his wife Nicole will soon be the subject of an episode of Australian Story on ABC TV. The program has been over 2 months in the making and although it will touch on aspects of Graham the co-host of Fiveaa's drive show there is a heavy focus of his wife Nicole's recent election battle. Related article from Adelaide Advertiser here

Bareing it all on Fox 101.9

FOX FM's Matt and Jo gave one lucky couple the chance to get married live on breakfast radio this morning, although with a twist the couple were naked.

Shelley Davies and Josh Hughes were married this morning, with a moving ceremony in between commercial breaks!' They were surrounded by around 200 people (dressed) made up of family, friends, FOX listeners and around 20 sales & media invites. The happy couple did however retain their modesty with skin coloured bikini bottoms covering their dangley bits. More on the wedding and pictures on the Fox website here

Sport 927 breakfast paradise!

Sergio Paradise is now a regular contributor to Sport 927 breakfast and former co-host Mick McGuane has returned for regular panel segments on Monday and Friday.

Shane McInnes to call NAB CUP for 'AW

Shane McInnes will be amongst the mix calling the AFL Nab Cup games for 3AW right up to round one of the start of the 2008 AFL season. McInnes covered the Australian Open Tennis after the shock death of Clinton Grybas in early January. It is not clear what role he will play in the 2008 3AW call team as it is no secret the station is after a big name such as Eddie McGuire or Dennis Cometti. Shane McInnes has previously been on air at Sport 927, National Indigenous Radio Service (NIRS) and also had some involvement in the Australian Open station in 2006/2007.

2UE newsreader's gaff!

Another one for the oop's file this time from 2UE's  Jessica Vanderende. Have a listen, but listen carefully as there is more than one blooper here.

Fairfax radio expected to go to single sites

Fairfax stable of former Southern Cross radio stations are expected to return to their own url and websites shortly, with the exception of 96fm which has always retained a stand alone site. New logo's are also expected for all statons.

Classic move

Sebastian 'Sebba' Costello is moving on from Deniliquin/ Echuca Classic Rock 102.5 breakfast after just over 6 months in the gig. As well as radio 'Sebba' dabbles in stand up comedy and is the son of former Federal Treasurer Peter Costello.

Andrew Harwood dies.

Andrew Harwood has passed away following complications associated with his life long fight with asthma. Channel 7 news has reported the cause of death is a suspected  heart attack. Andrew will be remembered for his radio work on 2GB and 2UE as well as his involvement with television including The Paul Hogan Show and It's Academic.

Radio and TV star Mary Hardy remembered

ABC TV will air a documentary on the late Mary Hardy, Art Scape IOU: Mary Hardy, on Tues Feb 12 at 10.00pm. Mary to many is best remembered as host of The Penthouse Club on HSV 7, a Saturday night variety program in the 1970's

She had a long involvement with radio in Melbourne on both 3AW and 3UZ. It was at 3UZ that she and Noel Ferrier co-hosted a 3UZ show, five days a week, three hours a day, that was basically ad-libbed from go to woe.

Mary committed suicide in 1985. Related article

Green Guide 07 Feb 2008

Source  The Age

EDDIE McGUIRE may no longer be Channel Nine's main man, but the footy media star is still number one draft pick for Melbourne's AFL-obsessed radio stations.

As radio bosses put the final touches on their footy line-ups this week, Collingwood's high-profile president is weighing up several offers while visiting Dubai with the Magpies.

Ratings juggernaut 3AW and junior sports station SEN are both bidding for McGuire, who earned his footy stripes as a Triple M broadcaster before spearheading Nine's AFL coverage through The Footy Show.

2SM there's life in the old girl yet

2SM was what the word radio meant to a generation and a half of devoted Sydney radio listeners, much the same way 3XY was to people of Melbourne.

Get set for the release of a cheeky new documentary ‘2SM, A SUPER STORY,’ and we have a sneek peek at the website that explains where the project is at as well as a legal update on how 2SM owner Bill Caralis summoned documentary producer and publicist Derek Taylor to the Supreme Court of NSW, attempting to have the following website removed from the Internet. Check it out here

New Media Manager at CRA

Commercial Radio Australia have appointed Brian Johnson as media Manager responsible for digital radio issues. He replaces Judy Shaw.

NA2R winners go to #1 with radio!

 Commercial Radio Press Release

Indie rock band, The Sunpilots, winners of the rock category in last year’s NA2R (New Artist to Radio), the radio industry’s search for the next big on-air discovery, has scored this week’s #1 most added position with Australian radio.

With support from the entire Nova network, the Hit Music Stream, Triple M, Macquarie Southern Cross Media and a host of regional stations, as listed in Music Network’s radioactive; their single, Spotlight in the Sun, also hits the #1 most added in the Dance/Pop and Contemporary Rock categories.

Dan Ziffer in at 3AW

The Age entertainment and TV writer Dan Ziffer will now be talking television each morning on the 3AW Neil Mitchell program. Dan replaces Flip Shelton.

DMG invest in a Hippo

DMG radio have taken a 20% stake in the youth job website Hippo and believe it will be a perfect fit geared towards their NOVA listeners. Hippo’s potential is enormous and DMG want to be right amongst it as it continues to evolve.

Ironically founder of Hippo James Masini initially sought someone with a radio background to help with the launch of the project, that was after in 2006 being knocked back time and time again by potential investors. It was only when he made contact with owners of Boost Juice Jeff and Janine Allis in early 2007 that the pathway began to clear for James and Hippo.

92.9 Hot Tomato's Tania Zaetta hit by illness

Gold Coast 92.9 Hot Tomato's Tania Zaetta has been struck down by a mystery illness that has had Medicos baffled. After suffering from a high fever for close to a week Doctors suspected an infection or appendicitis.

The star of Who Dares Wins and later day Bollywood actress is now on strict medication, waiting for the outcome of more tests.

It's music for Mix 102.3FM

Source Adelaide Advertiser  Article by ALEXANDRA TREDREA

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

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

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

Possible radio sale on the agenda?

Could there be a possible radio station sale about to take place between a number of stations? Or is it just a settlement of another nature that is long overdue. More to come no doubt!

Former News exec hopes for a WIN-win situation

Source The Age Jesse Hogan  

REGIONAL television broadcaster WIN has appointed a long-time News Corporation television executive to help manage its recent expansion.

David Butorac, 45, agreed late last year to leave News' Star TV in Hong Kong to become WIN's managing director, and yesterday "got his feet under the desk" for the first time.

Huggy in from 1.00 on Gold 1043

As mentioned here earlier last month the Jonathan Coleman Experience has now moved to drive, albeit a late drive from 5.00pm through to 7.00pm. The move coincides with the program now being heard on additional various MRRW stations across the nation as well as the ARN Classic Hits Network.  

Long time drive presenter on Gold 1043 Craig 'Huggy' Huggins has now moved to an earlier start time of 1.00pm through until 5.00pm.

Zoe Knowles moves to Austereo.

Zoe Knowles is heading home to Melbourne to join Austereo from Sea FM on the Sunshine Coast.

Triple M The Peter Berner Experiment

After the demise of Melbourne's Triple M's The Cage at the end 2007 Peter Berner is back on Sydney's 2MMM hosting The Peter Berner Experiment, 3pm weekdays on 104.9. It is currently going to be a lead in to the Wil and Lemho program however the programs name might be more than just a play on words.

Berner had recently (last week) been heard doing late night hour long shifts on 2MMM,  which according to our scouts were very well received.

Updates and editing 2003,2004,2005 etc

Over the next couple of weeks we will continue to migrate as many items from between Feb 2003 to 2008 as possible to this page. The long term benefit will be the ability to use the search box to your right of screen for most of our content published on the net between the dates mentioned. Part one of the migration has left many articles with scrambled text that requires on going editing This is a very time consuming process however the end result will be well worth it.

It will not interrupt regular news updates which we will continue to  add as they happen.

news@radiorumours.com

Vale David Lentin

Former 3SER FM station manager and past president David Lentin has passed away in Melbourne after a long illness. David is also remembered for his regular radio programs and contribution to  talk segments on 3DB ,3UZ, 3AK and 3AW.David Lentin was for many years a Victorian Policeman prior to starting his own Private Detective agency.

David put his heart and soul into many things he did in life and his time with 3SER FM was no exception. Visit the 3SER FM site here

Vega 91.5 Bono, Pink and Ozzy on TV

It is that time of the year for radio stations to air new T.V commercials. Nova, The Today Network and Triple M in their respective cities have all shown us what is on offer.

Melbourne's Vega 91.5 have got hold of 3 big names, well sort of,  for the new Dicko, Dave and Chrissie breakfast show TVC. Bono, Pink and Ozzy each feature in a light hearted commercial with Dicko, Dave and Chrissie.  View all three TVC's and further behind the scenes footage on the Vega 91.5 site here. Vega Sydney is running the same for their breakfast team.

Simon Owens back on mid-dawns

3AW Nightline producer Simon Owens is back behind the microphone for a few weekends covering mid-dawns for Alan Pearsall who of course is filling in for the holidaying Keith McGowan.

Adelaide's Andrew 'Cosi' Costello on Biggest Loser.

Former Adelaide Triple M co breakfast presenter Andrew 'Cosi' Costello  is a contestant on this years The Biggest Loser which debuted on Channel 10 tonight.

A dry February for 2UE's Steve Price

2UE morning presenter Steve Price has signed up to give up alcohol for the month of February and he says it is the hardest thing he has had to do since quitting smoking after leaving Adelaide for Melbourne 20 years ago. He has joined over 700 others taking part in Feb Fast,  a community education and awareness campaign that invites people to do something good for their own bodies, and someone else's by sacrificing their alcohol intake for up to one month, during February. Check it out here

Village Roadshow's Roc Kirby passes away

Roc Kirby founder of Village Roadshow, parent company of Austereo, passed away late last month in Melbourne.

Fiveaa mid - dawns Jeff Burzacott

Jeff  Burzacott is the new Monday to Friday mid-dawn talk presenter on Fiveaa. Jeff had been doing Sunday mornings up until the death of former mid - dawn presenter Brian Bennett. Prior to joining Fiveaa Jeff was with Austereo as Program Director TRIPLE M Adelaide.

Brisbane traffic updates may include trains

The Queensland State Government will look at including QR train information in  morning and afternoon radio traffic updates so public transport users will know ahead of time about major  delays and cancellations.

Macca's Say G'day tour

 source and entire item from ABC release item

Macca's on the road. You might say, "so what, he's always on the road". Well sort of, but this is different.

Usually he travels to a city or town, does his show on Sunday morning and then returns to base. This time he's on the road for nearly two months - just like one of those grey nomads, travelling in a campervan and visiting a swag of places that have had a hard time of it.

Over the last 10 years or so, drought has ravaged most of Australia - city and country - so Macca will be on the road doing his show on Sundays from various places around the nation and dropping in to many others like Goombungee, Emerald (where they have had the recent floods), Isisford, Lake Boga, Deniliquin.

3AW searching for Clinton Grybas' replacement

source and entire article Herald Sun  

DENNIS Cometti and Eddie McGuire are on 3AW's short list of possible commentators to call football next season with Rex Hunt.The station has started the painful search for a new caller to replace Clinton Grybas, who tragically died last month.

Cometti, recognised as football's top caller, would still call Friday night games for Channel 7 but would join Hunt on 3AW only for Saturday games.

Ironically, Grybas was considered by many as the next Cometti.

3AW admits that ideally it wants a person who would be able to call the Friday night game as well as the following day's clash.

Radio station SEN is also interested in gaining McGuire's services after he called a couple of games for the network last season.

While McGuire is interested in returning to a more significant role on radio, his other position as Collingwood president would place restrictions on his availability to call football.

He would still be expected to host Collingwood pre-match lunches.

McGuire had played a major role in Triple M's football coverage before concentrating on his television career with Channel Nine.

UK radio news feed Jan 2008

Arqiva plans to cut cost of radio broadcasts
From Daily Telegraph. Posted January 27 2008, 12.01am
The company which owns half of Britain’s radio and TV masts is offering to slash its prices in a move that could secure regulatory approval for its £2.5bn merger with rival National Grid Wireless and provide a major fillip to Britain’s troubled commercial radio industry. (more)

Wave of protest engulfs RTE
From Media Guardian. Posted January 27 2008, 11.48pm
The Irish broadcaster’s decision to drop its medium-wave service has had major political repercussions. Henry McDonald reports (more)

Galaxy scraps digital-only shows
From Media Guardian. Posted January 21 2008, 5.15pm
Global Radio’s digital dance station Galaxy is to stop broadcasting its own standalone output and simulcast content from its network of regional FM stations. By John Plunkett (more)

Japan?s NHK chief resigns over insider trading
From Media Network Weblog. Posted January 21 2008, 2.02pm
The president of Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, Genichi Hashimoto, said he would resign to take responsibility for an insider-trading scandal involving staff at the media group. ”The management’s responsibility for sharply denting the audience’s confidence is grave,” he told reporters, adding that two of NHK’s ten managing directors would step down tomorrow over the scandal. NHK officials said […] (more)