In Melbourne Andrew Bolt announced on 3AW breakfast he would stand for the former Federal Treasurers, Peter Costello, seat of Higgins Audio.
2UE reported the Pope would be conducting a special gay and lesbian mass during the World Youth Day when he visits Sydney, and the Catholic Church was considering entering a float in next year's mardi gra. 6PR went with carbon neutral AM radio listen to Millsy and Tony Mac's audio here .
Former Home and Away star Kate Ritchie told her Sydney Nova audience she was joining Neighbours, audio .
John Russell heart scare
Retired 3UZ/Sport 927 radio race caller and all-round good bloke John 'JR' Russell has survived a heart scare. JR woke up feeling crook on Good Friday and was quickly admitted to the Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne. He had a pacemaker fitted last Friday and is now on the road to recovery. JR would also be known nationally for his many years with SKY channel. Related article The Age
Australian AM band forced to close
April 1st feature: In a shock announcement by the ACMA the Australian AM radio band must cease all transmissions by the 1st of June 2008. Frantic meetings were taking place late last night with Network radio heads demanding a full explanation. At this stage all the stations, metro and regional, have been told they will all be allocated an FM frequency.
An ACMA spokesman has told radionews.com.au the move has been brought about due to the Australian AM band interfering with a top secret US super satellite and that the American and Australian governments will hold joint press conferences at 12 midday EST time.
APRIL FOOL
An ACMA spokesman has told radionews.com.au the move has been brought about due to the Australian AM band interfering with a top secret US super satellite and that the American and Australian governments will hold joint press conferences at 12 midday EST time.
APRIL FOOL
Another move on Sydney mid-dawns?
Is there about to be another move on the Sydney radio mid-dawn circuit?
Richo has further cancer scare
Former 2GB breakfast presenter and Federal Labor heavy weight Graham Richo Richardson has revealed he has had cancerous tumours removed from his body after undergoing a five hour operation in January. This is Richo's second cancer scare, the first being in 1999 when he received treatment for the disease.
MY Aussie FM
Just imagine, are we are about to finally shake off the stereotypical belief that all Aussies run around throwing shrimps on Barbies and wrestle crocodiles in their spare time? Mix 106.5's Todd McKenney and Sonia Kruger set to infiltrate the LA radio airwaves for 3 weeks to promote all things Australian for Tourism Australia and designed to encourage more Americans down-under for holidays.
LA radio station MYfm will re-brand as MY Aussie FM for the duration of the promotion and with Sonia and Todd broadcasting with the MYfm announcers anything can happen.
The station will feature a broad range of Australian voices mixed with a variety of on air Aussie inspired giveaways including a trip down-under. On top of all that Myfm have a reporter currently in Australia who will provide reports and content from a different location in Australia each day. Related sites Mix 106.5 MYfm
LA radio station MYfm will re-brand as MY Aussie FM for the duration of the promotion and with Sonia and Todd broadcasting with the MYfm announcers anything can happen.
The station will feature a broad range of Australian voices mixed with a variety of on air Aussie inspired giveaways including a trip down-under. On top of all that Myfm have a reporter currently in Australia who will provide reports and content from a different location in Australia each day. Related sites Mix 106.5 MYfm
TODAY matches time with radio
Channel 9's TODAY show will now start at 5.30am EST matching starting times with most high rating breakfast radio programs and getting a half hour jump on Channel 7's Sunrise program. The move follows the success TODAY has had over summer in Brisbane, where Nine has broadcast live into the city throughout daylight saving, from 5.00am to 8.30am each weekday, and not on a one-hour delay.
Nova now streaming on PerthNow
Nova 93.7 is nowing streaming on the News Limited PerthNow/ Sunday Times website. Listen Live
Drex quits Darwin
Justin 'Drex' Drexall has decided to move on from his role as PD of HOT100/Mix1049 Darwin. Drex is joining the Prime Radio Network and will be Program Director for 4CC & 4RO in Rockhampton & Gladstone from late April.
Lord hangs up his mic
Veteran sports journalist David Lord has retired from ABC's NewsRadio. After joining NewsRadio in 1991 the 68 year old Lord is looking forward to retirement however with 41 years of journalism under his belt he has full intention of maintaining an interest in sports coverage.
Lord is also well known for writing for the now defunct Sydney Sun newspaper for many years. He has had stints on TV and radio including 2KY as well as away from the mic a huge involvement in World Series Cricket and International Rugby.
Lord is also well known for writing for the now defunct Sydney Sun newspaper for many years. He has had stints on TV and radio including 2KY as well as away from the mic a huge involvement in World Series Cricket and International Rugby.
Cosi steps out - thin and proud
LOOKING at him, it's hard to believe it's the same Andrew "Cosi" Costello who went into the Biggest Loser house more than four months ago. Read the entire Sunday Mail article
From the time tunnel: 1980's demo reel
From the time tunnel we have a demo reel for five different radio station TVC’s. It opens with 2UW Hit Radio Eleven 2UW. Four of the TVC’s are for stations in the United States. Can you pick the announcer on four of the five TVC’s? Enjoy!
Cosi back on SAFM breakfast!
We recently reported that former Adelaide Triple M breakfast co-host Andrew Cosi Costello was rumoured to be joining a new breakfast radio team upon his departure from the Biggest Loser program. From next Monday, 31 March, Cosi joins the SAFM breakfast team of Rabbit, Amber and Louie. With the new team on Triple M it was fairly obvious there would be no room for him however an industry source told us while in the White House Cosi remained on the Austereo payroll.
Cosi is rumoured to have been in the final four contestants prior to being voted out of the Biggest Loser series 3.
Cosi is rumoured to have been in the final four contestants prior to being voted out of the Biggest Loser series 3.
Changes to radio services in the Innisfail area
Media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced a number of variations to the licence area plan for radio in Innisfail. The revised licence area plan changes the transmitter site for a high power open narrowcasting service at Tully licensed to United Christian Broadcasters.
‘United Christian Broadcasters requested an alternative transmitter site because of problems launching its service at the previously identified location,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, ACMA’s Inputs to Industry Division.
The variation to the licence area plan adds capacity for two new transmitters – for the commercial services 4ZKZ in Tully and 4KZ in Babinda.
The changes also remove capacity for three transmitters for commercial services at Bramston Beach, Hinchinbrook and Murray Falls, at the request of the licensee, Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd.
‘The decision was made after the licensee indicated the transmitters were not required, as these areas are adequately served by other transmitters within the licence area,’ Mr Tanner said.
A minor variation was also made to the nominal transmitter site location for two national radio services, 4ABCRR and 4ABCRN, to improve quality and reach of reception. The location was varied by a total of less than 200 metres and changes were also made to the output radiation pattern, as previous patterns were incomplete.
‘United Christian Broadcasters requested an alternative transmitter site because of problems launching its service at the previously identified location,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, ACMA’s Inputs to Industry Division.
The variation to the licence area plan adds capacity for two new transmitters – for the commercial services 4ZKZ in Tully and 4KZ in Babinda.
The changes also remove capacity for three transmitters for commercial services at Bramston Beach, Hinchinbrook and Murray Falls, at the request of the licensee, Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd.
‘The decision was made after the licensee indicated the transmitters were not required, as these areas are adequately served by other transmitters within the licence area,’ Mr Tanner said.
A minor variation was also made to the nominal transmitter site location for two national radio services, 4ABCRR and 4ABCRN, to improve quality and reach of reception. The location was varied by a total of less than 200 metres and changes were also made to the output radiation pattern, as previous patterns were incomplete.
Musical chairs at Nova 93.7
Dave McClung is the new Music Director at Perth's Nova 93.7. Simon Baggot will swap afternoons for mornings, and floater Desiree Savage will take over afternoons. The movement is as a result of Music Director and morning presenter Clare Marshall taking over the drive shift at Vega 91.5 Melbourne.
Hinch v Mitchell 3AW match of the day!
Radio 3AW's drive presenter Derryn Hinch has challenged morning presenter Neil Mitchell to an ethics debate. Derryn's opening editorial today challenged Mitchell,
And so I challenge Mitchell to a debate on professional ethics and morality. Right here on this program. Any day next week. As long as you like. No subject off limits. Neil, you can even pick a moderator if that’s what you want.
This has been fuelled by Derryn's statements on the cause of death of Clinton Grybas on his program this week and Neil's follow up article in the Herald Sun attacking Hinch in relation to the Grybas comments and previous revelations about David Hookes, Peter Brock and Graham Kennedy. Read Derryn's editorial
And so I challenge Mitchell to a debate on professional ethics and morality. Right here on this program. Any day next week. As long as you like. No subject off limits. Neil, you can even pick a moderator if that’s what you want.
This has been fuelled by Derryn's statements on the cause of death of Clinton Grybas on his program this week and Neil's follow up article in the Herald Sun attacking Hinch in relation to the Grybas comments and previous revelations about David Hookes, Peter Brock and Graham Kennedy. Read Derryn's editorial
Oldfield 2GB overnight
David Oldfield takes over 2GB mid-dawns from this coming Monday morning, 31 March. He replaces Mark Kennedy who has been keeping the seat warm for David since the resignation of Jim Ball.
Hinch holds firm on Grybas claim
Radio 3AW's Derryn Hinch is standing by his editorial claims on the cause of death of Clinton Grybas. This is despite Clinton's mother saying "a coroner had painted a possible scenario", Grybas father, Vic, said: "The coroner found it was unable to be ascertained." The coroner has issued a statement in support of Clinton's parents.
Related articles Clash over Clinton Grybas death Forsaking decency Hinch in hot water over Clinton
Related articles Clash over Clinton Grybas death Forsaking decency Hinch in hot water over Clinton
Digital Radio Will Not Be Delayed
Media release: Digital Radio broadcasts will begin in Australia from January 2009, despite erroneous media reports suggesting this exciting new form of media will be delayed. Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, has confirmed that digital radio broadcasts will begin in major capital cities as planned.
“Unfortunately, a wire story confused comments made by the federal Communications Minister when he was discussing funding arrangements for the transition scheme in support of digital TV,” Ms Warner said.
“This wire story was then carried by several newspapers, without clarification.
“In actual fact, it’s all systems go for the January arrival of digital radio – with listeners set to enjoy a whole new multi-media experience.”
“Unfortunately, a wire story confused comments made by the federal Communications Minister when he was discussing funding arrangements for the transition scheme in support of digital TV,” Ms Warner said.
“This wire story was then carried by several newspapers, without clarification.
“In actual fact, it’s all systems go for the January arrival of digital radio – with listeners set to enjoy a whole new multi-media experience.”
Nova 91.9 new MD
Sea FM's (Gold Coast) Olivia Belvedere is the new Music Director at Adelaide's Nova 91.9.
More moves at 96fm
Hot on the heels of the resignation of PD Brad McNally there have been two more departures at the Perth's 96fm. Program producers Sandra Galati and Greg Edgeworth have both quit the station.
US gloom dims APN hopes for buyout
APN News & Media's chances of taking full control of its radio and outdoor assets are fading amid signs the private equity takeover of its American joint venture partner, Clear Channel Communications, is becoming the latest victim of the global credit market turmoil. Full article SMH
Clive Robertson 2UE weekends
With the departure of Glenn Wheeler from the 2UE line-up former overnight presenter Clive Robertson will take over the weekend afternoon slot (2.00pm-6.00pm) Clive starts this Saturday, 29th March.
Slater replaces Freedman at 2KY
Former Australian Test cricketer Michael Slater will replace Richard Freeman as co-host of radio 2KY's Big Sports Breakfast program. He will join Terry Kennedy from this coming Monday, 31 March. As we reported on Feb 14, Richard Freedman has joined the Australian Jockey Club as executive director of racing operations and has relinquished all media commitments.
2GB's Alan Jones wins court appeal
2GB's Alan Jones has been spared a criminal conviction for naming a child witness in a murder trial.after today winning an appeal against his nine-month good behaviour bond and $1,000 fine. Jones broadcast the name of the child witness while reading from a Daily Telegraph article in July 2005 on his 2GB breakfast program.
A District Court judge confirmed the finding of guilt however did not record a conviction and the charge was dimissed.
Alan Jones was not in court today.
The Judge, Michael Finnane, said Jones made an honest mistake and was unlikely to do it again. He went on to say, Jones was a man of good character and the adverse effect of a conviction would have been disproportionate to the seriousness of the offence.
A District Court judge confirmed the finding of guilt however did not record a conviction and the charge was dimissed.
Alan Jones was not in court today.
The Judge, Michael Finnane, said Jones made an honest mistake and was unlikely to do it again. He went on to say, Jones was a man of good character and the adverse effect of a conviction would have been disproportionate to the seriousness of the offence.
3MP's Burgo sounds off
Source and entire item Sydney Confidential: The Wheel of Fortune is about to swing into action again, but Channel 7's not the only one bitching about the new spin on things by Nine. John 'Burgo' Burgess, relegated to a radio gig in Melbourne(Burgo is 3MP's breakfast presenter) since his days on Nine's Catchphrase ended, yesterday whinged on air about the show's return - and the fact it was happening without him.
After sending birthday wishes to his wife (including a plug for the spot where they celebrated), the one-time Wheel man lamented being overlooked for the job that Tim Campbell has now claimed as his own. AUDIO
"I was told 'Burgo, if we get hold of it, you'll be doing it.' Well they've forgotten about me. Tim Campbell's doing it and I'm sure he'll do a terrific job, but I must admit I am just slightly gutted" he said, before playing Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart.
T for tissue, mate?
After sending birthday wishes to his wife (including a plug for the spot where they celebrated), the one-time Wheel man lamented being overlooked for the job that Tim Campbell has now claimed as his own. AUDIO
"I was told 'Burgo, if we get hold of it, you'll be doing it.' Well they've forgotten about me. Tim Campbell's doing it and I'm sure he'll do a terrific job, but I must admit I am just slightly gutted" he said, before playing Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart.
T for tissue, mate?
Old rockers don’t die they go to Clare!
This Easter weekend delivered some of the finest names of the Australian music industry to Adelaide where they performed at Kirrihill Wine Festival. The Mentals, John Swan, Choir Boys and the outstanding Russell Morris with Brian Cadd left the crowd wanting more. Radio personality David Day, who was master-of-ceremonies, promised to “bring back a whole bunch of my mates” for next year’s Live Clare concert, a commitment reiterated by Kirrihill Wines marketing executive Tania Matz at the conclusion of the show. Related article
Digital Radio Announces New Initiatives
Media release: Australian listeners could well be experiencing ‘world first’ features when digital radio arrives at the start of next year under initiatives announced today at the Australian Broadcasting Summit.
Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, has announced new trials for specific features of digital radio including real time traffic solutions for listeners wanting to find the best way to their destination.
“Digital radio will be a multi-media experience and these trials promise to deliver a significant upgrade to the way we use and interact with our radio,” Ms Warner said.
“The format Australia has adopted, (DAB+), allows us to do so much more with the technology and we’re keen to provide the types of things that listeners, advertisers and broadcasters have only dreamt about in the past.”
ANIMATED LOGOS
In a world first, logo animations and graphics are being broadcast as part of the current digital radio trials in Sydney. By using animated logos and graphics an exciting new dimension is able to be added to the radio offering for both listeners and advertisers.
REAL TIME TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS OVER YOUR RADIO
Commercial Radio Australia has entered into an agreement with Sentinel Content, (whose investors include the NRMA and RACQ), for the development of real time traffic solutions via digital radio.
Rather than receiving an audio-only bulletin about a problem, the system will deliver timely traffic bulletins and answers to the best alternate routes to the destination. The service will be available on free-to-air digital radio and using DAB+ will also be able to provide additional updates for in-car and portable navigation systems. Extra data such as parking information, fuel pricing and transit lane restrictions could also be integrated into the system.
Free-to-air digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart from January 2009.
Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, has announced new trials for specific features of digital radio including real time traffic solutions for listeners wanting to find the best way to their destination.
“Digital radio will be a multi-media experience and these trials promise to deliver a significant upgrade to the way we use and interact with our radio,” Ms Warner said.
“The format Australia has adopted, (DAB+), allows us to do so much more with the technology and we’re keen to provide the types of things that listeners, advertisers and broadcasters have only dreamt about in the past.”
ANIMATED LOGOS
In a world first, logo animations and graphics are being broadcast as part of the current digital radio trials in Sydney. By using animated logos and graphics an exciting new dimension is able to be added to the radio offering for both listeners and advertisers.
REAL TIME TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS OVER YOUR RADIO
Commercial Radio Australia has entered into an agreement with Sentinel Content, (whose investors include the NRMA and RACQ), for the development of real time traffic solutions via digital radio.
Rather than receiving an audio-only bulletin about a problem, the system will deliver timely traffic bulletins and answers to the best alternate routes to the destination. The service will be available on free-to-air digital radio and using DAB+ will also be able to provide additional updates for in-car and portable navigation systems. Extra data such as parking information, fuel pricing and transit lane restrictions could also be integrated into the system.
Free-to-air digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart from January 2009.
Rod and the Flack debut on Perth nights
After spending just on 7 weeks on 96fm breakfast, Rod and the Flack have tonight delivered their first night show on the station. The duo can now be heard between 7.00pm and 10pm Monday to Friday.
Nielsen radio ratings survey 2 2008
Fiveaa, Nova 106.9, Mix 94.5, 3AW and 2GB have come out on top in their respective states with the release of survey 2, 2008, 0f the Nielsen radio ratings today.
From the papers.
Jones on top while 2Day heats up FM breakfast
Kyle and Jackie O tighten their grip
Andy and mate Hamish now the kings of Melbourne radio
Hamish and Andy topple 3AW
ABC talk stations lose ground
Brisbane: Nova(14.1) victory again, never in doubt. In at number 2 and 3 Austereo sisters 4MMM(12.) and B105(11.3). The balance 97.3(10.), 4BC(8.6), ABC612(8.3), 4KQ(7.4), 4BH(6.7), 4JJJ(5.5), 4RN(3.0), ClassicFM(3.0), Newsradio(1.5).
Adelaide: Fiveaa (15.4) clear winner followed by sister station Nova(13.1) with Mix(12.7) in at number 3. The rest of Adelaide SAFM(12.), ABC891(11.2), 5MMM(8.8), Cruise(7.4), 5JJJ(6.2), ClassicFM(2.6), 5RN(1.8), Newsradio(1.4)
Perth: 94.5(17.6) retains number 1 spot clearly ahead of ABC720(13.2). 92.9(11.9) have dropped 1.0 percentage point. Followed by 6PR(10.4), Nova 93.7(9.6), 96fm(9.0), 6JJJ(6.2), 6IX(6.0) ABC Classic(2.6), 6RN(2.2), Newsradio(1.4)
From the papers.
Jones on top while 2Day heats up FM breakfast
Kyle and Jackie O tighten their grip
Andy and mate Hamish now the kings of Melbourne radio
Hamish and Andy topple 3AW
ABC talk stations lose ground
Brisbane: Nova(14.1) victory again, never in doubt. In at number 2 and 3 Austereo sisters 4MMM(12.) and B105(11.3). The balance 97.3(10.), 4BC(8.6), ABC612(8.3), 4KQ(7.4), 4BH(6.7), 4JJJ(5.5), 4RN(3.0), ClassicFM(3.0), Newsradio(1.5).
Adelaide: Fiveaa (15.4) clear winner followed by sister station Nova(13.1) with Mix(12.7) in at number 3. The rest of Adelaide SAFM(12.), ABC891(11.2), 5MMM(8.8), Cruise(7.4), 5JJJ(6.2), ClassicFM(2.6), 5RN(1.8), Newsradio(1.4)
Perth: 94.5(17.6) retains number 1 spot clearly ahead of ABC720(13.2). 92.9(11.9) have dropped 1.0 percentage point. Followed by 6PR(10.4), Nova 93.7(9.6), 96fm(9.0), 6JJJ(6.2), 6IX(6.0) ABC Classic(2.6), 6RN(2.2), Newsradio(1.4)
Clinton Grybas cause of death finding.
It has been announced that Fox Sports and radio 3AW's Clinton Grybas died of natural causes. He had a faulty heart valve and suffered an allergic reaction to something he either ate or drank the previous night and died sometime between 2am and 4am on Jaunuary 5 2008.
3AW's Derryn Hinch (Audio) revealed it on his program this afternoon stating he found out about this last Friday, with 3AW being informed of the finding a week ago. Clinton's mother has denied the claims aired on 3AW, Mrs Grybas said she was shocked by Hinch's claims this afternoon, which were at odds with conversations she had with a coroner investigating her son's death just a fortnight ago."It is the first I've heard of it," she said.
This website received information over the Easter break suggesting what was revealed today. We decided to wait until the story broke to publish any of the claims. Hinch article here .
3AW's Derryn Hinch (Audio) revealed it on his program this afternoon stating he found out about this last Friday, with 3AW being informed of the finding a week ago. Clinton's mother has denied the claims aired on 3AW, Mrs Grybas said she was shocked by Hinch's claims this afternoon, which were at odds with conversations she had with a coroner investigating her son's death just a fortnight ago."It is the first I've heard of it," she said.
This website received information over the Easter break suggesting what was revealed today. We decided to wait until the story broke to publish any of the claims. Hinch article here .
Guy Ashford moves to 2HD/New FM
2GO/Sea FM's Guy Ashford is the new Operations and General Sales Manager at Newcastle 2HD/New FM.
Is this what mothers want their children to hear?
The SMH has an interesting article about the change of direction Sydney breakfast radio is taking. The article suggests Mix, Nova and 2Day are all after a piece of the 35 plus female audience and that they are all borrowing heavily from the popular magazine market with gossip and sassy attitudes.
Amongst it all you would have to ask what sort of mother driving their children to school would want to hear the sleaze that creeps into breakfast radio. It is that little bit of Truth Heartbalm such as Kyle Sandilands offering sperm to a lesbian caller. Read the SMH article
Amongst it all you would have to ask what sort of mother driving their children to school would want to hear the sleaze that creeps into breakfast radio. It is that little bit of Truth Heartbalm such as Kyle Sandilands offering sperm to a lesbian caller. Read the SMH article
Roy Harwood remembered
Former manager of Midura's 3MA Roy Harwood passed away in early March. Roy joined radio station 3MA in 1956 and become station manager in 1969. He held the role until 1985. He will be remembered by many young announcers who headed to Mildura for their first taste of life at a radio station.
Mildura Indepenent: For a while in the 1980’s the Station was affectionately known as Harwood House, with Roy Harwood the Station Manager and Sales Manager, his wife Ysonde would read commercials, son James was the breakfast announcer, daughter Benita the senior office receptionist and while still at school, youngest son Nigel was the Station cleaner. More
Roy Harwood passed away of liver cancer on March 6.
Mildura Indepenent: For a while in the 1980’s the Station was affectionately known as Harwood House, with Roy Harwood the Station Manager and Sales Manager, his wife Ysonde would read commercials, son James was the breakfast announcer, daughter Benita the senior office receptionist and while still at school, youngest son Nigel was the Station cleaner. More
Roy Harwood passed away of liver cancer on March 6.
Claire Marshall in at Vega drive
Perth's Nova 937 morning radio presenter Claire Marshall will take over drive at Melbourne's Vega 91.5 after the recent axing of Wilbur Wilde.
Station of the week: 104.1 Territory FM
!["Territory]("http://radiorumours.com/terfmd.JPG")
Our radio station of the week is Darwin's 104.1 Territory FM. A true community station and part of The Charles Darwin University. Catch JP and Ali for breakfast and kick-start your day. Mornings with Daryl Manzie and Territory Talk. The popular Classic Cafe with radio legend Joe Miller, yes the Joe Miller from 3XY & EON FM. There is loads more info on their marvellous site Check it out and listen LIVE
Does reality TV give you right of passage?
The Courier Mail reports of the latest evicted reality TV show contestant reportedly in talks with a Sydney radio station for an on air role. Camilla Jakimowicz was recently sent packing from So You Think You Can Dance, much to the judges dilemma.
It seems that the days of a young radio jock devoting countless months to radio school and then heading to a regional station hoping that next step is a capital city gig will only get harder as this trend of hiring these instant stars continues. Having said that we also acknowledge that in 2008 radio listeners are looking for more than a time and temp jock, although giving reality TV contestants a right of passage is a fairly fickle proposition.
It seems that the days of a young radio jock devoting countless months to radio school and then heading to a regional station hoping that next step is a capital city gig will only get harder as this trend of hiring these instant stars continues. Having said that we also acknowledge that in 2008 radio listeners are looking for more than a time and temp jock, although giving reality TV contestants a right of passage is a fairly fickle proposition.
Hinch the human headwind
3AW drive presenter Derryn Hinch took to the sky yesterday morning in an aerochute. The radio journalist was honouring a commitment he gave to depression survivor Jerry Farsoun a couple of weeks ago to go up in what Derryn describes as "lawn mower powered umbrella".
Jerry and Derryn took off from the Tooradin Airfield just after 7.00am Saturday in a bid to raise awareness of the effects and consequences of depression. Jerry Farsoun is the founder of Over Downunder and will soon take off on a flight across Australia in his aerochute in a bid to raise as much money possible to help his cause.
Jerry and Derryn took off from the Tooradin Airfield just after 7.00am Saturday in a bid to raise awareness of the effects and consequences of depression. Jerry Farsoun is the founder of Over Downunder and will soon take off on a flight across Australia in his aerochute in a bid to raise as much money possible to help his cause.
Stars lose thousands
Source and entire item Sunday Telegraph: Some of Sydney's most high-profile sports personalities are up to $100,000 out of pocket after the collapse of a privately owned radio show on 2SM.
Former rugby league stars Mark Geyer and Graeme Hughes, ex-jockey Malcolm Johnston, former rugby union star Brett Papworth and former Test cricketer Gavin Robertson are among a host of big names who have lost thousands of dollars.
The afternoon Talkin' Sport show was owned by Dallas Baker and Mike Nui, who bought the airtime from 2SM's Bill Caralis. The pair were declared bankrupt last week, leaving a trail of debts.
One of the stars, who asked not to be named, told us: "They've always been slow payers, but all of a sudden they're declared bankrupt and no-one has been paid.''
Caralis has taken over the running of the show but has given no guarantee about back-paying the money owed. A spokesman said: "It's not Bill that owes the money. He's actually owed money himself and will also be trying to recover the money by whatever ways possible. "He's considering his legal options.''
The tension at 2SM has also created a rift between two of the on-air personalities. Mark Warren, son of Channel Nine's Ray Warren, has left after a blazing row with Talkin' Sport host Graeme Hughes.
Warren hosted a popular boxing show with legendary trainer Johnny Lewis but was recently axed - and he's blaming Hughes for his demise. "I told him he was a low bloke because he's been knifing me to management,'' Warren told us.
Hughes offered: "In respect of Mark's issues, it has nothing to do with me or anyone else here.''
Former rugby league stars Mark Geyer and Graeme Hughes, ex-jockey Malcolm Johnston, former rugby union star Brett Papworth and former Test cricketer Gavin Robertson are among a host of big names who have lost thousands of dollars.
The afternoon Talkin' Sport show was owned by Dallas Baker and Mike Nui, who bought the airtime from 2SM's Bill Caralis. The pair were declared bankrupt last week, leaving a trail of debts.
One of the stars, who asked not to be named, told us: "They've always been slow payers, but all of a sudden they're declared bankrupt and no-one has been paid.''
Caralis has taken over the running of the show but has given no guarantee about back-paying the money owed. A spokesman said: "It's not Bill that owes the money. He's actually owed money himself and will also be trying to recover the money by whatever ways possible. "He's considering his legal options.''
The tension at 2SM has also created a rift between two of the on-air personalities. Mark Warren, son of Channel Nine's Ray Warren, has left after a blazing row with Talkin' Sport host Graeme Hughes.
Warren hosted a popular boxing show with legendary trainer Johnny Lewis but was recently axed - and he's blaming Hughes for his demise. "I told him he was a low bloke because he's been knifing me to management,'' Warren told us.
Hughes offered: "In respect of Mark's issues, it has nothing to do with me or anyone else here.''
Cast yourself back to 1931
Radionews.com.au and radiorumours.com have long admired the work that radioheritage.net puts into keeping the valves of radio of yesteryear alive. One of their latest items is a look back of the the radio dial of Australia from 1931. Not to be missed read the entire item here
Radio classic hit after classic hit, live
If you are in Melbourne or Adelaide this weekend do yourself a favour and see two Australian music legends perform live. Russell Morris and Brian Cadd are at Capers for one more night, Saturday 22 March, before heading to Adelaide on Easter Sunday to play at Kirrihill Winery Festival . The team here at radionews.com.au spent an enjoyable Good Friday night being more than entertained as Morris and Cadd delivered classic after classic.
Songs we all love and probably first heard or played as 45rpm's being spun in on the radio including Wings of an Eagle, outstanding versions of Rachel and Sweet Sweet Love. Cadd delivered the goods with vintage Let Go and Ginger Man.
The pair have also released a new live CD called Brian Cadd & Russell Morris Live at the Con.
Songs we all love and probably first heard or played as 45rpm's being spun in on the radio including Wings of an Eagle, outstanding versions of Rachel and Sweet Sweet Love. Cadd delivered the goods with vintage Let Go and Ginger Man.
The pair have also released a new live CD called Brian Cadd & Russell Morris Live at the Con.
Squires and Wilson part of Big Brother
Vega 95.3 breakfast duo Tony Squires and Rebecca Wilson will host a 9.30pm weeknight panel show as part of the 2008 series of Big Brother. The program will be called Big Brother Big Mouth.
ABC Games coverage wiped off Sydney airwaves
FOR the first time since World War II, Sydney radio listeners will have to tune into a commercial radio station to hear coverage of the Olympic Games SMH article
Give that they may grow
A tradition is underway in Melbourne, the annual Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Donate on-line now! Thousands of people spend months of fundraising and collecting donations all for this very special day. Last year in excess of 11 million dollars was given to help what are most precious to us all, children.
It all started back in 1931 when a group of journalists from The Sporting Globe held a special sporting carnival to raise money for a charity, the Children's Hospital. By the start of the 1940's it had grown to be become an all day event involving The Herald and Weekly Times mastheads and with radio station 3DB broadcasting the events and fundraising surrounding the appeal.
In 1957 HSV 7 began broadcasting the appeal and this strengthened peoples generosity towards what has grown to become the a part of the fabric of Victoria.
As for major supporters, The Herald Sun and Channel 7 are still there, sadly 3DB (Mix 101.1) dropped off the radar however radio stations Magic 1278 and 3AW 693 are now very much part of this very special day.
It all started back in 1931 when a group of journalists from The Sporting Globe held a special sporting carnival to raise money for a charity, the Children's Hospital. By the start of the 1940's it had grown to be become an all day event involving The Herald and Weekly Times mastheads and with radio station 3DB broadcasting the events and fundraising surrounding the appeal.
In 1957 HSV 7 began broadcasting the appeal and this strengthened peoples generosity towards what has grown to become the a part of the fabric of Victoria.
As for major supporters, The Herald Sun and Channel 7 are still there, sadly 3DB (Mix 101.1) dropped off the radar however radio stations Magic 1278 and 3AW 693 are now very much part of this very special day.
ACMA: changes for 3CH
Media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority is proposing to make a new community radio service available for the Maryborough area of Victoria and to extend the licence area of 3CH Kyneton.
Since January 2007, Strengthening Goldfields Community Radio (SGCR) has been operating on a temporary community broadcasting licence, using the frequency 99.1 MHz. SGCR has expressed interest in obtaining a permanent community radio licence to serve the town of Maryborough.
ACMA is also proposing to move the transmitter of community radio service 3CH Kyneton to a new site at Mt Macedon and extend the licence area to encompass the entire Macedon Ranges Shire, to include the townships of Woodend, Macedon, Romsey and Gisborne.
‘ACMA’s proposal follows consideration of a request from the licensee of 3CH and will result in the Kyneton community radio licence area overlapping with part of the Melbourne commercial and community licence areas,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, Inputs to Industry Division.
‘However, there are no community radio services that specifically target the outer north west part of the Melbourne licence area that 3CH is seeking to incorporate,’ Mr Tanner said.
The proposals are contained in an explanatory paper and draft variation to the Bendigo licence area plan released by ACMA today.
Since January 2007, Strengthening Goldfields Community Radio (SGCR) has been operating on a temporary community broadcasting licence, using the frequency 99.1 MHz. SGCR has expressed interest in obtaining a permanent community radio licence to serve the town of Maryborough.
ACMA is also proposing to move the transmitter of community radio service 3CH Kyneton to a new site at Mt Macedon and extend the licence area to encompass the entire Macedon Ranges Shire, to include the townships of Woodend, Macedon, Romsey and Gisborne.
‘ACMA’s proposal follows consideration of a request from the licensee of 3CH and will result in the Kyneton community radio licence area overlapping with part of the Melbourne commercial and community licence areas,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, Inputs to Industry Division.
‘However, there are no community radio services that specifically target the outer north west part of the Melbourne licence area that 3CH is seeking to incorporate,’ Mr Tanner said.
The proposals are contained in an explanatory paper and draft variation to the Bendigo licence area plan released by ACMA today.
Eddie debuts on SEN
Eddie McGuire has tonight made his debut on 1116 SEN. Eddie has joined the radio station to call AFL matches on a Friday night and the occasional Sunday afternoon game. with the exception of Collingwood games. (Eddie is President of Collingwood Football Club)
Robo slips back into 2UE
While 2UE's Stuart Bocking is covering drive for John Stanley, Clive Robertson is back on air filling in on evenings.
Popular Paul back at 94.5
Captain Paul Shepherd has returned to Mix 94.5 breakfast after an extended 12 month break. Paul joins Fred Botica, Lisa Shaw and Joss Dwyer every morning where he will continue to provide Perth's most up to date traffic and his frequent jokes. Read a related item PerthNow
Green Guide 20 Mar 2008
Green Guide 20 Mar 2008: Footy starts tonight. The radio goes on, the TV is tuned and from now until that last Saturday in September millions of words will gush from the speakers.
A few will be fresh and original, cleverly descriptive and evocative, subtly creating the mood appropriate to the moment of the game. But most will be the same phrases we have been hearing for years, chanted by commentators with such ritual frequency that the words and phrases are now liturgical. Players will "line them up" and "put them through". When a team is streaming forward and getting the footy into a contest at full forward, the single name yelled loudly into the microphone ("Neitzzz") tells us that David Neitz has taken a beauty, whether we're watching it on TV or just listening to the radio. When Tim Lane says: "Long to full forward, but it's all Geelong. Harley mops up and clears for the Cats," we know what he means. Years of watching and listening have given currency to the verb "to mop up".
Throughout the season we will hear commentators who value words, who are reasonably erudite and in control of the language. We will also hear some who have a loose connection with it. Undoubtedly (sic) the language will be butchered but that all goes well (sic) for the future of footy. That is part of the beauty of it, and the great variety in footy commentary helps make these people characters in our kitchens and lounge rooms and cars.
You only need to look at the public response to the passing of Clinton Grybas to understand that we feel as if we truly know these commentators. Clinton was a fine young commentator: accurate, measured, not moved to explosive editorial, able to fill whichever role the coach asked him to play, whether it was straight man to Rex Hunt's flamboyancy on 3AW or leading the show on Foxtel games. His shoes will take some filling.
On Saturday afternoons on 3AW those shoes will be filled by Dennis Cometti, now much-loved. He has won fans with his sharp wit. "Barlow to Bateman … the Hawks are attacking alphabetically," is typical of his one-off quips. He's happy to admit that some of these come to him in the moment but many he thinks up away from the microphone (maybe on those weekly flights across the Nullarbor) and waits for the appropriate situation in which to use them. "Brett Johnson has become a leather magnet. And before you say there's no such thing, spare a thought for my wife and my wallet," he once called. When a rare shot for goal from Darren Gaspar hit the post he lamented: "Ahh, Gaspar, the unfriendly post."
A few will be fresh and original, cleverly descriptive and evocative, subtly creating the mood appropriate to the moment of the game. But most will be the same phrases we have been hearing for years, chanted by commentators with such ritual frequency that the words and phrases are now liturgical. Players will "line them up" and "put them through". When a team is streaming forward and getting the footy into a contest at full forward, the single name yelled loudly into the microphone ("Neitzzz") tells us that David Neitz has taken a beauty, whether we're watching it on TV or just listening to the radio. When Tim Lane says: "Long to full forward, but it's all Geelong. Harley mops up and clears for the Cats," we know what he means. Years of watching and listening have given currency to the verb "to mop up".
Throughout the season we will hear commentators who value words, who are reasonably erudite and in control of the language. We will also hear some who have a loose connection with it. Undoubtedly (sic) the language will be butchered but that all goes well (sic) for the future of footy. That is part of the beauty of it, and the great variety in footy commentary helps make these people characters in our kitchens and lounge rooms and cars.
You only need to look at the public response to the passing of Clinton Grybas to understand that we feel as if we truly know these commentators. Clinton was a fine young commentator: accurate, measured, not moved to explosive editorial, able to fill whichever role the coach asked him to play, whether it was straight man to Rex Hunt's flamboyancy on 3AW or leading the show on Foxtel games. His shoes will take some filling.
On Saturday afternoons on 3AW those shoes will be filled by Dennis Cometti, now much-loved. He has won fans with his sharp wit. "Barlow to Bateman … the Hawks are attacking alphabetically," is typical of his one-off quips. He's happy to admit that some of these come to him in the moment but many he thinks up away from the microphone (maybe on those weekly flights across the Nullarbor) and waits for the appropriate situation in which to use them. "Brett Johnson has become a leather magnet. And before you say there's no such thing, spare a thought for my wife and my wallet," he once called. When a rare shot for goal from Darren Gaspar hit the post he lamented: "Ahh, Gaspar, the unfriendly post."
Which is exactly why Dennis and Bruce McAvaney have a bit of trouble calling together for Channel Seven. Bruce understands popular culture references the way Liam Pickering understands conflict of interest. Bruce has been so busy committing to memory the Globe Derby trotting form since 1974, the times of all 100-metre heat winners at the Olympic and Commonwealth games, and the entire AFL Media Guide, that he has missed out on so much. He doesn't know The Simpsons, The Waltons or The Brady Bunch. And how can you possibly understand Dennis Cometti if you don't know who corporals Agarn, Jones or Klinger are?
Other elements of their natures make it difficult for them to click. Dennis is intuitive. His understated strength is his conceptual knowledge of the game. Whereas Bruce is bookish. He has learnt (very well) what is important in the game. Dennis can be a loose cannon. Bruce is straighter than a pair of Y-fronts. Dennis is playful and irreverent and has an underlying sense of the absurdity of human endeavour (we are, after all, talking about civilised human beings with a capacity to grunt, chasing around a leather ball, often in bitterly cold conditions on a muddy footy field). Bruce is earnest. Next time you are at a ground, watch Bruce shooting the introduction. He starts in front of one of the cheer squad banners and in a crouch walks with hurried, long strides in an arc, stopping in front of the camera, where his gesticulations suggest the grave importance of what is about to transpire. Out of context it looks hilarious. In context, on the screen, it looks hilarious. Bruce can start a game in epic tone and not climb down from the epic for a second.
Then there is Dennis' voice. He's like the kid who turns up in year 11 whose dad has served in a UN peacekeeping force or the diplomatic corps. He's lived everywhere and picked up an accent that you just can't recognise. Dennis has had that deep-throated voice forever. It comes from somewhere between the Adam's apple and the 13th rib. The voice first came to prominence as he was learning the caper calling cricket with George Grljusich and other West Australian luminaries. It remains as distinctive today and is part of the fabric of footy.
But things have changed and now the question is: will Dennis find his niche with Rex Hunt? Because Rex isn't really a footy commentator, he's a performer. And not just any performer: he's a performer with a social conscience. Rex's career guidance counsellor (probably the teacher he keeps telling us about from Mordialloc High who told him he wouldn't amount to anything) could have saved him a lot of trouble. He should have pointed Rex in the direction of opera, and the angst generated when that career failed would have served him well. He'd have wound up in a feather boa and evening gown sucking on a long-stemmed cigarette holder working through the repertoire of Marlene Dietrich in a smoky den in East St Kilda. Rex wants to be The Fat Lady. "Hire a barn," I can hear Dennis saying to him, "and put on a show."
Rex's sense of social purpose means his commentary is not just about football. He has been called to chart the course of the Australian community, and he has been given his own personal moral compass for the job. On the issues of drugs, capital and corporal punishment, immigration, stints in the army, and decent haircuts. Whether Dennis chooses to argue the toss remains to be seen.
Generally there is not a lot of dissent in the 3AW commentary box. Rex runs the joint like an episode of the 1950s radio show Yes, What? and can play the roles of Greenbottle, Bottomly and Dr Pym simultaneously. This is ideal for the 3AW audience, which is still sitting next to the radiogram and remembers Yes, What? as if it were yesterday. Rex doesn't miss a beat. He gets out the nicknames and the ongoing gags. At least Dennis will know why Mr Ed says "Wilbur" when a shot hits the post. But will we hear the Cometti voice when Rex calls them to arms with a "Lord Nelson"?
At least the boys have fun. And there must be enough footy in the call for a particular type of footy-lover to stay tuned.
It's a different type of fun they have over at the ABC. Gerard Whateley has emerged to lead the way, as long as he can keep his eye off Sky Channel and the first leg of the Flemington quaddie. There's a bit of Bruce in G Whateley, and also a bit of Tim Lane, with whom he calls on Friday night. He is as prepared as Bruce, has some of Bruce's inflections, and is mastering the Richie Benaud pause. He has lost the starry eyes of the footy fan who can't believe he's sitting in a commentary box at the MCG calling the game he loves doing his dream job. You can't sit alongside a journalist with the critical faculties of Tim Lane without some of it rubbing off.
I'm not sure Drew Morphett ever had the starry eyes. Or at least no one can remember when he did. Sometimes you forget how experienced Drew is. And then you come home half-tanked late at night and turn on ABC2 just to make yourself nostalgic enough to take out the Jamieson's and pour one while you lament your lost youth — and Drew's, with that great hair. He'll be calling the '82-'83 Ashes series, or Bodyline, or something, with the enthusiasm of Steve Waugh chasing a ball to the boundary. But that's Drew's great asset: his experience. He's like that old ram in the Gary Larson cartoon. Standing on the bluff overlooking a paddock of ewes, one ram says to the other ram, "Any new faces this year, Sid?"
Then the ABC has Dan Lonergan, who each year looks more and more like he sat for Edvard Munch when the artist painted The Scream. He brings plenty of enthusiasm to his calls. But Tim Lane remains the master of radio commentary. His calls are sufficiently layered to work on a number of levels. He can describe something authoritatively while still having a crack at something or someone in the game.
Dwayne Russell, who calls for 3AW and Fox, has a similar ability at times, part of which comes from a thorough knowledge of sports outside of footy and outside of Australia. He is willing to defy the judgement of the herd and is one of the better commentators going around.
Tim's colleague at Channel Ten, Anthony Hudson, who also calls for SEN, can find those moments of humour and gentle irreverence, but he remains a practitioner; a caller who principally supplies information, very accurately. Michael Christian will always be there barracking for Collingwood, and it will be interesting to see if Andrew Maher's management team has again negotiated a "paid by the word" clause in his new Channel Ten contract.
Stephen Quartermain has been around for quite a while now. He is the chicken parma of footy commentary. He's not gourmet but he's always on the menu and is reliable enough. He's advantaged if served with a Coonawarra red. And, in Malcolm Blight , he is. Blight is a big, bold double-pressed shiraz. Robert Walls' special comments are Yarra Valley pinot. But Malcolm is the guru. He can talk about anything from left-handed footballs to match-ups previously unheard of. What is so attractive about Malcolm's comments is that they are speculative, and that statistics have no place in forming them. For Malcolm, it is often what he feels at the time.
There are other commentators. James Brayshaw is everywhere these days. Apart from calling footy for Triple M, he co-hosts Wide World of Sports, the new vehicle chosen by Channel Nine to highlight the talents of Ken Sutcliffe (Australia's luckiest man). It goes head to head against Seven's new sports show anchored by Hamish McLachlan and involving a scholarly Tim Watson, who also does special comments at Seven.
The Footy Show and Footy Classified have also returned, the dynamics of the Monday night show having been transformed by the change: Archer in, Carey out. Both shows will give currency to Craig Hutchison's style of investigative journalism, the apparent success of which has forced a recalibration of the Walkley Awards.
When not mounting the argument that footballers know much better than anyone else, Garry Lyon will maintain his comfortable position on the fence.
At SEN, Kevin Bartlett will continue his career, joined by a newcomer, Eddie McGuire, for Friday night games.
So, the choice is yours.
In a perfect world, though, I'd have Smoky Dawson back. He still calls a few games for Perth's 6PR. But no one says "Richmond" with the rolled R of Smoke. And when someone shapes to kick a barrel from outside 50, you'd know it: "He's going the torp, Smoothe. He's going the Torp." Like the excitement has never wavered.
John Harms is a Melbourne writer and, together with Gerard Whateley, is a regular on Offsiders on Sundays at 10.30am on ABC1. This entire item is sourced from the Green Guide and the link is provided at the start of article.
Should Tony Martin be on the Vega radar?
Sources suggesting that with the departure of Wilbur Wilde from Melbourne's Vega 91.5 this now leaves the door wide open for Tony Martin to come on board. With reports of why Wilbur was dumped suggesting 'he doesn't fit the radio station's "contemporary feel", we believe the Tony Martin rumour is pure speculation. All that being said one industry insider suggested 'Vega should seriously consider Tony Martin as a part of their line-up for both Melbourne and Sydney. If anyone is going to offer a glimmer of light for the station it is Tony Martin.'
2GB Oldfield not ready yet?
The rumour mill has been spinning into overdrive about exactly when David Oldfield takes over 2GB mid-dawns. We have heard there is a little bit of policticing, for want of a better word, that needs to be sorted out first and David will then be ready for his new radio gig. With no one about to confirm anything else on Oldfield's new move we have heard it is expected to be early April. Oldfield walks into door Courier Mail
Brad McNally quits 96fm
It has been a big 5 or 6 days for radio station 96fm since we broke the news of a new breakfast team PD Brad McNally has resigned from the station effective today. McNally was not in agreement with managements decision to replace the breakfast team of Rod and The Flack, after just on 7 weeks on air, with Gary Shannon, Fitzi and Aleysha Knowles.
Station of the week: 102.5 Classic Rock
!["Classic]("http://www.radiorumours.com/classicrock.jpg")
Our radio station of the week is Classic Rock 102.5 Echuca/Deniliquin. Join Peter Holden for breakfast every morning from 6.00am to 10.00am. Back for 2008 is the 102.5 FM Classic Rock Footy Tipping Challenge. Catch Andrew Brett from 10.00am to 2.00pm. From 2.00pm Matt Hobbs will continue with more of today's best music and rock! Classic Rock
Wilbur Wilde dropped from Vega 91.5 drive
Wilbur Wilde has been dropped from hosting drive on Vega 91.5. Wilbur, who did his last show on Tuesday March 18, joined Vega full-time to host drive just under two years ago from ARN's Classic Hits radio network where he hosted the Classic Cafe.
Concert bids farewell to Smokey
Smoky Dawson was tonight farewelled by fans and friends with a celebratory concert the ‘singing cowboy’ would have loved. Some of Australian country music’s biggest stars turned out to help celebrate the life of the singing cowboy, who died on February 13 after complications from surgery at the age of 94.
Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, James Blundell, Adam Brand, Beccy Cole, Normie Rowe, Melinda Schneider and Graeme Connors were among the more than 40 performers who volunteered their time for The Adventures of Smoky Dawson - A Life Remembered.
A crowd of about 1000 gathered at The Hills Centre for Performing Arts at Castle Hill in Sydney’s north west for the show, which included live performances, television and film footage of the late singer and excerpts from his radio show.
The star-studded event was hosted by Ray Martin and Dick Smith on what would have been Dawson’s 95th birthday.
Dawson’s 101-year-old widow Dot did not attend, but some of her family flew up from Melbourne especially for the concert.
John Williamson was selected to close the two-and-a-half hour show with his classic hit True Blue.
“They asked what I wanted to sing and I thought there’s no-one more true blue than Smoky,” Williamson told AAP.
“It’s the sort of song you can’t really sing for somebody until they are gone, because the first line is ‘don’t say you’ve gone, say you’ve knocked off for a smoko’.
“I don’t use it lightly I must say. I get requests to sing that song at all sorts of things, but with Smoky, he was the perfect example of what the song is about.”
Williamson said Dawson had been a mentor to young Australian country singers, including himself.
“Smoky never had any enemies and never had a bad word to say about anything. He was always very encouraging,” he said.
“I’m a veteran now almost but when I started 38 years ago he was one of those fellas who was always very warm to you and very keen for young Aussies to make it in the country music world.
“Slim (Dusty) was the king but (Dawson) was more like the father, you know.”
Organisers said they wanted the night to be a celebration as well as a memorial.
“Smoky would hate the thought of anybody being sad,” said concert producer and Dawson’s friend Glenn T.
“Tonight in his honour we’re celebrating a spectacular life and paying homage to a truly remarkable human being.”
Glenn T said he thought Dawson would have been proud of the show and wished he could be there to enjoy it.
But he said others were of the opinion that he wouldn’t miss it for the world: “I was talking to Jack Thompson about it the other day, and Jack looked at me and winked, and said ‘mate, he’ll be there, don’t you worry about that’.”
Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, James Blundell, Adam Brand, Beccy Cole, Normie Rowe, Melinda Schneider and Graeme Connors were among the more than 40 performers who volunteered their time for The Adventures of Smoky Dawson - A Life Remembered.
A crowd of about 1000 gathered at The Hills Centre for Performing Arts at Castle Hill in Sydney’s north west for the show, which included live performances, television and film footage of the late singer and excerpts from his radio show.
The star-studded event was hosted by Ray Martin and Dick Smith on what would have been Dawson’s 95th birthday.
Dawson’s 101-year-old widow Dot did not attend, but some of her family flew up from Melbourne especially for the concert.
John Williamson was selected to close the two-and-a-half hour show with his classic hit True Blue.
“They asked what I wanted to sing and I thought there’s no-one more true blue than Smoky,” Williamson told AAP.
“It’s the sort of song you can’t really sing for somebody until they are gone, because the first line is ‘don’t say you’ve gone, say you’ve knocked off for a smoko’.
“I don’t use it lightly I must say. I get requests to sing that song at all sorts of things, but with Smoky, he was the perfect example of what the song is about.”
Williamson said Dawson had been a mentor to young Australian country singers, including himself.
“Smoky never had any enemies and never had a bad word to say about anything. He was always very encouraging,” he said.
“I’m a veteran now almost but when I started 38 years ago he was one of those fellas who was always very warm to you and very keen for young Aussies to make it in the country music world.
“Slim (Dusty) was the king but (Dawson) was more like the father, you know.”
Organisers said they wanted the night to be a celebration as well as a memorial.
“Smoky would hate the thought of anybody being sad,” said concert producer and Dawson’s friend Glenn T.
“Tonight in his honour we’re celebrating a spectacular life and paying homage to a truly remarkable human being.”
Glenn T said he thought Dawson would have been proud of the show and wished he could be there to enjoy it.
But he said others were of the opinion that he wouldn’t miss it for the world: “I was talking to Jack Thompson about it the other day, and Jack looked at me and winked, and said ‘mate, he’ll be there, don’t you worry about that’.”
From the time tunnel:Yes What
From the time tunnel we have a 10 minute grab of that classic old Australian radio serial Yes What. Runs 10minutes.
Nova 937 last party before rehab
Perth's 937 Nova is giving one lucky radio listener the chance of winning a handy $10,000.00. Popular breakfast presenters Nathan and Nat are holding the Last Party Before Rehab 0n Saturday March 29 at the Onyx Bar.
This is going to be a glitzy red carpet event and promises to provide a night of random entertainment, however there is a catch if you want the $10,000.00 from the radio station!
During the night someone will be chosen to spend a gruelling 5 days of rehab which will include a boot camp with daily 5.30am wake up calls, (well after all it is a breakfast radio competition) no alcohol, no nicotine, no drugs, no junk food and no caffeine at all. There will also be a structured daily routine of kickboxing, weights and yoga. So if you also survive a colonic irrigation and the acupuncture you will pocket the 10 grand!
To find out more and to be part of it all visit the 937 website here
This is going to be a glitzy red carpet event and promises to provide a night of random entertainment, however there is a catch if you want the $10,000.00 from the radio station!
During the night someone will be chosen to spend a gruelling 5 days of rehab which will include a boot camp with daily 5.30am wake up calls, (well after all it is a breakfast radio competition) no alcohol, no nicotine, no drugs, no junk food and no caffeine at all. There will also be a structured daily routine of kickboxing, weights and yoga. So if you also survive a colonic irrigation and the acupuncture you will pocket the 10 grand!
To find out more and to be part of it all visit the 937 website here
Ernie and Denise reunite!
Former TV on-air partners Ernie Sigley and Denise Drysdale reunited for a chat on Ernie's afternoon radio program today. Denise had dropped into the 3AW Bank St bunker to record a commercial for a Cruise she is taking part in later in the year and took time out to call in on Ernie.
Wheeler in for Webster
Glenn Wheeler is currently filling in for Tim Webster on 2UE's weekday afternoon program between 12noon and 3.00pm.
Goldie reaches for the strap and razor
SMH Business Day article: With the economic jitters in the US having reached Australian shores, media analysts at Goldman Sachs JBWere have taken the razor to its growth forecasts for the Australian media industry.
"Advertising is a discretionary item," the broker argued, cutting its earnings estimates for most domestic media stocks in the face of the slowing economy.
It trimmed its advertising market growth forecasts to 7.6 per cent for this financial year and 3.2 per cent in 2009, less than half the 6.8 per cent originally forecast for next year.
The biggest losers in the downgrade were traditional media - metropolitan newspapers, radio and television broadcasters - which were facing zero growth next fiscal year, Goldman said.
And it slashed its recommendation for Network Ten to sell, despite the channel's strong start to the year with shows such as So You Think You Can Dance Australia. Expectations of higher profit margins would be undermined by the TV advertising slowdown, it said.
The deteriorating market would even affect internet companies, with growth expected to slow from more than 30 per cent to 22 per cent next year, Goldman forecast, cutting its rating for the biggest job site, Seek, to hold.
ACMA finding on 6NR
Media release:The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of Perth community radio service 6NR, Curtin University of Technology, breached the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 by broadcasting advertisements, as well as by broadcasting sponsorship announcements that ran in excess of 5 minutes per hour.
ACMA found the licensee failed to include appropriate acknowledgements of financial support (‘tags’) in relation to live cross-over chats with financial supporters. Under the BSA, sponsorship announcements on community radio which do not carry tags are considered advertisements. Where they are appropriately tagged, the BSA allocates a time limit of 5 minutes per hour for the broadcast of sponsorship announcements. On two occasions, ACMA found that the broadcast of announcements by the licensee ran in excess of this time limit.
In response to the breach findings, the licensee has ceased its practice of broadcasting sponsors live to air and now pre-records all interviews with sponsors. This has allowed the licensee to allocate an accurate time-limit to sponsorship announcements so that it coincides with Station logs, and also to ensure that the appropriate ‘tag’ is placed at the end of each sponsorship announcement.
ACMA considers the actions taken by the licensee as commensurate in the circumstances.
A copy of investigation report 1856 is available on the ACMA website.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980.
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Backgrounder
ACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:
a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; or
the ABC or SBS of a code of practice.
If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.
However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.
There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.
As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that persons who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.
When making a complaint to ACMA, persons must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges in writing all complaints.
For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to give its side of the story. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.
When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – sometimes it is in the form of a letter, but more usually it takes the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.
Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.
Under the Act, ACMA has discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.
ACMA found the licensee failed to include appropriate acknowledgements of financial support (‘tags’) in relation to live cross-over chats with financial supporters. Under the BSA, sponsorship announcements on community radio which do not carry tags are considered advertisements. Where they are appropriately tagged, the BSA allocates a time limit of 5 minutes per hour for the broadcast of sponsorship announcements. On two occasions, ACMA found that the broadcast of announcements by the licensee ran in excess of this time limit.
In response to the breach findings, the licensee has ceased its practice of broadcasting sponsors live to air and now pre-records all interviews with sponsors. This has allowed the licensee to allocate an accurate time-limit to sponsorship announcements so that it coincides with Station logs, and also to ensure that the appropriate ‘tag’ is placed at the end of each sponsorship announcement.
ACMA considers the actions taken by the licensee as commensurate in the circumstances.
A copy of investigation report 1856 is available on the ACMA website.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980.
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Backgrounder
ACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:
a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; or
the ABC or SBS of a code of practice.
If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.
However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.
There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.
As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that persons who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.
When making a complaint to ACMA, persons must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges in writing all complaints.
For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to give its side of the story. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.
When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – sometimes it is in the form of a letter, but more usually it takes the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.
Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.
Under the Act, ACMA has discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.
Vega’s Wilbur, hair today- gone tomorrow
Like many radio announcers right across the country Vega 91.5 drive presenter Wilbur Wilde has donated his head of hair towards the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. Last Friday, 14 March, on Channel 10's morning show, 9am with David and Kim , Wilbur took it all off (his hair that is) and you can check out the result HERE.
Andrew Daddo lands 702 evenings
Back in January we reported Andrew Daddo was filling in on ABC 702 evenings for a couple of weeks to replace the departed James O’Loughlin. It seems Andrew has passed the extended audition and will soon sign on as the full-time host. Like so many who have kicked on in various forms of radio and the media Andrew got his first taste of radio presenting at the iconic Melbourne station 3RRR. RELATED ARTICLE SMH
Nick Erby wins CMA award
Country Music superstars Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn presented the 2007 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award to Nick Erby during a visit backstage after the duo's sold-out concert at the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia earlier this week.
Widely regarded as Country Music's leading broadcaster in Australia, Erby has produced and hosted Country radio and television programs for more than 30 years. Currently Erby's radio show can be heard every Saturday and Sunday night via CMR (Country Music Radio). The program originates from 2TM in Tamworth and is broadcast on 38 commercial stations in Australia, including 2SM Sydney, while also being streamed online at 2sm.com.au
Widely regarded as Country Music's leading broadcaster in Australia, Erby has produced and hosted Country radio and television programs for more than 30 years. Currently Erby's radio show can be heard every Saturday and Sunday night via CMR (Country Music Radio). The program originates from 2TM in Tamworth and is broadcast on 38 commercial stations in Australia, including 2SM Sydney, while also being streamed online at 2sm.com.au
"I'm very grateful for the recognition from CMA," said a surprised Erby. "It comes at a very exciting time for Country Music in Australia. Our local industry is now very strong, with some wonderful talent emerging every year."
For 20 years, Erby produced and hosted "Country Music Jamboree," a weekly, syndicated program, which was broadcast on 68 regional and metro radio stations. He also hosted "Nick Erby's Country Close Up" (1980-1982) and "Nick Erby's Country Music Video" (1994-1995) for television. During his successful broadcast career, Erby has filled management positions at commercial stations 2CC Canberra, 3UZ Melbourne and 2UE Sydney. From the late '80s, he headed up 2TM Tamworth's Country Music division which broadcast the nightly program "Hoedown" that was later renamed CMR. He also is a regular contributor to Capital News.
Erby previously won the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award in 1997, the first year the Award was presented. Erby will launch the Internet radio station, CMR OnLine (Australia's Country Music Radio), by the end of April.
20th Australian Commercial Radio Awards
Entries are open for the 20th Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), to be held at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast on Saturday 11th October. The 2008 ACRAs promises to be bigger and better than ever. The Australian Commercial Radio Awards will again be held with statues presented over dinner. Awards will be handed out in 32 categories, including Best Talk Presenter, Best Music Personality, Best Program Director, Best On-Air Team, Best Sales Promotion, Best Documentary and Best Station Produced Comedy Segment. FULL DETAILS HERE
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Don Burke digs into weekend breakfast
Radio station 2UE have moved Don Burke to his own timeslot, 6.00am to 8.00am Saturday and Sunday, from his regular gardening segment on the Glenn Wheeler weekend afternoon program.
Mark Pascoe keeping breakfast warm
Mark (Smiley) Pascoe will cover 96fm breakfast until the new team of Gary Shannon, Fitzi and Aleysha Knowles take over on March 25th.
Hobart’s radio silence
HOBART'S commercial radio stations are long overdue for a comprehensive independent listenership survey, leaving advertisers without key information on whether they are reaching the audience they pay for. The last independent survey was conducted in 2002. Leading media research company Neilsen questioned how the stations could justify their advertising fees without recent listenership data. Full story Sunday Tasmanian
Junk food advertising ban?
There has been a widespread call for a ban on junk food advertising on radio and TV. The suggested ban would see a blackout on junk food advertising between 6.00am and 9.00pm.
This is part of a global call to fight childhood obesity. The rate of childhood obesity in Australia is one in four - well above the international average. Choice Magazine has joined with 114 global consumer groups in the launch of an international marketing code for high fat, high salt and high sugar foods.
This is part of a global call to fight childhood obesity. The rate of childhood obesity in Australia is one in four - well above the international average. Choice Magazine has joined with 114 global consumer groups in the launch of an international marketing code for high fat, high salt and high sugar foods.
BBC broadcasts invite - teens wreck home
A British mother is threatening to sue the BBC after one of its radio announcers broadcast details of her teenage daughter's birthday party.
Hundreds of gatecrashers turned up at the family's historic 21-bedroom Georgian manor home in Devon and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after hearing details of the party on Radio 1.
Birthday girl Sarah Ruscoe, 17, had expected about 300 people to attend her party, but about 2,000 ended up on her doorstep after one guest telephoned Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong and asked him to do a "shout-out" to anyone who wanted to join the celebrations.
When the uninvited guests turned up, paintings were soon torn from the walls, windows and mirrors smashed and chandeliers and doors damaged.
The four bouncers hired by Sarah's parents to police the party at their Bovey Tracey home had no chance of stopping the gatecrashers invading.
Sarah's mother Rebecca Brooks was furious, saying the ordeal had been "terrifying".
"I think it's totally negligent of the BBC to allow a statement like that to be broadcast," she told The Sunday Telegraph newspaper in Britain.
"There are so many kids around with nothing to do on a Friday night, so when they hear there's about to be a big party on the radio they're going to go."
Her husband Bill Brooks said some of the partygoers "were acting like animals".
"They were screaming and hollering and when someone broke something they cheered," he said.
"We tried to ask people to leave, but it was no use."
Police eventually broke up the party and blocked the driveway to the home to stop revellers returning.
A BBC spokesman said the DJ did not reveal the exact address of the party, but read out details of a "mansion party" taking place in Bovey Tracey which had been provided by a listener.
Hundreds of gatecrashers turned up at the family's historic 21-bedroom Georgian manor home in Devon and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after hearing details of the party on Radio 1.
Birthday girl Sarah Ruscoe, 17, had expected about 300 people to attend her party, but about 2,000 ended up on her doorstep after one guest telephoned Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong and asked him to do a "shout-out" to anyone who wanted to join the celebrations.
When the uninvited guests turned up, paintings were soon torn from the walls, windows and mirrors smashed and chandeliers and doors damaged.
The four bouncers hired by Sarah's parents to police the party at their Bovey Tracey home had no chance of stopping the gatecrashers invading.
Sarah's mother Rebecca Brooks was furious, saying the ordeal had been "terrifying".
"I think it's totally negligent of the BBC to allow a statement like that to be broadcast," she told The Sunday Telegraph newspaper in Britain.
"There are so many kids around with nothing to do on a Friday night, so when they hear there's about to be a big party on the radio they're going to go."
Her husband Bill Brooks said some of the partygoers "were acting like animals".
"They were screaming and hollering and when someone broke something they cheered," he said.
"We tried to ask people to leave, but it was no use."
Police eventually broke up the party and blocked the driveway to the home to stop revellers returning.
A BBC spokesman said the DJ did not reveal the exact address of the party, but read out details of a "mansion party" taking place in Bovey Tracey which had been provided by a listener.
© 2008 AAP
Changes to 6PR afternoons
With the departure of Gary Shannon from the 12midday to 2pm slot on radio 6PR Bob Maumill will now be presenting the afternoon program between 12midday and 3pm. Bob will be followed by Howard Sattler, presenting drive 1 hour earlier, between 3pm and 6pm. Gary Shannon is returning to 96fm breakfast to replace Rod and the Flack. He signed off from his 6PR afternoon radio program today after a two year stint. Joining Gary will be journo Aleysha Knowles and former 96fm breakfast co-host Fitzy, who is returning to the slot. The trio kick off on Tuesday March 25th.">As we reported yesterday, Gary Shannon is returning to 96fm breakfast to replace Rod and the Flack who will move to 96fm evenings.
Footy on the way back to radio
Across the nation weekend radio programming changes from next Saturday until the end of September . Summer talk or music features will once again be put to bed as the radio becomes a source for weekend footy coverage.
NRL has kicked off already and stations that take the call have adjusted programming to suite. Even though there has been a pre season with AFL, the official AFL season starts this coming Thursday night and we will begin to see full on game by game radio coverage by the main players of 3AW, 6PR, Fiveaa, Triple M, SEN and the ABC. Regionals whether taking AFL or NRL will have coverage for most Saturday and Sunday games.
NRL has kicked off already and stations that take the call have adjusted programming to suite. Even though there has been a pre season with AFL, the official AFL season starts this coming Thursday night and we will begin to see full on game by game radio coverage by the main players of 3AW, 6PR, Fiveaa, Triple M, SEN and the ABC. Regionals whether taking AFL or NRL will have coverage for most Saturday and Sunday games.
Clinton's parents and partner split over estate
A bitter family feud is raging over the last wishes of dead footy commentator Clinton Grybas. The Herald Sun can reveal that those who were closest to him are arguing for a say in how his estate is divided.The sports host's shock death has caused a tragic rift between his partner, Laurenna Toulmin, and his parents Vic and Sandra. The warring parties, who consoled each other after Grybas' death, are now at loggerheads over some of his most cherished possessions. HERALD SUN EXCLUSIVE
Best Aussie radio ad to be announced in Melbourne
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Media release: This year’s Gold Siren Winner, equivalent to the best radio ad in Australia, will be announced in Melbourne on May 9, following a record number of entries in this year’s Siren Awards. The winner of the 2008 Siren Awards for creative excellence in radio advertising will be announced at a gala breakfast featuring the hosts of Nova’s top-rating, drive time show, “The Wrong Way Home” - Akmal Saleh, Cal Wilson and Ed Kavalee. [/html]
[html] The comedy team will host the breakfast, which will feature the best radio ads of the past twelve months. The 2008 winner, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and its writer will also win two tickets to attend the festival. Last year’s Gold Siren winner, an advertisement for Snickers called “Hoedown”, won the Grand Prix Radio Lion at Cannes – equivalent to the best radio ad in the world – and was the first Australian winner ever. The other radio winner from Australia was a campaign for Foxtel, written by Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney which won a Silver Lion.
Media release: This year’s Gold Siren Winner, equivalent to the best radio ad in Australia, will be announced in Melbourne on May 9, following a record number of entries in this year’s Siren Awards. The winner of the 2008 Siren Awards for creative excellence in radio advertising will be announced at a gala breakfast featuring the hosts of Nova’s top-rating, drive time show, “The Wrong Way Home” - Akmal Saleh, Cal Wilson and Ed Kavalee. [/html]
[html] The comedy team will host the breakfast, which will feature the best radio ads of the past twelve months. The 2008 winner, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and its writer will also win two tickets to attend the festival. Last year’s Gold Siren winner, an advertisement for Snickers called “Hoedown”, won the Grand Prix Radio Lion at Cannes – equivalent to the best radio ad in the world – and was the first Australian winner ever. The other radio winner from Australia was a campaign for Foxtel, written by Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney which won a Silver Lion.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the Siren Awards provided a great opportunity to recognise excellence in Australian radio advertising and highlight the great work being achieved.
“Each year the Siren Awards continue to raise the bar in terms of creativity and originality. There have been a record number of entries so far this year – over 500 – up more than 65% on last year, and entries are continuing to flood in with today being the last chance to enter” Ms Warner said.The gala breakfast will be followed by the Sirens Masterclass, a one-day, creative seminar that provides keynote speakers and interactive sessions. The Masterclass includes lunch and will be followed by drinks, enabling fellow creatives to share ideas and network. Keynote speakers at this year’s event are distinguished Australian screen writers, Jan Sardi and Craig Pearce. Sardi received an Academy Award nomination in 1997 for his screenplay for “Shine” and is known more recently for his work on the screenplay for the US film, “The Notebook”.
Craig’s success began in 1991 working with Baz Luhrmann on the Australian feature film, “Strictly Ballroom” and he has continued that partnership with work on “William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet” and Academy Award winning “Moulin Rouge”.Cannes Radio Lions judge for this year and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia, will also talk at the Masterclass and run several interactive sessions on how to write world-class radio ads. More speakers will be announced soon.
Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at The Point Albert Park in Melbourne. Commercial Radio Australia is running the event in association with the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MACD) and the Australian Writers Guild (AWG). The breakfast will run from 7.30am to 9.30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $395 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $65 for breakfast only. An early bird discounted rate of $350 is available for those members of Commercial Radio Australia, MADC and AWG who book and pay before Friday, April 11. For a booking form and more information visit the Sirens website.The national Siren Awards, now in their fifth year, are run by Commercial Radio Australia and are designed to recognise the best radio advertising in the country. The awards promote the importance of creativity as a way to make radio advertising more effective. Today is the last chance to get entries into this year’s Siren Awards with entries closing at 6pm. For more information visit the dedicated website www.sirenawards.com.au.
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Hamish and Andy sign for 3 more
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Hamish and Andy have signed on with Austereo for a further three years of radio mayhem. The duo have been broadcasting their networked drive program from Brisbane radio station B105 this week. Read the full article Brisbane Times [/html]
Hamish and Andy have signed on with Austereo for a further three years of radio mayhem. The duo have been broadcasting their networked drive program from Brisbane radio station B105 this week. Read the full article Brisbane Times [/html]
Divestment of radio licences by MMG
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Press release ACMA: Macquarie Media Group (MMG) has divested 12 regional radio licences in accordance with an enforceable undertaking accepted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority in July 2007. [/html]
[html] MMG announced earlier today that the sale of these and other licences had been completed in the last few days. The licence areas where MMG was required by ACMA to sell one of its licences are: Atherton, Charters Towers, Mt Isa, Emerald, Roma and Kingaroy in Queensland; Young in New South Wales; Warragul in Victoria; and Burnie, Devonport, Queenstown and Scottsdale in Tasmania.MMG was given prior approval by ACMA for a transaction in July 2007 relating to its acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited. The transaction resulted in MMG controlling a number of regional television licences in addition to its regional radio licences. MMG gave an enforceable undertaking to ACMA that required it to sell 12 of its radio licences.Under the media diversity rules in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA), diversity in regional radio licence areas is measured by the number of points in those areas. Divestment of licences by MMG was required because the transaction created an unacceptable media diversity situation in nine licence areas and resulted in a reduction in the number of points in three licence areas where an unacceptable media diversity situation already existed. The divestment of the 12 licences by MMG restores the number of points in the relevant regional radio licence areas to pre-transaction levels.MMG also gave an enforceable undertaking to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), however the ACCC’s involvement related only to issues in Tasmania. The undertaking given to ACMA included the sale of licences in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.The enforceable undertaking given by MMG is available on ACMA’s website. Schedule 1 to that undertaking, which reveals the divestment period, has been kept confidential on account of its potential to affect the sale price of the licences. Schedule 1 will be published in the near future.Further information concerning the relevant licence areas is provided in the Register of Controlled Media Groups and in ACMA’s Media Diversity Report.Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on (02) 9334 7980.
* Tasmanian Broadcasters is a subsidiary of Grant Broadcasters Pty Ltd# Super Sydney FM is a subsidiary of Broadcast Operations Pty Ltd [/html]
Press release ACMA: Macquarie Media Group (MMG) has divested 12 regional radio licences in accordance with an enforceable undertaking accepted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority in July 2007. [/html]
[html] MMG announced earlier today that the sale of these and other licences had been completed in the last few days. The licence areas where MMG was required by ACMA to sell one of its licences are: Atherton, Charters Towers, Mt Isa, Emerald, Roma and Kingaroy in Queensland; Young in New South Wales; Warragul in Victoria; and Burnie, Devonport, Queenstown and Scottsdale in Tasmania.MMG was given prior approval by ACMA for a transaction in July 2007 relating to its acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited. The transaction resulted in MMG controlling a number of regional television licences in addition to its regional radio licences. MMG gave an enforceable undertaking to ACMA that required it to sell 12 of its radio licences.Under the media diversity rules in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA), diversity in regional radio licence areas is measured by the number of points in those areas. Divestment of licences by MMG was required because the transaction created an unacceptable media diversity situation in nine licence areas and resulted in a reduction in the number of points in three licence areas where an unacceptable media diversity situation already existed. The divestment of the 12 licences by MMG restores the number of points in the relevant regional radio licence areas to pre-transaction levels.MMG also gave an enforceable undertaking to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), however the ACCC’s involvement related only to issues in Tasmania. The undertaking given to ACMA included the sale of licences in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.The enforceable undertaking given by MMG is available on ACMA’s website. Schedule 1 to that undertaking, which reveals the divestment period, has been kept confidential on account of its potential to affect the sale price of the licences. Schedule 1 will be published in the near future.Further information concerning the relevant licence areas is provided in the Register of Controlled Media Groups and in ACMA’s Media Diversity Report.Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on (02) 9334 7980.
Backgrounder
Under section 61AB of the BSA, an unacceptable media diversity situation will exist in a regional licence area of a commercial radio broadcasting licence if the number of points in the licence area is less than four.A registered media group (a group of two or more media operations) is worth one point in a licence area. In general, a media operation (a commercial television licence, a commercial radio licence or a newspaper that is associated with the licence area of a commercial television or commercial radio licence) that is not part of a media group is also worth one point.Sections 61AG and 61AH prohibit transactions that result in an unacceptable media diversity situation, or which reduce the number of points in a licence area in which an unacceptable media diversity situation already exists. Section 61AJ provides that before a transaction takes place that would result in an unacceptable media diversity situation coming into existence, or which would reduce the number of points in a licence area in which an unacceptable media diversity situation already exists, a person may apply to ACMA for approval of the transaction.If certain preconditions are satisfied, ACMA may approve the transaction and specify a period during which action must be taken to restore the number of points in a licence area. This period cannot be more than two years.The table below indicates the licence areas in which MMG was required to divest a licence, the licences sold, and the purchasers of those licences.Table 1: Macquarie Media Group Divestiture Licences
| Licence Area | Licence divested under ACMA undertaking | Purchaser |
|---|---|---|
| Burnie RA1 | 7BU 558 AM | Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty Ltd* |
| Queenstown RA1 | 7XS | |
| Young RA1 | 2LF | Super Sydney FM Pty Ltd# |
| Charters Towers RA1 | 4GC | |
| Kingaroy RA1 | 4SB 1071 AM | |
| Roma RA1 | 4ZR |
MMG sale of 19 licences
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Macquarie Media Group (MMG) today announced the sale of 19 Australian regional radio licences by Macquarie Southern Cross Media (MSC). These sales included the 15 licences that were required to be divested as part of the undertakings given to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) when MMG acquired Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, together with an associated licence in each of Young, Charters Towers, Burnie and Devonport. [/html]
[html] The licences have been sold to several purchasers for a total of approximately $34.5 million. Whilst the details of the purchase price and terms of the individual transactions are confidential, the purchasers of each licence are outlined in the table overleaf. MMG has no ongoing equity interest or debt financing exposure to any of these purchasers or licences.
The final sales completed on Thursday 13 March 2008.
The purchasers, the terms of the sales agreements as well as any agreements relating to the ongoing services between the purchasers and MSC, have been notified to ACMA and/or ACCC to the extent required.
MMG will use the sale proceeds to grow the Group or pursue capital management initiatives. The full year contribution of the licences being divested is less than 5 percent of MSC’s annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and thus their sale is expected to have a minimal impact on MMG’s distributions.
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Macquarie Media Group (MMG) today announced the sale of 19 Australian regional radio licences by Macquarie Southern Cross Media (MSC). These sales included the 15 licences that were required to be divested as part of the undertakings given to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) when MMG acquired Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, together with an associated licence in each of Young, Charters Towers, Burnie and Devonport. [/html]
[html] The licences have been sold to several purchasers for a total of approximately $34.5 million. Whilst the details of the purchase price and terms of the individual transactions are confidential, the purchasers of each licence are outlined in the table overleaf. MMG has no ongoing equity interest or debt financing exposure to any of these purchasers or licences.
The final sales completed on Thursday 13 March 2008.
The purchasers, the terms of the sales agreements as well as any agreements relating to the ongoing services between the purchasers and MSC, have been notified to ACMA and/or ACCC to the extent required.
MMG will use the sale proceeds to grow the Group or pursue capital management initiatives. The full year contribution of the licences being divested is less than 5 percent of MSC’s annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and thus their sale is expected to have a minimal impact on MMG’s distributions.
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Smoky Dawson a Life Remembered
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“The Adventures of Smoky Dawson… A Life Remembered” will be held at the Hills Centre for the Performing Arts at Castle Hill on Wednesday, March 19, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Ticketek by calling 132 849. The night will be a star-filled event with country music stars, radio and media heads such as Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Ray Martin, Normie Rowe, Dick Smith, James Blundell, Melinda Schneider, Johnny Tapp, Johnny Chester, Mary Schneider, John Laws, Lorrae Desmond, Pixie Jenkins, the Howie Bros, Jim Haynes, Graeme Connors and Nick Erby confirmed as part of the moving event. The event will also honour what would have been his 95th birthday. [/html]
“The Adventures of Smoky Dawson… A Life Remembered” will be held at the Hills Centre for the Performing Arts at Castle Hill on Wednesday, March 19, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Ticketek by calling 132 849. The night will be a star-filled event with country music stars, radio and media heads such as Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Ray Martin, Normie Rowe, Dick Smith, James Blundell, Melinda Schneider, Johnny Tapp, Johnny Chester, Mary Schneider, John Laws, Lorrae Desmond, Pixie Jenkins, the Howie Bros, Jim Haynes, Graeme Connors and Nick Erby confirmed as part of the moving event. The event will also honour what would have been his 95th birthday. [/html]
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It will be a big weekend of sport on Triple M where they will be bringing you all the action from this years Formula 1 Grand Prix live from Albert Park, Melbourne. The radio coverage will be boosted by the enthusiastic team of Mark Skaife, Matty White, Brian Taylor and Daniel Gibson. Listen to live radio coverage via Triple M. [/html]
It will be a big weekend of sport on Triple M where they will be bringing you all the action from this years Formula 1 Grand Prix live from Albert Park, Melbourne. The radio coverage will be boosted by the enthusiastic team of Mark Skaife, Matty White, Brian Taylor and Daniel Gibson. Listen to live radio coverage via Triple M. [/html]
Gary Shannon back on 96fm breakfast
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Gary Shannon is returning to 96fm breakfast to replace Rod and the Flack. He signed off from his 6PR afternoon radio program today after a two year stint. Joining Gary will be journo Aleysha Knowles and former 96fm breakfast co-host Fitzy, who is returning to the slot. The trio kick off on Tuesday March 25th. [/html]
Gary Shannon is returning to 96fm breakfast to replace Rod and the Flack. He signed off from his 6PR afternoon radio program today after a two year stint. Joining Gary will be journo Aleysha Knowles and former 96fm breakfast co-host Fitzy, who is returning to the slot. The trio kick off on Tuesday March 25th. [/html]
Sean Craig Murphy returns to radio
[html] MIX102.3 proudly announced today they have lured Sean Craig Murphy back to the airwaves. An icon of radio in Adelaide, Sean is currently Creative Director for FNUKY Advertising, having previously worked for Austereo stations SAFM and Triple M and community station Fresh. I’ve wanted to work at MIX for a long time” Sean said. “I love the music and personality of the station: It really has an amazing connection with everythingthat’s great about Adelaide.” Sean said it was a tough decision leaving FNUKY and the advertising industry.“The agency is brilliant and I’ve had a ball, but in the end I couldn’t resist the opportunity to work at MIX. After more than 20 years working in radio I’ve really missed it.”Sean starts full time as the new MIX102.3 Afternoon and Drive Announcer Monday the 17th March.
General Manager of MIX102.3 George Fiacchi commented “Sean’s desire to join us has been evident for a long time. Now, we’re delighted and excited to bring his talents onboard at MIX102.3. He has a passion for great radio, and we know our listeners will connect with that passion from day one. Sean is a fantastic addition to the MIX102.3 team.
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Tassie goes to Grant’s, 3GG on it’s own
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Grant Broadcasters are the new owners of the following Tasmanian stations, signing the deal on Weds March 12, 7AD, 7BU, 7SD, 7XS, 7LA, SEA FM Burnie and SEA FM Devonport. There is an air of excitement with Grant Broadcasters taking over the Northern Tasmanian Network. 3GG has been sold to Guy Dobson’s Resonate who have also picked up Charters Towers (see earlier post) . [/html]
Grant Broadcasters are the new owners of the following Tasmanian stations, signing the deal on Weds March 12, 7AD, 7BU, 7SD, 7XS, 7LA, SEA FM Burnie and SEA FM Devonport. There is an air of excitement with Grant Broadcasters taking over the Northern Tasmanian Network. 3GG has been sold to Guy Dobson’s Resonate who have also picked up Charters Towers (see earlier post) . [/html]
Nova gets behind Dan!
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“I’m Dan Watson, and I’m a homosexual”. This is not a meeting of Gay Anonymous, rather the introduction to The Stick Shift, a two-hour gay-themed radio show on Melbourne’s Nova 100 hosted by said homosexual, Dan Watson. Full article here [/html]
“I’m Dan Watson, and I’m a homosexual”. This is not a meeting of Gay Anonymous, rather the introduction to The Stick Shift, a two-hour gay-themed radio show on Melbourne’s Nova 100 hosted by said homosexual, Dan Watson. Full article here [/html]
New 2GB Canberra Chief
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Michael Cavanagh is the new 2GB Bureau Chief at Parliament house news bureau in Canberra. [/html]
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Michael Cavanagh is the new 2GB Bureau Chief at Parliament house news bureau in Canberra. [/html]
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MMG sell 8 stations
News is filtering through on MMG's sale of the following stations. In young 2LF and Star-FM have gone to Bill Caralis, in Charters Towers Hot FM AND 4GC have gone to Guy Dobson's Resonate Group. 4ZR, 4LM, 4HI, 1071 4SB have been sold to Brad Smart's PineCam. More to come
Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference
Press release: The Southern Community Media Association's National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro's Broadcasters' conference at Ballarat (2-4 May 2008) is all about "Getting Back To Basics".
Workshops and plenary sessions will concentrate on the grass roots
information that community broadcasters need, not only to survive, but
to grow and prosper in the current hostile environment that all
stations and their volunteers are working in.
The National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference
provide great learning opportunities and also offer delegates the
opportunity to develop networks, friendships and information flows in
a friendly open environment.
The Conference not only offers all of these features it is fantastic
value for money with early bird registration open until the 11 April
at just $140 per delegate and with discounts for financial members of
the Southern Community Media Association.
Full details at www.scma1.com
There is also the opportunity to enter the prestigious X Awards.
These awards recognise excellence within the community broadcasting
sector and is open to all financial members of the Southern Community
Media Association as well as all non members who have delegates
attending the National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters'
Conference.
The X Awards entries close on 31 March 2008: don't miss out on this
great opportunity!
See you in Ballarat!
Workshops and plenary sessions will concentrate on the grass roots
information that community broadcasters need, not only to survive, but
to grow and prosper in the current hostile environment that all
stations and their volunteers are working in.
The National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference
provide great learning opportunities and also offer delegates the
opportunity to develop networks, friendships and information flows in
a friendly open environment.
The Conference not only offers all of these features it is fantastic
value for money with early bird registration open until the 11 April
at just $140 per delegate and with discounts for financial members of
the Southern Community Media Association.
Full details at www.scma1.com
There is also the opportunity to enter the prestigious X Awards.
These awards recognise excellence within the community broadcasting
sector and is open to all financial members of the Southern Community
Media Association as well as all non members who have delegates
attending the National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters'
Conference.
The X Awards entries close on 31 March 2008: don't miss out on this
great opportunity!
See you in Ballarat!
Green Guide 13 Mar 2008
Source and entire item from The Age Green Guide.
AUDIENCES seem to appreciate his particular style of humour. But Peter Berner has heard at least one voice of dissent. "Not funny, Dad!" his three-year-old son has interjected from the back of the family car.
Berner is heartened by the response he has had to his new one-hour show, The Peter Berner Experiment. "The experiment is pretty much anything you can get away with," says Berner, who was one of five co-hosts of long-running Triple M breakfast show The Cage.A mix of comedy and music, his experiment airs live from 3pm in Sydney before the Wil and Lehmo drive show but is delayed until 6pm in Melbourne. Why the late hour in Melbourne? "The thing I've learned with working in radio and FM (in particular) is you do what they want you to do."They're making decisions based on research that I have no interest in. I don't care if they're laughing in the mid-afternoon or early afternoon. As long as people are laughing."
After five years with The Cage team the veteran stand-up comedian and host of the ABC TV quiz show, The Einstein Factor, says he's getting used to being on air alone.
"I must admit in the first few shows, having gone from five people, you say something and you're waiting for a reaction, a laugh, someone to butt in. And then you realise, jeez, I've got to fill this. Now that I've settled into it, I'm enjoying the unfettered power. I get to say what I want."
He's the self-styled "man of a thousand voices", interviewing himself on occasion in guises that have so far included a representative of the Japanese whaling industry, a member of al-Qaeda, and the president of the Australian Goldfish Association.
Actually, he's used to being in the studio alone. While others in the team — Brigitte Duclos, James Brayshaw, Matt Parkinson and Mike Fitzpatrick — were in the St Kilda studio, he'd join in from Sydney.
"It was a bit like Sybil," he says of the film about a woman with 13 personalities. "You end up sitting in a room by yourself but you hear a lot of voices."
Berner wasn't surprised to hear from Austereo programmer Guy Dobson after The Cage's run ended late last year. "Because The Cage was running out of Melbourne and I was Sydney-based, I'd been given the phone call to say it's all over. I thought Dobbo was just doing the courtesy of a face-to-face chat."
He's all too aware that he's filling the spot left by Tony Martin's Get This. "Tony had a massive following and a lot of people were despairing when his show ended … I don't know what to say about that."
The Cage's replacement breakfast team, Peter Helliar and Myf Warhurst, slipped backwards by 0.1% in the first survey of the year despite extensive advertising and marketing. "I think most new shows do," Berner says. "There's (always) going to be fans of the previous show that are going to go, 'Right. That's it. Turn it off. I'm going somewhere else.' They eventually come back. It takes time."
He plays down a 2005 on-air spat with Brigitte Duclos after he compared her to a "chicken Subway sandwich". "It was a flip comment by me on air," he says. "She took offence and in traditional, good old-fashioned radioland, (they decided), 'Let's stoke that, let's poke this beast.' It was actually all good fun in the end."
He's up against Nova's co-hosts Ed Kavalee — Tony Martin's former co-host — and Akmal Saleh, who started in stand-up around the same time as him, close to 20 years ago.
"I've known Akmal forever … and I'm somewhat surprised it's taken people this long to get switched on to the fact that he is a majorly talented individual and a very funny human being."
Berner is 45 and reckons he's getting old. He was an advertising production manager when he first tried out as a comedian. Stand-up comics seemed to be "interesting, odd, slightly dysfunctional people and I've always tended to fit in around people who don't fit in".
He's in demand for corporate functions. He says it's fairly undemanding. "They literally don't want you to go out and molest the managing director's wife. Providing you (don't) do that, you're pretty much OK with it."
Berner says he is invariably asked what subject he'd choose if he was a contestant on The Einstein Factor and replies it would be The Simpsons. He is dismissive of some of the less challenging quiz shows. "Spell 'cat'. We take 45 minutes to figure out if it's c-a-t or k-a-t and we all watch with nervous anticipation."
The Einstein Factor has "alienated people certainly when we talk about molluscs or renaissance prison art from France. But that doesn't last the whole show."
He'd like to do a weekly show here of the calibre of Jon Stewart's The Daily Show in the US.
Berner was pleasantly surprised at the popularity of ABC TV's 140-episode Backberner. "Sure, you know, with a head like mine, I'm surprised I'm still on television, to be honest with you."
What's wrong with the head? "Ah, you know, in renovator's terms it's a knockdown. Really, it's a knockdown, rebuilt."
AUDIENCES seem to appreciate his particular style of humour. But Peter Berner has heard at least one voice of dissent. "Not funny, Dad!" his three-year-old son has interjected from the back of the family car.
Berner is heartened by the response he has had to his new one-hour show, The Peter Berner Experiment. "The experiment is pretty much anything you can get away with," says Berner, who was one of five co-hosts of long-running Triple M breakfast show The Cage.A mix of comedy and music, his experiment airs live from 3pm in Sydney before the Wil and Lehmo drive show but is delayed until 6pm in Melbourne. Why the late hour in Melbourne? "The thing I've learned with working in radio and FM (in particular) is you do what they want you to do."They're making decisions based on research that I have no interest in. I don't care if they're laughing in the mid-afternoon or early afternoon. As long as people are laughing."
After five years with The Cage team the veteran stand-up comedian and host of the ABC TV quiz show, The Einstein Factor, says he's getting used to being on air alone.
"I must admit in the first few shows, having gone from five people, you say something and you're waiting for a reaction, a laugh, someone to butt in. And then you realise, jeez, I've got to fill this. Now that I've settled into it, I'm enjoying the unfettered power. I get to say what I want."
He's the self-styled "man of a thousand voices", interviewing himself on occasion in guises that have so far included a representative of the Japanese whaling industry, a member of al-Qaeda, and the president of the Australian Goldfish Association.
Actually, he's used to being in the studio alone. While others in the team — Brigitte Duclos, James Brayshaw, Matt Parkinson and Mike Fitzpatrick — were in the St Kilda studio, he'd join in from Sydney.
"It was a bit like Sybil," he says of the film about a woman with 13 personalities. "You end up sitting in a room by yourself but you hear a lot of voices."
Berner wasn't surprised to hear from Austereo programmer Guy Dobson after The Cage's run ended late last year. "Because The Cage was running out of Melbourne and I was Sydney-based, I'd been given the phone call to say it's all over. I thought Dobbo was just doing the courtesy of a face-to-face chat."
They met for coffee. "I was sitting there going, 'Yeah, yeah. No worries at all. And then he started talking about (it) … and I twigged that he was actually offering me an hour. I went, 'Ah!' I sat up straight and moved to the front of my chair and started nodding and agreeing with everything he said."
He's all too aware that he's filling the spot left by Tony Martin's Get This. "Tony had a massive following and a lot of people were despairing when his show ended … I don't know what to say about that."
The Cage's replacement breakfast team, Peter Helliar and Myf Warhurst, slipped backwards by 0.1% in the first survey of the year despite extensive advertising and marketing. "I think most new shows do," Berner says. "There's (always) going to be fans of the previous show that are going to go, 'Right. That's it. Turn it off. I'm going somewhere else.' They eventually come back. It takes time."
He plays down a 2005 on-air spat with Brigitte Duclos after he compared her to a "chicken Subway sandwich". "It was a flip comment by me on air," he says. "She took offence and in traditional, good old-fashioned radioland, (they decided), 'Let's stoke that, let's poke this beast.' It was actually all good fun in the end."
He's up against Nova's co-hosts Ed Kavalee — Tony Martin's former co-host — and Akmal Saleh, who started in stand-up around the same time as him, close to 20 years ago.
"I've known Akmal forever … and I'm somewhat surprised it's taken people this long to get switched on to the fact that he is a majorly talented individual and a very funny human being."
Berner is 45 and reckons he's getting old. He was an advertising production manager when he first tried out as a comedian. Stand-up comics seemed to be "interesting, odd, slightly dysfunctional people and I've always tended to fit in around people who don't fit in".
He's in demand for corporate functions. He says it's fairly undemanding. "They literally don't want you to go out and molest the managing director's wife. Providing you (don't) do that, you're pretty much OK with it."
Berner says he is invariably asked what subject he'd choose if he was a contestant on The Einstein Factor and replies it would be The Simpsons. He is dismissive of some of the less challenging quiz shows. "Spell 'cat'. We take 45 minutes to figure out if it's c-a-t or k-a-t and we all watch with nervous anticipation."
The Einstein Factor has "alienated people certainly when we talk about molluscs or renaissance prison art from France. But that doesn't last the whole show."
He'd like to do a weekly show here of the calibre of Jon Stewart's The Daily Show in the US.
Berner was pleasantly surprised at the popularity of ABC TV's 140-episode Backberner. "Sure, you know, with a head like mine, I'm surprised I'm still on television, to be honest with you."
What's wrong with the head? "Ah, you know, in renovator's terms it's a knockdown. Really, it's a knockdown, rebuilt."
Young Australian Journalist of the Year
Entries close in the inaugural Young Australian Journalist of the Year on Friday, March 14, 2008. The Young Australian Journalist of the Year Awards has five categories: print, television, radio, online and photography. Entry is open to all Australian journalists aged under 26 and employed full-time or freelance who’s work has been published or broadcast through Australian media outlets in the 12 months ending 14 March 2008. The award ceremony will take place in Sydney in July 2008. More details
JRN's ACN to Launch The Australian Comedy Network
Jones Radio Networks' American Comedy Network will launch the Australian Comedy Network on March 24 under a licensing deal with ACN. Ad sales will be handled through Jones MediaAmerica and JRN will handle affiliate sales through Jones Inc. Created by CEO Craig Lange, The Australian Comedy Network will provide content to radio outlets in Australia and New Zealand. Source and entire item Radio Online
Lange said, "The combination of ACN's resources and our local team will see us capable of producing topical comedy around the clock. With access to ACN's extensive voice and production bank we can offer stations a service they normally wouldn't be able to access."
The company will be based at studios and production offices in Sydney and Brisbane
Lange said, "The combination of ACN's resources and our local team will see us capable of producing topical comedy around the clock. With access to ACN's extensive voice and production bank we can offer stations a service they normally wouldn't be able to access."
The company will be based at studios and production offices in Sydney and Brisbane
ABC Bega Station History
ABC local radio continues in their series of station history. 2BA/CP went to air in 1956, the same year as Television started. Today known as ABC South East the station boasts a rich history for the Bega and Cooma regions. ABC South East claim to hold the record for just two radio News editors in the one job over a period of 52 years! Read the full article here
Two face trial over radio announcer's bashing death
The sad bashing death of radio anouncer Article from Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007 Brian Heathcote, last year, has resulted in two people being ordered to stand trial. Brisbane Magistrate John Costello has found there was enough evidence to potentially convict Tyler Alfred Barden, 20, of the Sunshine Coast, for Mr Heathcote's murder. Full article here Courier Mail
ABC cleans out it's Backyard
Over the last 24 hours the ABC has launched just over 60 new websites for it's local radio network. The new sites replace what were known as The Backyard. Most sites are now live however further tweaking will continue for the next few weeks. Check them out here
Kelly back for Fiveaa Afternoons
Alexander and; Nicky Downer have completed their couple of weeks filling in on Fiveaa afternoons and have handed the reigns back to Channel 9's Kelly Nestor, who is keeping the seat warm for Amanda Blair.
Pulse radio station gets meeting with minister
Bosses of an iconic Geelong community radio station will meet the Rudd Government's tsar of the airwaves in their fight to stay on the 94.7FM frequency. Pulse head Michael Martinez yesterday hailed the meeting as a breakthrough. Geelong Advertiser
Steve Andrews tragic death
Brisbane based voice over specialist and former 4BC radio presenter has been tragically killed while crossing the road on the Sunshine Coast overnight. Colleagues and friends are in shock today as they come to grips with this untimely passing of a man who was a natural in this industry. Vale Steve Andrews, gone to soon, aged just 38.
Brisbane Times article
Steve Andrews character voices
Steve Andrews character voices
Brisbane Times article
Steve Andrews character voices
Steve Andrews character voices
Station of the week: 102.9 KO FM
![]("http://www.radiorumours.com/kofm.JPG")
This weeks station of the week is 10.9 KO FM, playing Newcastle's widest range of music. Catch David and Tanya for breakfast, spend the mornings with Nicko then check out the rest of the team live on-line.
ACMA invites applications for temporary licences for Perth
ACMA press release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority is inviting applications from aspirant community broadcasters to provide temporary radio services to Perth on the frequency 101.7 MHz, following the surrender of the frequency by the operator of community broadcasting service, Groove FM.
‘This is an opportunity for community groups to develop their operational and programming skills while providing for the cultural needs of the Perth community not met by existing services,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
‘ACMA is committed to retaining 101.7 MHz for community radio broadcasting in Perth. The decision to permit community radio trials on the frequency is seen as a first step towards the eventual long-term reallocation of the frequency for community radio,’ Mr Chapman said.
Groove FM, which ceased broadcasting at midnight Sunday 9 March 2008, was licensed to provide a service for youth in Perth under a temporary community broadcasting licence. ACMA issued the temporary licence in February this year following a decision not to renew the long-term licence for the service.
‘It is disappointing that Groove FM was unable to take advantage of its temporary licence to address the concerns that ACMA identified with the service,’ Mr Chapman said.
While ACMA would welcome the emergence of a new organisation representing the youth community, it is the policy intention of the Broadcasting Services Act that temporary services will not be confined to youth radio but may address any legitimate community need.
‘We hope that other groups will now take up the challenge of promoting diversity in broadcasting services for Perth audiences,’ Mr Chapman said.
Applications are open to not-for-profit companies registered in Australia or an external territory that represents a community interest. ACMA will consider all applications received by close of business, Monday 31 March 2008.
ACMA is aware of potential interest from more than one aspirant group. If more than one group is found to meet the basic eligibility requirements or if new aspirant community broadcasters later emerge, access to the frequency will be shared. At an appropriate time, ACMA will offer a long-term community broadcasting licence for allocation, after conducting a merit-based assessment of all applicants for the licence.
‘This is an opportunity for community groups to develop their operational and programming skills while providing for the cultural needs of the Perth community not met by existing services,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
‘ACMA is committed to retaining 101.7 MHz for community radio broadcasting in Perth. The decision to permit community radio trials on the frequency is seen as a first step towards the eventual long-term reallocation of the frequency for community radio,’ Mr Chapman said.
Groove FM, which ceased broadcasting at midnight Sunday 9 March 2008, was licensed to provide a service for youth in Perth under a temporary community broadcasting licence. ACMA issued the temporary licence in February this year following a decision not to renew the long-term licence for the service.
‘It is disappointing that Groove FM was unable to take advantage of its temporary licence to address the concerns that ACMA identified with the service,’ Mr Chapman said.
While ACMA would welcome the emergence of a new organisation representing the youth community, it is the policy intention of the Broadcasting Services Act that temporary services will not be confined to youth radio but may address any legitimate community need.
‘We hope that other groups will now take up the challenge of promoting diversity in broadcasting services for Perth audiences,’ Mr Chapman said.
Applications are open to not-for-profit companies registered in Australia or an external territory that represents a community interest. ACMA will consider all applications received by close of business, Monday 31 March 2008.
ACMA is aware of potential interest from more than one aspirant group. If more than one group is found to meet the basic eligibility requirements or if new aspirant community broadcasters later emerge, access to the frequency will be shared. At an appropriate time, ACMA will offer a long-term community broadcasting licence for allocation, after conducting a merit-based assessment of all applicants for the licence.
April Fools 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
In Melbourne Andrew Bolt announced on 3AW breakfast he would stand for the former Federal Treasurers, Peter Costello, seat of Higgins Audio.
2UE reported the Pope would be conducting a special gay and lesbian mass during the World Youth Day when he visits Sydney, and the Catholic Church was considering entering a float in next year's mardi gra. 6PR went with carbon neutral AM radio listen to Millsy and Tony Mac's audio here .
Former Home and Away star Kate Ritchie told her Sydney Nova audience she was joining Neighbours, audio .
2UE reported the Pope would be conducting a special gay and lesbian mass during the World Youth Day when he visits Sydney, and the Catholic Church was considering entering a float in next year's mardi gra. 6PR went with carbon neutral AM radio listen to Millsy and Tony Mac's audio here .
Former Home and Away star Kate Ritchie told her Sydney Nova audience she was joining Neighbours, audio .
John Russell heart scare
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Retired 3UZ/Sport 927 radio race caller and all-round good bloke John 'JR' Russell has survived a heart scare. JR woke up feeling crook on Good Friday and was quickly admitted to the Monash Medical Centre in Melbourne. He had a pacemaker fitted last Friday and is now on the road to recovery. JR would also be known nationally for his many years with SKY channel. Related article The Age
Australian AM band forced to close
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
April 1st feature: In a shock announcement by the ACMA the Australian AM radio band must cease all transmissions by the 1st of June 2008. Frantic meetings were taking place late last night with Network radio heads demanding a full explanation. At this stage all the stations, metro and regional, have been told they will all be allocated an FM frequency.
An ACMA spokesman has told radionews.com.au the move has been brought about due to the Australian AM band interfering with a top secret US super satellite and that the American and Australian governments will hold joint press conferences at 12 midday EST time.
APRIL FOOL
An ACMA spokesman has told radionews.com.au the move has been brought about due to the Australian AM band interfering with a top secret US super satellite and that the American and Australian governments will hold joint press conferences at 12 midday EST time.
APRIL FOOL
Another move on Sydney mid-dawns?
Sunday, March 30, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Is there about to be another move on the Sydney radio mid-dawn circuit?
Richo has further cancer scare
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Former 2GB breakfast presenter and Federal Labor heavy weight Graham Richo Richardson has revealed he has had cancerous tumours removed from his body after undergoing a five hour operation in January. This is Richo's second cancer scare, the first being in 1999 when he received treatment for the disease.
MY Aussie FM
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Just imagine, are we are about to finally shake off the stereotypical belief that all Aussies run around throwing shrimps on Barbies and wrestle crocodiles in their spare time? Mix 106.5's Todd McKenney and Sonia Kruger set to infiltrate the LA radio airwaves for 3 weeks to promote all things Australian for Tourism Australia and designed to encourage more Americans down-under for holidays.
LA radio station MYfm will re-brand as MY Aussie FM for the duration of the promotion and with Sonia and Todd broadcasting with the MYfm announcers anything can happen.
The station will feature a broad range of Australian voices mixed with a variety of on air Aussie inspired giveaways including a trip down-under. On top of all that Myfm have a reporter currently in Australia who will provide reports and content from a different location in Australia each day. Related sites Mix 106.5 MYfm
LA radio station MYfm will re-brand as MY Aussie FM for the duration of the promotion and with Sonia and Todd broadcasting with the MYfm announcers anything can happen.
The station will feature a broad range of Australian voices mixed with a variety of on air Aussie inspired giveaways including a trip down-under. On top of all that Myfm have a reporter currently in Australia who will provide reports and content from a different location in Australia each day. Related sites Mix 106.5 MYfm
TODAY matches time with radio
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Channel 9's TODAY show will now start at 5.30am EST matching starting times with most high rating breakfast radio programs and getting a half hour jump on Channel 7's Sunrise program. The move follows the success TODAY has had over summer in Brisbane, where Nine has broadcast live into the city throughout daylight saving, from 5.00am to 8.30am each weekday, and not on a one-hour delay.
Nova now streaming on PerthNow
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Nova 93.7 is nowing streaming on the News Limited PerthNow/ Sunday Times website. Listen Live
Bevo new MD at Hot 91
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Lee ‘Bevo’ Bevington has been made Music Director at Hot 91 Sunshine Coast.
Drex quits Darwin
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Justin 'Drex' Drexall has decided to move on from his role as PD of HOT100/Mix1049 Darwin. Drex is joining the Prime Radio Network and will be Program Director for 4CC & 4RO in Rockhampton & Gladstone from late April.
Lord hangs up his mic
Saturday, March 29, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Veteran sports journalist David Lord has retired from ABC's NewsRadio. After joining NewsRadio in 1991 the 68 year old Lord is looking forward to retirement however with 41 years of journalism under his belt he has full intention of maintaining an interest in sports coverage.
Lord is also well known for writing for the now defunct Sydney Sun newspaper for many years. He has had stints on TV and radio including 2KY as well as away from the mic a huge involvement in World Series Cricket and International Rugby.
Lord is also well known for writing for the now defunct Sydney Sun newspaper for many years. He has had stints on TV and radio including 2KY as well as away from the mic a huge involvement in World Series Cricket and International Rugby.
Cosi steps out - thin and proud
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LOOKING at him, it's hard to believe it's the same Andrew "Cosi" Costello who went into the Biggest Loser house more than four months ago. Read the entire Sunday Mail article
From the time tunnel: 1980's demo reel
Friday, March 28, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
From the time tunnel we have a demo reel for five different radio station TVC’s. It opens with 2UW Hit Radio Eleven 2UW. Four of the TVC’s are for stations in the United States. Can you pick the announcer on four of the five TVC’s? Enjoy!
Cosi back on SAFM breakfast!
Thursday, March 27, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
We recently reported that former Adelaide Triple M breakfast co-host Andrew Cosi Costello was rumoured to be joining a new breakfast radio team upon his departure from the Biggest Loser program. From next Monday, 31 March, Cosi joins the SAFM breakfast team of Rabbit, Amber and Louie. With the new team on Triple M it was fairly obvious there would be no room for him however an industry source told us while in the White House Cosi remained on the Austereo payroll.
Cosi is rumoured to have been in the final four contestants prior to being voted out of the Biggest Loser series 3.
Cosi is rumoured to have been in the final four contestants prior to being voted out of the Biggest Loser series 3.
Media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced a number of variations to the licence area plan for radio in Innisfail. The revised licence area plan changes the transmitter site for a high power open narrowcasting service at Tully licensed to United Christian Broadcasters.
‘United Christian Broadcasters requested an alternative transmitter site because of problems launching its service at the previously identified location,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, ACMA’s Inputs to Industry Division.
The variation to the licence area plan adds capacity for two new transmitters – for the commercial services 4ZKZ in Tully and 4KZ in Babinda.
The changes also remove capacity for three transmitters for commercial services at Bramston Beach, Hinchinbrook and Murray Falls, at the request of the licensee, Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd.
‘The decision was made after the licensee indicated the transmitters were not required, as these areas are adequately served by other transmitters within the licence area,’ Mr Tanner said.
A minor variation was also made to the nominal transmitter site location for two national radio services, 4ABCRR and 4ABCRN, to improve quality and reach of reception. The location was varied by a total of less than 200 metres and changes were also made to the output radiation pattern, as previous patterns were incomplete.
‘United Christian Broadcasters requested an alternative transmitter site because of problems launching its service at the previously identified location,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, ACMA’s Inputs to Industry Division.
The variation to the licence area plan adds capacity for two new transmitters – for the commercial services 4ZKZ in Tully and 4KZ in Babinda.
The changes also remove capacity for three transmitters for commercial services at Bramston Beach, Hinchinbrook and Murray Falls, at the request of the licensee, Coastal Broadcasters Pty Ltd.
‘The decision was made after the licensee indicated the transmitters were not required, as these areas are adequately served by other transmitters within the licence area,’ Mr Tanner said.
A minor variation was also made to the nominal transmitter site location for two national radio services, 4ABCRR and 4ABCRN, to improve quality and reach of reception. The location was varied by a total of less than 200 metres and changes were also made to the output radiation pattern, as previous patterns were incomplete.
Musical chairs at Nova 93.7
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Dave McClung is the new Music Director at Perth's Nova 93.7. Simon Baggot will swap afternoons for mornings, and floater Desiree Savage will take over afternoons. The movement is as a result of Music Director and morning presenter Clare Marshall taking over the drive shift at Vega 91.5 Melbourne.
Radio 3AW's drive presenter Derryn Hinch has challenged morning presenter Neil Mitchell to an ethics debate. Derryn's opening editorial today challenged Mitchell,
And so I challenge Mitchell to a debate on professional ethics and morality. Right here on this program. Any day next week. As long as you like. No subject off limits. Neil, you can even pick a moderator if that’s what you want.
This has been fuelled by Derryn's statements on the cause of death of Clinton Grybas on his program this week and Neil's follow up article in the Herald Sun attacking Hinch in relation to the Grybas comments and previous revelations about David Hookes, Peter Brock and Graham Kennedy. Read Derryn's editorial
And so I challenge Mitchell to a debate on professional ethics and morality. Right here on this program. Any day next week. As long as you like. No subject off limits. Neil, you can even pick a moderator if that’s what you want.
This has been fuelled by Derryn's statements on the cause of death of Clinton Grybas on his program this week and Neil's follow up article in the Herald Sun attacking Hinch in relation to the Grybas comments and previous revelations about David Hookes, Peter Brock and Graham Kennedy. Read Derryn's editorial
Oldfield 2GB overnight
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David Oldfield takes over 2GB mid-dawns from this coming Monday morning, 31 March. He replaces Mark Kennedy who has been keeping the seat warm for David since the resignation of Jim Ball.
Hinch holds firm on Grybas claim
Wednesday, March 26, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Radio 3AW's Derryn Hinch is standing by his editorial claims on the cause of death of Clinton Grybas. This is despite Clinton's mother saying "a coroner had painted a possible scenario", Grybas father, Vic, said: "The coroner found it was unable to be ascertained." The coroner has issued a statement in support of Clinton's parents.
Related articles Clash over Clinton Grybas death Forsaking decency Hinch in hot water over Clinton
Related articles Clash over Clinton Grybas death Forsaking decency Hinch in hot water over Clinton
Digital Radio Will Not Be Delayed
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Media release: Digital Radio broadcasts will begin in Australia from January 2009, despite erroneous media reports suggesting this exciting new form of media will be delayed. Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, has confirmed that digital radio broadcasts will begin in major capital cities as planned.
“Unfortunately, a wire story confused comments made by the federal Communications Minister when he was discussing funding arrangements for the transition scheme in support of digital TV,” Ms Warner said.
“This wire story was then carried by several newspapers, without clarification.
“In actual fact, it’s all systems go for the January arrival of digital radio – with listeners set to enjoy a whole new multi-media experience.”
“Unfortunately, a wire story confused comments made by the federal Communications Minister when he was discussing funding arrangements for the transition scheme in support of digital TV,” Ms Warner said.
“This wire story was then carried by several newspapers, without clarification.
“In actual fact, it’s all systems go for the January arrival of digital radio – with listeners set to enjoy a whole new multi-media experience.”
Nova 91.9 new MD
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Sea FM's (Gold Coast) Olivia Belvedere is the new Music Director at Adelaide's Nova 91.9.
More moves at 96fm
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Hot on the heels of the resignation of PD Brad McNally there have been two more departures at the Perth's 96fm. Program producers Sandra Galati and Greg Edgeworth have both quit the station.
US gloom dims APN hopes for buyout
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APN News & Media's chances of taking full control of its radio and outdoor assets are fading amid signs the private equity takeover of its American joint venture partner, Clear Channel Communications, is becoming the latest victim of the global credit market turmoil. Full article SMH
Clive Robertson 2UE weekends
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With the departure of Glenn Wheeler from the 2UE line-up former overnight presenter Clive Robertson will take over the weekend afternoon slot (2.00pm-6.00pm) Clive starts this Saturday, 29th March.
Slater replaces Freedman at 2KY
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Former Australian Test cricketer Michael Slater will replace Richard Freeman as co-host of radio 2KY's Big Sports Breakfast program. He will join Terry Kennedy from this coming Monday, 31 March. As we reported on Feb 14, Richard Freedman has joined the Australian Jockey Club as executive director of racing operations and has relinquished all media commitments.
2GB's Alan Jones wins court appeal
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2GB's Alan Jones has been spared a criminal conviction for naming a child witness in a murder trial.after today winning an appeal against his nine-month good behaviour bond and $1,000 fine. Jones broadcast the name of the child witness while reading from a Daily Telegraph article in July 2005 on his 2GB breakfast program.
A District Court judge confirmed the finding of guilt however did not record a conviction and the charge was dimissed.
Alan Jones was not in court today.
The Judge, Michael Finnane, said Jones made an honest mistake and was unlikely to do it again. He went on to say, Jones was a man of good character and the adverse effect of a conviction would have been disproportionate to the seriousness of the offence.
A District Court judge confirmed the finding of guilt however did not record a conviction and the charge was dimissed.
Alan Jones was not in court today.
The Judge, Michael Finnane, said Jones made an honest mistake and was unlikely to do it again. He went on to say, Jones was a man of good character and the adverse effect of a conviction would have been disproportionate to the seriousness of the offence.
3MP's Burgo sounds off
Tuesday, March 25, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Source and entire item Sydney Confidential: The Wheel of Fortune is about to swing into action again, but Channel 7's not the only one bitching about the new spin on things by Nine. John 'Burgo' Burgess, relegated to a radio gig in Melbourne(Burgo is 3MP's breakfast presenter) since his days on Nine's Catchphrase ended, yesterday whinged on air about the show's return - and the fact it was happening without him.
After sending birthday wishes to his wife (including a plug for the spot where they celebrated), the one-time Wheel man lamented being overlooked for the job that Tim Campbell has now claimed as his own. AUDIO
"I was told 'Burgo, if we get hold of it, you'll be doing it.' Well they've forgotten about me. Tim Campbell's doing it and I'm sure he'll do a terrific job, but I must admit I am just slightly gutted" he said, before playing Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart.
T for tissue, mate?
After sending birthday wishes to his wife (including a plug for the spot where they celebrated), the one-time Wheel man lamented being overlooked for the job that Tim Campbell has now claimed as his own. AUDIO
"I was told 'Burgo, if we get hold of it, you'll be doing it.' Well they've forgotten about me. Tim Campbell's doing it and I'm sure he'll do a terrific job, but I must admit I am just slightly gutted" he said, before playing Toni Braxton's Unbreak My Heart.
T for tissue, mate?
This Easter weekend delivered some of the finest names of the Australian music industry to Adelaide where they performed at Kirrihill Wine Festival. The Mentals, John Swan, Choir Boys and the outstanding Russell Morris with Brian Cadd left the crowd wanting more. Radio personality David Day, who was master-of-ceremonies, promised to “bring back a whole bunch of my mates” for next year’s Live Clare concert, a commitment reiterated by Kirrihill Wines marketing executive Tania Matz at the conclusion of the show. Related article
Media release: Australian listeners could well be experiencing ‘world first’ features when digital radio arrives at the start of next year under initiatives announced today at the Australian Broadcasting Summit.
Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, has announced new trials for specific features of digital radio including real time traffic solutions for listeners wanting to find the best way to their destination.
“Digital radio will be a multi-media experience and these trials promise to deliver a significant upgrade to the way we use and interact with our radio,” Ms Warner said.
“The format Australia has adopted, (DAB+), allows us to do so much more with the technology and we’re keen to provide the types of things that listeners, advertisers and broadcasters have only dreamt about in the past.”
ANIMATED LOGOS
In a world first, logo animations and graphics are being broadcast as part of the current digital radio trials in Sydney. By using animated logos and graphics an exciting new dimension is able to be added to the radio offering for both listeners and advertisers.
REAL TIME TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS OVER YOUR RADIO
Commercial Radio Australia has entered into an agreement with Sentinel Content, (whose investors include the NRMA and RACQ), for the development of real time traffic solutions via digital radio.
Rather than receiving an audio-only bulletin about a problem, the system will deliver timely traffic bulletins and answers to the best alternate routes to the destination. The service will be available on free-to-air digital radio and using DAB+ will also be able to provide additional updates for in-car and portable navigation systems. Extra data such as parking information, fuel pricing and transit lane restrictions could also be integrated into the system.
Free-to-air digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart from January 2009.
Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, has announced new trials for specific features of digital radio including real time traffic solutions for listeners wanting to find the best way to their destination.
“Digital radio will be a multi-media experience and these trials promise to deliver a significant upgrade to the way we use and interact with our radio,” Ms Warner said.
“The format Australia has adopted, (DAB+), allows us to do so much more with the technology and we’re keen to provide the types of things that listeners, advertisers and broadcasters have only dreamt about in the past.”
ANIMATED LOGOS
In a world first, logo animations and graphics are being broadcast as part of the current digital radio trials in Sydney. By using animated logos and graphics an exciting new dimension is able to be added to the radio offering for both listeners and advertisers.
REAL TIME TRAFFIC SOLUTIONS OVER YOUR RADIO
Commercial Radio Australia has entered into an agreement with Sentinel Content, (whose investors include the NRMA and RACQ), for the development of real time traffic solutions via digital radio.
Rather than receiving an audio-only bulletin about a problem, the system will deliver timely traffic bulletins and answers to the best alternate routes to the destination. The service will be available on free-to-air digital radio and using DAB+ will also be able to provide additional updates for in-car and portable navigation systems. Extra data such as parking information, fuel pricing and transit lane restrictions could also be integrated into the system.
Free-to-air digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart from January 2009.
Glenn Wheeler out of 2UE
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Glenn Wheeler has been axed from 2UE's weekend line-up.
Rod and the Flack debut on Perth nights
Monday, March 24, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
After spending just on 7 weeks on 96fm breakfast, Rod and the Flack have tonight delivered their first night show on the station. The duo can now be heard between 7.00pm and 10pm Monday to Friday.
Nielsen radio ratings survey 2 2008
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Fiveaa, Nova 106.9, Mix 94.5, 3AW and 2GB have come out on top in their respective states with the release of survey 2, 2008, 0f the Nielsen radio ratings today.
From the papers.
Jones on top while 2Day heats up FM breakfast
Kyle and Jackie O tighten their grip
Andy and mate Hamish now the kings of Melbourne radio
Hamish and Andy topple 3AW
ABC talk stations lose ground
Brisbane: Nova(14.1) victory again, never in doubt. In at number 2 and 3 Austereo sisters 4MMM(12.) and B105(11.3). The balance 97.3(10.), 4BC(8.6), ABC612(8.3), 4KQ(7.4), 4BH(6.7), 4JJJ(5.5), 4RN(3.0), ClassicFM(3.0), Newsradio(1.5).
Adelaide: Fiveaa (15.4) clear winner followed by sister station Nova(13.1) with Mix(12.7) in at number 3. The rest of Adelaide SAFM(12.), ABC891(11.2), 5MMM(8.8), Cruise(7.4), 5JJJ(6.2), ClassicFM(2.6), 5RN(1.8), Newsradio(1.4)
Perth: 94.5(17.6) retains number 1 spot clearly ahead of ABC720(13.2). 92.9(11.9) have dropped 1.0 percentage point. Followed by 6PR(10.4), Nova 93.7(9.6), 96fm(9.0), 6JJJ(6.2), 6IX(6.0) ABC Classic(2.6), 6RN(2.2), Newsradio(1.4)
From the papers.
Jones on top while 2Day heats up FM breakfast
Kyle and Jackie O tighten their grip
Andy and mate Hamish now the kings of Melbourne radio
Hamish and Andy topple 3AW
ABC talk stations lose ground
Brisbane: Nova(14.1) victory again, never in doubt. In at number 2 and 3 Austereo sisters 4MMM(12.) and B105(11.3). The balance 97.3(10.), 4BC(8.6), ABC612(8.3), 4KQ(7.4), 4BH(6.7), 4JJJ(5.5), 4RN(3.0), ClassicFM(3.0), Newsradio(1.5).
Adelaide: Fiveaa (15.4) clear winner followed by sister station Nova(13.1) with Mix(12.7) in at number 3. The rest of Adelaide SAFM(12.), ABC891(11.2), 5MMM(8.8), Cruise(7.4), 5JJJ(6.2), ClassicFM(2.6), 5RN(1.8), Newsradio(1.4)
Perth: 94.5(17.6) retains number 1 spot clearly ahead of ABC720(13.2). 92.9(11.9) have dropped 1.0 percentage point. Followed by 6PR(10.4), Nova 93.7(9.6), 96fm(9.0), 6JJJ(6.2), 6IX(6.0) ABC Classic(2.6), 6RN(2.2), Newsradio(1.4)
It has been announced that Fox Sports and radio 3AW's Clinton Grybas died of natural causes. He had a faulty heart valve and suffered an allergic reaction to something he either ate or drank the previous night and died sometime between 2am and 4am on Jaunuary 5 2008.
3AW's Derryn Hinch (Audio) revealed it on his program this afternoon stating he found out about this last Friday, with 3AW being informed of the finding a week ago. Clinton's mother has denied the claims aired on 3AW, Mrs Grybas said she was shocked by Hinch's claims this afternoon, which were at odds with conversations she had with a coroner investigating her son's death just a fortnight ago."It is the first I've heard of it," she said.
This website received information over the Easter break suggesting what was revealed today. We decided to wait until the story broke to publish any of the claims. Hinch article here .
3AW's Derryn Hinch (Audio) revealed it on his program this afternoon stating he found out about this last Friday, with 3AW being informed of the finding a week ago. Clinton's mother has denied the claims aired on 3AW, Mrs Grybas said she was shocked by Hinch's claims this afternoon, which were at odds with conversations she had with a coroner investigating her son's death just a fortnight ago."It is the first I've heard of it," she said.
This website received information over the Easter break suggesting what was revealed today. We decided to wait until the story broke to publish any of the claims. Hinch article here .
Guy Ashford moves to 2HD/New FM
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2GO/Sea FM's Guy Ashford is the new Operations and General Sales Manager at Newcastle 2HD/New FM.
Is this what mothers want their children to hear?
Sunday, March 23, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
The SMH has an interesting article about the change of direction Sydney breakfast radio is taking. The article suggests Mix, Nova and 2Day are all after a piece of the 35 plus female audience and that they are all borrowing heavily from the popular magazine market with gossip and sassy attitudes.
Amongst it all you would have to ask what sort of mother driving their children to school would want to hear the sleaze that creeps into breakfast radio. It is that little bit of Truth Heartbalm such as Kyle Sandilands offering sperm to a lesbian caller. Read the SMH article
Amongst it all you would have to ask what sort of mother driving their children to school would want to hear the sleaze that creeps into breakfast radio. It is that little bit of Truth Heartbalm such as Kyle Sandilands offering sperm to a lesbian caller. Read the SMH article
Roy Harwood remembered
Saturday, March 22, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Former manager of Midura's 3MA Roy Harwood passed away in early March. Roy joined radio station 3MA in 1956 and become station manager in 1969. He held the role until 1985. He will be remembered by many young announcers who headed to Mildura for their first taste of life at a radio station.
Mildura Indepenent: For a while in the 1980’s the Station was affectionately known as Harwood House, with Roy Harwood the Station Manager and Sales Manager, his wife Ysonde would read commercials, son James was the breakfast announcer, daughter Benita the senior office receptionist and while still at school, youngest son Nigel was the Station cleaner. More
Roy Harwood passed away of liver cancer on March 6.
Mildura Indepenent: For a while in the 1980’s the Station was affectionately known as Harwood House, with Roy Harwood the Station Manager and Sales Manager, his wife Ysonde would read commercials, son James was the breakfast announcer, daughter Benita the senior office receptionist and while still at school, youngest son Nigel was the Station cleaner. More
Roy Harwood passed away of liver cancer on March 6.
Claire Marshall in at Vega drive
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Perth's Nova 937 morning radio presenter Claire Marshall will take over drive at Melbourne's Vega 91.5 after the recent axing of Wilbur Wilde.
Our radio station of the week is Darwin's 104.1 Territory FM. A true community station and part of The Charles Darwin University. Catch JP and Ali for breakfast and kick-start your day. Mornings with Daryl Manzie and Territory Talk. The popular Classic Cafe with radio legend Joe Miller, yes the Joe Miller from 3XY & EON FM. There is loads more info on their marvellous site Check it out and listen LIVE
The Courier Mail reports of the latest evicted reality TV show contestant reportedly in talks with a Sydney radio station for an on air role. Camilla Jakimowicz was recently sent packing from So You Think You Can Dance, much to the judges dilemma.
It seems that the days of a young radio jock devoting countless months to radio school and then heading to a regional station hoping that next step is a capital city gig will only get harder as this trend of hiring these instant stars continues. Having said that we also acknowledge that in 2008 radio listeners are looking for more than a time and temp jock, although giving reality TV contestants a right of passage is a fairly fickle proposition.
It seems that the days of a young radio jock devoting countless months to radio school and then heading to a regional station hoping that next step is a capital city gig will only get harder as this trend of hiring these instant stars continues. Having said that we also acknowledge that in 2008 radio listeners are looking for more than a time and temp jock, although giving reality TV contestants a right of passage is a fairly fickle proposition.
Hinch the human headwind
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3AW drive presenter Derryn Hinch took to the sky yesterday morning in an aerochute. The radio journalist was honouring a commitment he gave to depression survivor Jerry Farsoun a couple of weeks ago to go up in what Derryn describes as "lawn mower powered umbrella".
Jerry and Derryn took off from the Tooradin Airfield just after 7.00am Saturday in a bid to raise awareness of the effects and consequences of depression. Jerry Farsoun is the founder of Over Downunder and will soon take off on a flight across Australia in his aerochute in a bid to raise as much money possible to help his cause.
Jerry and Derryn took off from the Tooradin Airfield just after 7.00am Saturday in a bid to raise awareness of the effects and consequences of depression. Jerry Farsoun is the founder of Over Downunder and will soon take off on a flight across Australia in his aerochute in a bid to raise as much money possible to help his cause.
Stars lose thousands
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Source and entire item Sunday Telegraph: Some of Sydney's most high-profile sports personalities are up to $100,000 out of pocket after the collapse of a privately owned radio show on 2SM.
Former rugby league stars Mark Geyer and Graeme Hughes, ex-jockey Malcolm Johnston, former rugby union star Brett Papworth and former Test cricketer Gavin Robertson are among a host of big names who have lost thousands of dollars.
The afternoon Talkin' Sport show was owned by Dallas Baker and Mike Nui, who bought the airtime from 2SM's Bill Caralis. The pair were declared bankrupt last week, leaving a trail of debts.
One of the stars, who asked not to be named, told us: "They've always been slow payers, but all of a sudden they're declared bankrupt and no-one has been paid.''
Caralis has taken over the running of the show but has given no guarantee about back-paying the money owed. A spokesman said: "It's not Bill that owes the money. He's actually owed money himself and will also be trying to recover the money by whatever ways possible. "He's considering his legal options.''
The tension at 2SM has also created a rift between two of the on-air personalities. Mark Warren, son of Channel Nine's Ray Warren, has left after a blazing row with Talkin' Sport host Graeme Hughes.
Warren hosted a popular boxing show with legendary trainer Johnny Lewis but was recently axed - and he's blaming Hughes for his demise. "I told him he was a low bloke because he's been knifing me to management,'' Warren told us.
Hughes offered: "In respect of Mark's issues, it has nothing to do with me or anyone else here.''
Former rugby league stars Mark Geyer and Graeme Hughes, ex-jockey Malcolm Johnston, former rugby union star Brett Papworth and former Test cricketer Gavin Robertson are among a host of big names who have lost thousands of dollars.
The afternoon Talkin' Sport show was owned by Dallas Baker and Mike Nui, who bought the airtime from 2SM's Bill Caralis. The pair were declared bankrupt last week, leaving a trail of debts.
One of the stars, who asked not to be named, told us: "They've always been slow payers, but all of a sudden they're declared bankrupt and no-one has been paid.''
Caralis has taken over the running of the show but has given no guarantee about back-paying the money owed. A spokesman said: "It's not Bill that owes the money. He's actually owed money himself and will also be trying to recover the money by whatever ways possible. "He's considering his legal options.''
The tension at 2SM has also created a rift between two of the on-air personalities. Mark Warren, son of Channel Nine's Ray Warren, has left after a blazing row with Talkin' Sport host Graeme Hughes.
Warren hosted a popular boxing show with legendary trainer Johnny Lewis but was recently axed - and he's blaming Hughes for his demise. "I told him he was a low bloke because he's been knifing me to management,'' Warren told us.
Hughes offered: "In respect of Mark's issues, it has nothing to do with me or anyone else here.''
Cast yourself back to 1931
Friday, March 21, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Radionews.com.au and radiorumours.com have long admired the work that radioheritage.net puts into keeping the valves of radio of yesteryear alive. One of their latest items is a look back of the the radio dial of Australia from 1931. Not to be missed read the entire item here
If you are in Melbourne or Adelaide this weekend do yourself a favour and see two Australian music legends perform live. Russell Morris and Brian Cadd are at Capers for one more night, Saturday 22 March, before heading to Adelaide on Easter Sunday to play at Kirrihill Winery Festival . The team here at radionews.com.au spent an enjoyable Good Friday night being more than entertained as Morris and Cadd delivered classic after classic.
Songs we all love and probably first heard or played as 45rpm's being spun in on the radio including Wings of an Eagle, outstanding versions of Rachel and Sweet Sweet Love. Cadd delivered the goods with vintage Let Go and Ginger Man.
The pair have also released a new live CD called Brian Cadd & Russell Morris Live at the Con.
Songs we all love and probably first heard or played as 45rpm's being spun in on the radio including Wings of an Eagle, outstanding versions of Rachel and Sweet Sweet Love. Cadd delivered the goods with vintage Let Go and Ginger Man.
The pair have also released a new live CD called Brian Cadd & Russell Morris Live at the Con.
Vega 95.3 breakfast duo Tony Squires and Rebecca Wilson will host a 9.30pm weeknight panel show as part of the 2008 series of Big Brother. The program will be called Big Brother Big Mouth.
ABC Games coverage wiped off Sydney airwaves
Thursday, March 20, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
FOR the first time since World War II, Sydney radio listeners will have to tune into a commercial radio station to hear coverage of the Olympic Games SMH article
Give that they may grow
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A tradition is underway in Melbourne, the annual Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Donate on-line now! Thousands of people spend months of fundraising and collecting donations all for this very special day. Last year in excess of 11 million dollars was given to help what are most precious to us all, children.
It all started back in 1931 when a group of journalists from The Sporting Globe held a special sporting carnival to raise money for a charity, the Children's Hospital. By the start of the 1940's it had grown to be become an all day event involving The Herald and Weekly Times mastheads and with radio station 3DB broadcasting the events and fundraising surrounding the appeal.
In 1957 HSV 7 began broadcasting the appeal and this strengthened peoples generosity towards what has grown to become the a part of the fabric of Victoria.
As for major supporters, The Herald Sun and Channel 7 are still there, sadly 3DB (Mix 101.1) dropped off the radar however radio stations Magic 1278 and 3AW 693 are now very much part of this very special day.
It all started back in 1931 when a group of journalists from The Sporting Globe held a special sporting carnival to raise money for a charity, the Children's Hospital. By the start of the 1940's it had grown to be become an all day event involving The Herald and Weekly Times mastheads and with radio station 3DB broadcasting the events and fundraising surrounding the appeal.
In 1957 HSV 7 began broadcasting the appeal and this strengthened peoples generosity towards what has grown to become the a part of the fabric of Victoria.
As for major supporters, The Herald Sun and Channel 7 are still there, sadly 3DB (Mix 101.1) dropped off the radar however radio stations Magic 1278 and 3AW 693 are now very much part of this very special day.
ACMA: changes for 3CH
Wednesday, March 19, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority is proposing to make a new community radio service available for the Maryborough area of Victoria and to extend the licence area of 3CH Kyneton.
Since January 2007, Strengthening Goldfields Community Radio (SGCR) has been operating on a temporary community broadcasting licence, using the frequency 99.1 MHz. SGCR has expressed interest in obtaining a permanent community radio licence to serve the town of Maryborough.
ACMA is also proposing to move the transmitter of community radio service 3CH Kyneton to a new site at Mt Macedon and extend the licence area to encompass the entire Macedon Ranges Shire, to include the townships of Woodend, Macedon, Romsey and Gisborne.
‘ACMA’s proposal follows consideration of a request from the licensee of 3CH and will result in the Kyneton community radio licence area overlapping with part of the Melbourne commercial and community licence areas,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, Inputs to Industry Division.
‘However, there are no community radio services that specifically target the outer north west part of the Melbourne licence area that 3CH is seeking to incorporate,’ Mr Tanner said.
The proposals are contained in an explanatory paper and draft variation to the Bendigo licence area plan released by ACMA today.
Since January 2007, Strengthening Goldfields Community Radio (SGCR) has been operating on a temporary community broadcasting licence, using the frequency 99.1 MHz. SGCR has expressed interest in obtaining a permanent community radio licence to serve the town of Maryborough.
ACMA is also proposing to move the transmitter of community radio service 3CH Kyneton to a new site at Mt Macedon and extend the licence area to encompass the entire Macedon Ranges Shire, to include the townships of Woodend, Macedon, Romsey and Gisborne.
‘ACMA’s proposal follows consideration of a request from the licensee of 3CH and will result in the Kyneton community radio licence area overlapping with part of the Melbourne commercial and community licence areas,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, Inputs to Industry Division.
‘However, there are no community radio services that specifically target the outer north west part of the Melbourne licence area that 3CH is seeking to incorporate,’ Mr Tanner said.
The proposals are contained in an explanatory paper and draft variation to the Bendigo licence area plan released by ACMA today.
Eddie debuts on SEN
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Eddie McGuire has tonight made his debut on 1116 SEN. Eddie has joined the radio station to call AFL matches on a Friday night and the occasional Sunday afternoon game. with the exception of Collingwood games. (Eddie is President of Collingwood Football Club)
Robo slips back into 2UE
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While 2UE's Stuart Bocking is covering drive for John Stanley, Clive Robertson is back on air filling in on evenings.
Popular Paul back at 94.5
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Captain Paul Shepherd has returned to Mix 94.5 breakfast after an extended 12 month break. Paul joins Fred Botica, Lisa Shaw and Joss Dwyer every morning where he will continue to provide Perth's most up to date traffic and his frequent jokes. Read a related item PerthNow
Green Guide 20 Mar 2008
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Green Guide 20 Mar 2008: Footy starts tonight. The radio goes on, the TV is tuned and from now until that last Saturday in September millions of words will gush from the speakers.
A few will be fresh and original, cleverly descriptive and evocative, subtly creating the mood appropriate to the moment of the game. But most will be the same phrases we have been hearing for years, chanted by commentators with such ritual frequency that the words and phrases are now liturgical. Players will "line them up" and "put them through". When a team is streaming forward and getting the footy into a contest at full forward, the single name yelled loudly into the microphone ("Neitzzz") tells us that David Neitz has taken a beauty, whether we're watching it on TV or just listening to the radio. When Tim Lane says: "Long to full forward, but it's all Geelong. Harley mops up and clears for the Cats," we know what he means. Years of watching and listening have given currency to the verb "to mop up".
Throughout the season we will hear commentators who value words, who are reasonably erudite and in control of the language. We will also hear some who have a loose connection with it. Undoubtedly (sic) the language will be butchered but that all goes well (sic) for the future of footy. That is part of the beauty of it, and the great variety in footy commentary helps make these people characters in our kitchens and lounge rooms and cars.
You only need to look at the public response to the passing of Clinton Grybas to understand that we feel as if we truly know these commentators. Clinton was a fine young commentator: accurate, measured, not moved to explosive editorial, able to fill whichever role the coach asked him to play, whether it was straight man to Rex Hunt's flamboyancy on 3AW or leading the show on Foxtel games. His shoes will take some filling.
On Saturday afternoons on 3AW those shoes will be filled by Dennis Cometti, now much-loved. He has won fans with his sharp wit. "Barlow to Bateman … the Hawks are attacking alphabetically," is typical of his one-off quips. He's happy to admit that some of these come to him in the moment but many he thinks up away from the microphone (maybe on those weekly flights across the Nullarbor) and waits for the appropriate situation in which to use them. "Brett Johnson has become a leather magnet. And before you say there's no such thing, spare a thought for my wife and my wallet," he once called. When a rare shot for goal from Darren Gaspar hit the post he lamented: "Ahh, Gaspar, the unfriendly post."
A few will be fresh and original, cleverly descriptive and evocative, subtly creating the mood appropriate to the moment of the game. But most will be the same phrases we have been hearing for years, chanted by commentators with such ritual frequency that the words and phrases are now liturgical. Players will "line them up" and "put them through". When a team is streaming forward and getting the footy into a contest at full forward, the single name yelled loudly into the microphone ("Neitzzz") tells us that David Neitz has taken a beauty, whether we're watching it on TV or just listening to the radio. When Tim Lane says: "Long to full forward, but it's all Geelong. Harley mops up and clears for the Cats," we know what he means. Years of watching and listening have given currency to the verb "to mop up".
Throughout the season we will hear commentators who value words, who are reasonably erudite and in control of the language. We will also hear some who have a loose connection with it. Undoubtedly (sic) the language will be butchered but that all goes well (sic) for the future of footy. That is part of the beauty of it, and the great variety in footy commentary helps make these people characters in our kitchens and lounge rooms and cars.
You only need to look at the public response to the passing of Clinton Grybas to understand that we feel as if we truly know these commentators. Clinton was a fine young commentator: accurate, measured, not moved to explosive editorial, able to fill whichever role the coach asked him to play, whether it was straight man to Rex Hunt's flamboyancy on 3AW or leading the show on Foxtel games. His shoes will take some filling.
On Saturday afternoons on 3AW those shoes will be filled by Dennis Cometti, now much-loved. He has won fans with his sharp wit. "Barlow to Bateman … the Hawks are attacking alphabetically," is typical of his one-off quips. He's happy to admit that some of these come to him in the moment but many he thinks up away from the microphone (maybe on those weekly flights across the Nullarbor) and waits for the appropriate situation in which to use them. "Brett Johnson has become a leather magnet. And before you say there's no such thing, spare a thought for my wife and my wallet," he once called. When a rare shot for goal from Darren Gaspar hit the post he lamented: "Ahh, Gaspar, the unfriendly post."
Which is exactly why Dennis and Bruce McAvaney have a bit of trouble calling together for Channel Seven. Bruce understands popular culture references the way Liam Pickering understands conflict of interest. Bruce has been so busy committing to memory the Globe Derby trotting form since 1974, the times of all 100-metre heat winners at the Olympic and Commonwealth games, and the entire AFL Media Guide, that he has missed out on so much. He doesn't know The Simpsons, The Waltons or The Brady Bunch. And how can you possibly understand Dennis Cometti if you don't know who corporals Agarn, Jones or Klinger are?
Other elements of their natures make it difficult for them to click. Dennis is intuitive. His understated strength is his conceptual knowledge of the game. Whereas Bruce is bookish. He has learnt (very well) what is important in the game. Dennis can be a loose cannon. Bruce is straighter than a pair of Y-fronts. Dennis is playful and irreverent and has an underlying sense of the absurdity of human endeavour (we are, after all, talking about civilised human beings with a capacity to grunt, chasing around a leather ball, often in bitterly cold conditions on a muddy footy field). Bruce is earnest. Next time you are at a ground, watch Bruce shooting the introduction. He starts in front of one of the cheer squad banners and in a crouch walks with hurried, long strides in an arc, stopping in front of the camera, where his gesticulations suggest the grave importance of what is about to transpire. Out of context it looks hilarious. In context, on the screen, it looks hilarious. Bruce can start a game in epic tone and not climb down from the epic for a second.
Then there is Dennis' voice. He's like the kid who turns up in year 11 whose dad has served in a UN peacekeeping force or the diplomatic corps. He's lived everywhere and picked up an accent that you just can't recognise. Dennis has had that deep-throated voice forever. It comes from somewhere between the Adam's apple and the 13th rib. The voice first came to prominence as he was learning the caper calling cricket with George Grljusich and other West Australian luminaries. It remains as distinctive today and is part of the fabric of footy.
But things have changed and now the question is: will Dennis find his niche with Rex Hunt? Because Rex isn't really a footy commentator, he's a performer. And not just any performer: he's a performer with a social conscience. Rex's career guidance counsellor (probably the teacher he keeps telling us about from Mordialloc High who told him he wouldn't amount to anything) could have saved him a lot of trouble. He should have pointed Rex in the direction of opera, and the angst generated when that career failed would have served him well. He'd have wound up in a feather boa and evening gown sucking on a long-stemmed cigarette holder working through the repertoire of Marlene Dietrich in a smoky den in East St Kilda. Rex wants to be The Fat Lady. "Hire a barn," I can hear Dennis saying to him, "and put on a show."
Rex's sense of social purpose means his commentary is not just about football. He has been called to chart the course of the Australian community, and he has been given his own personal moral compass for the job. On the issues of drugs, capital and corporal punishment, immigration, stints in the army, and decent haircuts. Whether Dennis chooses to argue the toss remains to be seen.
Generally there is not a lot of dissent in the 3AW commentary box. Rex runs the joint like an episode of the 1950s radio show Yes, What? and can play the roles of Greenbottle, Bottomly and Dr Pym simultaneously. This is ideal for the 3AW audience, which is still sitting next to the radiogram and remembers Yes, What? as if it were yesterday. Rex doesn't miss a beat. He gets out the nicknames and the ongoing gags. At least Dennis will know why Mr Ed says "Wilbur" when a shot hits the post. But will we hear the Cometti voice when Rex calls them to arms with a "Lord Nelson"?
At least the boys have fun. And there must be enough footy in the call for a particular type of footy-lover to stay tuned.
It's a different type of fun they have over at the ABC. Gerard Whateley has emerged to lead the way, as long as he can keep his eye off Sky Channel and the first leg of the Flemington quaddie. There's a bit of Bruce in G Whateley, and also a bit of Tim Lane, with whom he calls on Friday night. He is as prepared as Bruce, has some of Bruce's inflections, and is mastering the Richie Benaud pause. He has lost the starry eyes of the footy fan who can't believe he's sitting in a commentary box at the MCG calling the game he loves doing his dream job. You can't sit alongside a journalist with the critical faculties of Tim Lane without some of it rubbing off.
I'm not sure Drew Morphett ever had the starry eyes. Or at least no one can remember when he did. Sometimes you forget how experienced Drew is. And then you come home half-tanked late at night and turn on ABC2 just to make yourself nostalgic enough to take out the Jamieson's and pour one while you lament your lost youth — and Drew's, with that great hair. He'll be calling the '82-'83 Ashes series, or Bodyline, or something, with the enthusiasm of Steve Waugh chasing a ball to the boundary. But that's Drew's great asset: his experience. He's like that old ram in the Gary Larson cartoon. Standing on the bluff overlooking a paddock of ewes, one ram says to the other ram, "Any new faces this year, Sid?"
Then the ABC has Dan Lonergan, who each year looks more and more like he sat for Edvard Munch when the artist painted The Scream. He brings plenty of enthusiasm to his calls. But Tim Lane remains the master of radio commentary. His calls are sufficiently layered to work on a number of levels. He can describe something authoritatively while still having a crack at something or someone in the game.
Dwayne Russell, who calls for 3AW and Fox, has a similar ability at times, part of which comes from a thorough knowledge of sports outside of footy and outside of Australia. He is willing to defy the judgement of the herd and is one of the better commentators going around.
Tim's colleague at Channel Ten, Anthony Hudson, who also calls for SEN, can find those moments of humour and gentle irreverence, but he remains a practitioner; a caller who principally supplies information, very accurately. Michael Christian will always be there barracking for Collingwood, and it will be interesting to see if Andrew Maher's management team has again negotiated a "paid by the word" clause in his new Channel Ten contract.
Stephen Quartermain has been around for quite a while now. He is the chicken parma of footy commentary. He's not gourmet but he's always on the menu and is reliable enough. He's advantaged if served with a Coonawarra red. And, in Malcolm Blight , he is. Blight is a big, bold double-pressed shiraz. Robert Walls' special comments are Yarra Valley pinot. But Malcolm is the guru. He can talk about anything from left-handed footballs to match-ups previously unheard of. What is so attractive about Malcolm's comments is that they are speculative, and that statistics have no place in forming them. For Malcolm, it is often what he feels at the time.
There are other commentators. James Brayshaw is everywhere these days. Apart from calling footy for Triple M, he co-hosts Wide World of Sports, the new vehicle chosen by Channel Nine to highlight the talents of Ken Sutcliffe (Australia's luckiest man). It goes head to head against Seven's new sports show anchored by Hamish McLachlan and involving a scholarly Tim Watson, who also does special comments at Seven.
The Footy Show and Footy Classified have also returned, the dynamics of the Monday night show having been transformed by the change: Archer in, Carey out. Both shows will give currency to Craig Hutchison's style of investigative journalism, the apparent success of which has forced a recalibration of the Walkley Awards.
When not mounting the argument that footballers know much better than anyone else, Garry Lyon will maintain his comfortable position on the fence.
At SEN, Kevin Bartlett will continue his career, joined by a newcomer, Eddie McGuire, for Friday night games.
So, the choice is yours.
In a perfect world, though, I'd have Smoky Dawson back. He still calls a few games for Perth's 6PR. But no one says "Richmond" with the rolled R of Smoke. And when someone shapes to kick a barrel from outside 50, you'd know it: "He's going the torp, Smoothe. He's going the Torp." Like the excitement has never wavered.
John Harms is a Melbourne writer and, together with Gerard Whateley, is a regular on Offsiders on Sundays at 10.30am on ABC1. This entire item is sourced from the Green Guide and the link is provided at the start of article.
Sources suggesting that with the departure of Wilbur Wilde from Melbourne's Vega 91.5 this now leaves the door wide open for Tony Martin to come on board. With reports of why Wilbur was dumped suggesting 'he doesn't fit the radio station's "contemporary feel", we believe the Tony Martin rumour is pure speculation. All that being said one industry insider suggested 'Vega should seriously consider Tony Martin as a part of their line-up for both Melbourne and Sydney. If anyone is going to offer a glimmer of light for the station it is Tony Martin.'
2GB Oldfield not ready yet?
Tuesday, March 18, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
The rumour mill has been spinning into overdrive about exactly when David Oldfield takes over 2GB mid-dawns. We have heard there is a little bit of policticing, for want of a better word, that needs to be sorted out first and David will then be ready for his new radio gig. With no one about to confirm anything else on Oldfield's new move we have heard it is expected to be early April. Oldfield walks into door Courier Mail
Brad McNally quits 96fm
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It has been a big 5 or 6 days for radio station 96fm since we broke the news of a new breakfast team PD Brad McNally has resigned from the station effective today. McNally was not in agreement with managements decision to replace the breakfast team of Rod and The Flack, after just on 7 weeks on air, with Gary Shannon, Fitzi and Aleysha Knowles.
Our radio station of the week is Classic Rock 102.5 Echuca/Deniliquin. Join Peter Holden for breakfast every morning from 6.00am to 10.00am. Back for 2008 is the 102.5 FM Classic Rock Footy Tipping Challenge. Catch Andrew Brett from 10.00am to 2.00pm. From 2.00pm Matt Hobbs will continue with more of today's best music and rock! Classic Rock
Wilbur Wilde has been dropped from hosting drive on Vega 91.5. Wilbur, who did his last show on Tuesday March 18, joined Vega full-time to host drive just under two years ago from ARN's Classic Hits radio network where he hosted the Classic Cafe.
Concert bids farewell to Smokey
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Smoky Dawson was tonight farewelled by fans and friends with a celebratory concert the ‘singing cowboy’ would have loved. Some of Australian country music’s biggest stars turned out to help celebrate the life of the singing cowboy, who died on February 13 after complications from surgery at the age of 94.
Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, James Blundell, Adam Brand, Beccy Cole, Normie Rowe, Melinda Schneider and Graeme Connors were among the more than 40 performers who volunteered their time for The Adventures of Smoky Dawson - A Life Remembered.
A crowd of about 1000 gathered at The Hills Centre for Performing Arts at Castle Hill in Sydney’s north west for the show, which included live performances, television and film footage of the late singer and excerpts from his radio show.
The star-studded event was hosted by Ray Martin and Dick Smith on what would have been Dawson’s 95th birthday.
Dawson’s 101-year-old widow Dot did not attend, but some of her family flew up from Melbourne especially for the concert.
John Williamson was selected to close the two-and-a-half hour show with his classic hit True Blue.
“They asked what I wanted to sing and I thought there’s no-one more true blue than Smoky,” Williamson told AAP.
“It’s the sort of song you can’t really sing for somebody until they are gone, because the first line is ‘don’t say you’ve gone, say you’ve knocked off for a smoko’.
“I don’t use it lightly I must say. I get requests to sing that song at all sorts of things, but with Smoky, he was the perfect example of what the song is about.”
Williamson said Dawson had been a mentor to young Australian country singers, including himself.
“Smoky never had any enemies and never had a bad word to say about anything. He was always very encouraging,” he said.
“I’m a veteran now almost but when I started 38 years ago he was one of those fellas who was always very warm to you and very keen for young Aussies to make it in the country music world.
“Slim (Dusty) was the king but (Dawson) was more like the father, you know.”
Organisers said they wanted the night to be a celebration as well as a memorial.
“Smoky would hate the thought of anybody being sad,” said concert producer and Dawson’s friend Glenn T.
“Tonight in his honour we’re celebrating a spectacular life and paying homage to a truly remarkable human being.”
Glenn T said he thought Dawson would have been proud of the show and wished he could be there to enjoy it.
But he said others were of the opinion that he wouldn’t miss it for the world: “I was talking to Jack Thompson about it the other day, and Jack looked at me and winked, and said ‘mate, he’ll be there, don’t you worry about that’.”
Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, James Blundell, Adam Brand, Beccy Cole, Normie Rowe, Melinda Schneider and Graeme Connors were among the more than 40 performers who volunteered their time for The Adventures of Smoky Dawson - A Life Remembered.
A crowd of about 1000 gathered at The Hills Centre for Performing Arts at Castle Hill in Sydney’s north west for the show, which included live performances, television and film footage of the late singer and excerpts from his radio show.
The star-studded event was hosted by Ray Martin and Dick Smith on what would have been Dawson’s 95th birthday.
Dawson’s 101-year-old widow Dot did not attend, but some of her family flew up from Melbourne especially for the concert.
John Williamson was selected to close the two-and-a-half hour show with his classic hit True Blue.
“They asked what I wanted to sing and I thought there’s no-one more true blue than Smoky,” Williamson told AAP.
“It’s the sort of song you can’t really sing for somebody until they are gone, because the first line is ‘don’t say you’ve gone, say you’ve knocked off for a smoko’.
“I don’t use it lightly I must say. I get requests to sing that song at all sorts of things, but with Smoky, he was the perfect example of what the song is about.”
Williamson said Dawson had been a mentor to young Australian country singers, including himself.
“Smoky never had any enemies and never had a bad word to say about anything. He was always very encouraging,” he said.
“I’m a veteran now almost but when I started 38 years ago he was one of those fellas who was always very warm to you and very keen for young Aussies to make it in the country music world.
“Slim (Dusty) was the king but (Dawson) was more like the father, you know.”
Organisers said they wanted the night to be a celebration as well as a memorial.
“Smoky would hate the thought of anybody being sad,” said concert producer and Dawson’s friend Glenn T.
“Tonight in his honour we’re celebrating a spectacular life and paying homage to a truly remarkable human being.”
Glenn T said he thought Dawson would have been proud of the show and wished he could be there to enjoy it.
But he said others were of the opinion that he wouldn’t miss it for the world: “I was talking to Jack Thompson about it the other day, and Jack looked at me and winked, and said ‘mate, he’ll be there, don’t you worry about that’.”
From the time tunnel:Yes What
| Labels: Video | 0 comments »
From the time tunnel we have a 10 minute grab of that classic old Australian radio serial Yes What. Runs 10minutes.
Nova 937 last party before rehab
Monday, March 17, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Perth's 937 Nova is giving one lucky radio listener the chance of winning a handy $10,000.00. Popular breakfast presenters Nathan and Nat are holding the Last Party Before Rehab 0n Saturday March 29 at the Onyx Bar.
This is going to be a glitzy red carpet event and promises to provide a night of random entertainment, however there is a catch if you want the $10,000.00 from the radio station!
During the night someone will be chosen to spend a gruelling 5 days of rehab which will include a boot camp with daily 5.30am wake up calls, (well after all it is a breakfast radio competition) no alcohol, no nicotine, no drugs, no junk food and no caffeine at all. There will also be a structured daily routine of kickboxing, weights and yoga. So if you also survive a colonic irrigation and the acupuncture you will pocket the 10 grand!
To find out more and to be part of it all visit the 937 website here
This is going to be a glitzy red carpet event and promises to provide a night of random entertainment, however there is a catch if you want the $10,000.00 from the radio station!
During the night someone will be chosen to spend a gruelling 5 days of rehab which will include a boot camp with daily 5.30am wake up calls, (well after all it is a breakfast radio competition) no alcohol, no nicotine, no drugs, no junk food and no caffeine at all. There will also be a structured daily routine of kickboxing, weights and yoga. So if you also survive a colonic irrigation and the acupuncture you will pocket the 10 grand!
To find out more and to be part of it all visit the 937 website here
Ernie and Denise reunite!
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Former TV on-air partners Ernie Sigley and Denise Drysdale reunited for a chat on Ernie's afternoon radio program today. Denise had dropped into the 3AW Bank St bunker to record a commercial for a Cruise she is taking part in later in the year and took time out to call in on Ernie.
Wheeler in for Webster
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Glenn Wheeler is currently filling in for Tim Webster on 2UE's weekday afternoon program between 12noon and 3.00pm.
SMH Business Day article: With the economic jitters in the US having reached Australian shores, media analysts at Goldman Sachs JBWere have taken the razor to its growth forecasts for the Australian media industry.
"Advertising is a discretionary item," the broker argued, cutting its earnings estimates for most domestic media stocks in the face of the slowing economy.
It trimmed its advertising market growth forecasts to 7.6 per cent for this financial year and 3.2 per cent in 2009, less than half the 6.8 per cent originally forecast for next year.
The biggest losers in the downgrade were traditional media - metropolitan newspapers, radio and television broadcasters - which were facing zero growth next fiscal year, Goldman said.
And it slashed its recommendation for Network Ten to sell, despite the channel's strong start to the year with shows such as So You Think You Can Dance Australia. Expectations of higher profit margins would be undermined by the TV advertising slowdown, it said.
The deteriorating market would even affect internet companies, with growth expected to slow from more than 30 per cent to 22 per cent next year, Goldman forecast, cutting its rating for the biggest job site, Seek, to hold.
ACMA finding on 6NR
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Media release:The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of Perth community radio service 6NR, Curtin University of Technology, breached the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 by broadcasting advertisements, as well as by broadcasting sponsorship announcements that ran in excess of 5 minutes per hour.
ACMA found the licensee failed to include appropriate acknowledgements of financial support (‘tags’) in relation to live cross-over chats with financial supporters. Under the BSA, sponsorship announcements on community radio which do not carry tags are considered advertisements. Where they are appropriately tagged, the BSA allocates a time limit of 5 minutes per hour for the broadcast of sponsorship announcements. On two occasions, ACMA found that the broadcast of announcements by the licensee ran in excess of this time limit.
In response to the breach findings, the licensee has ceased its practice of broadcasting sponsors live to air and now pre-records all interviews with sponsors. This has allowed the licensee to allocate an accurate time-limit to sponsorship announcements so that it coincides with Station logs, and also to ensure that the appropriate ‘tag’ is placed at the end of each sponsorship announcement.
ACMA considers the actions taken by the licensee as commensurate in the circumstances.
A copy of investigation report 1856 is available on the ACMA website.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrounder
ACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:
a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; or
the ABC or SBS of a code of practice.
If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.
However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.
There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.
As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that persons who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.
When making a complaint to ACMA, persons must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges in writing all complaints.
For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to give its side of the story. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.
When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – sometimes it is in the form of a letter, but more usually it takes the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.
Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.
Under the Act, ACMA has discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.
ACMA found the licensee failed to include appropriate acknowledgements of financial support (‘tags’) in relation to live cross-over chats with financial supporters. Under the BSA, sponsorship announcements on community radio which do not carry tags are considered advertisements. Where they are appropriately tagged, the BSA allocates a time limit of 5 minutes per hour for the broadcast of sponsorship announcements. On two occasions, ACMA found that the broadcast of announcements by the licensee ran in excess of this time limit.
In response to the breach findings, the licensee has ceased its practice of broadcasting sponsors live to air and now pre-records all interviews with sponsors. This has allowed the licensee to allocate an accurate time-limit to sponsorship announcements so that it coincides with Station logs, and also to ensure that the appropriate ‘tag’ is placed at the end of each sponsorship announcement.
ACMA considers the actions taken by the licensee as commensurate in the circumstances.
A copy of investigation report 1856 is available on the ACMA website.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager, on (02) 9334 7980.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrounder
ACMA conducts various types of investigations under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the Act). Investigations under Part 11 of the Act are conducted in response to complaints received by ACMA relating to a possible breach by:
a licensed broadcaster of the Act, the regulations, a licence condition, a class licence or a code of practice; or
the ABC or SBS of a code of practice.
If a person wishes to complain about something of concern they have seen or heard on a program broadcast by a radio or TV station, and the matter is covered by a code of practice, the person must, by law, first make a written complaint to the station.
However, if a complaint relates to a matter covered by a licence condition, the person can complain directly to ACMA and need not complain to the station first.
There is a different code of practice for each broadcasting sector, and each code of practice contains a section that explains the complaints process that applies to that sector.
As some codes impose time limits for complaints, it is advisable that persons who wish to make a complaint write to the radio or TV station as soon as possible. For instance, the code of practice that applies to commercial television broadcasters enables them to decide to not respond in writing to complaints that are made more than 30 days after the date of broadcast.
When making a complaint to ACMA, persons must provide a copy of their complaint to the station, a copy of the station’s reply if this has been received, and any other relevant correspondence with the station. ACMA takes all complaints seriously (except for those that are frivolous or vexatious or not made in good faith) and acknowledges in writing all complaints.
For valid complaints, ACMA considers the information provided and offers the relevant station an opportunity to give its side of the story. When all relevant information is available, ACMA assesses the complaint against the relevant licence condition or code of practice.
When an investigation is completed, ACMA is required to notify a complainant of the results of an investigation under Part 11 of the Act. The form this notification is to take is not specified in the Act – sometimes it is in the form of a letter, but more usually it takes the form of a more formal investigation report, which is provided to both the complainant and the licensee concerned.
Generally, personal or private information provided in a complaint, including name and address details, are not disclosed to the licensee concerned if it is a licence condition matter. However, as code complaints are first made to a licensee, code complaints are usually made available to the licensee concerned. ACMA’s usual practice is to not provide personal or private information in an investigation report.
Under the Act, ACMA has discretion whether or not to publish the report of an investigation conducted under Part 11 of the Act. ACMA is not required to publish an investigation report if publication would disclose matter of a confidential character or likely to prejudice the fair trial of a person. If ACMA intends to publish an investigation report that may adversely affect the interests of a person, ACMA must give the person an opportunity to make representations in relation to the matter.
Vega’s Wilbur, hair today- gone tomorrow
Sunday, March 16, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Like many radio announcers right across the country Vega 91.5 drive presenter Wilbur Wilde has donated his head of hair towards the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. Last Friday, 14 March, on Channel 10's morning show, 9am with David and Kim , Wilbur took it all off (his hair that is) and you can check out the result HERE.
Andrew Daddo lands 702 evenings
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Back in January we reported Andrew Daddo was filling in on ABC 702 evenings for a couple of weeks to replace the departed James O’Loughlin. It seems Andrew has passed the extended audition and will soon sign on as the full-time host. Like so many who have kicked on in various forms of radio and the media Andrew got his first taste of radio presenting at the iconic Melbourne station 3RRR. RELATED ARTICLE SMH
Nick Erby wins CMA award
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Country Music superstars Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn presented the 2007 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award to Nick Erby during a visit backstage after the duo's sold-out concert at the Acer Arena in Sydney, Australia earlier this week.
Widely regarded as Country Music's leading broadcaster in Australia, Erby has produced and hosted Country radio and television programs for more than 30 years. Currently Erby's radio show can be heard every Saturday and Sunday night via CMR (Country Music Radio). The program originates from 2TM in Tamworth and is broadcast on 38 commercial stations in Australia, including 2SM Sydney, while also being streamed online at 2sm.com.au
Widely regarded as Country Music's leading broadcaster in Australia, Erby has produced and hosted Country radio and television programs for more than 30 years. Currently Erby's radio show can be heard every Saturday and Sunday night via CMR (Country Music Radio). The program originates from 2TM in Tamworth and is broadcast on 38 commercial stations in Australia, including 2SM Sydney, while also being streamed online at 2sm.com.au
"I'm very grateful for the recognition from CMA," said a surprised Erby. "It comes at a very exciting time for Country Music in Australia. Our local industry is now very strong, with some wonderful talent emerging every year."
For 20 years, Erby produced and hosted "Country Music Jamboree," a weekly, syndicated program, which was broadcast on 68 regional and metro radio stations. He also hosted "Nick Erby's Country Close Up" (1980-1982) and "Nick Erby's Country Music Video" (1994-1995) for television. During his successful broadcast career, Erby has filled management positions at commercial stations 2CC Canberra, 3UZ Melbourne and 2UE Sydney. From the late '80s, he headed up 2TM Tamworth's Country Music division which broadcast the nightly program "Hoedown" that was later renamed CMR. He also is a regular contributor to Capital News.
Erby previously won the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award in 1997, the first year the Award was presented. Erby will launch the Internet radio station, CMR OnLine (Australia's Country Music Radio), by the end of April.
Entries are open for the 20th Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), to be held at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast on Saturday 11th October. The 2008 ACRAs promises to be bigger and better than ever. The Australian Commercial Radio Awards will again be held with statues presented over dinner. Awards will be handed out in 32 categories, including Best Talk Presenter, Best Music Personality, Best Program Director, Best On-Air Team, Best Sales Promotion, Best Documentary and Best Station Produced Comedy Segment. FULL DETAILS HERE
Radio station 2UE have moved Don Burke to his own timeslot, 6.00am to 8.00am Saturday and Sunday, from his regular gardening segment on the Glenn Wheeler weekend afternoon program.
Mark Pascoe keeping breakfast warm
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Mark (Smiley) Pascoe will cover 96fm breakfast until the new team of Gary Shannon, Fitzi and Aleysha Knowles take over on March 25th.
Hobart’s radio silence
Saturday, March 15, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
HOBART'S commercial radio stations are long overdue for a comprehensive independent listenership survey, leaving advertisers without key information on whether they are reaching the audience they pay for. The last independent survey was conducted in 2002. Leading media research company Neilsen questioned how the stations could justify their advertising fees without recent listenership data. Full story Sunday Tasmanian
Junk food advertising ban?
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There has been a widespread call for a ban on junk food advertising on radio and TV. The suggested ban would see a blackout on junk food advertising between 6.00am and 9.00pm.
This is part of a global call to fight childhood obesity. The rate of childhood obesity in Australia is one in four - well above the international average. Choice Magazine has joined with 114 global consumer groups in the launch of an international marketing code for high fat, high salt and high sugar foods.
This is part of a global call to fight childhood obesity. The rate of childhood obesity in Australia is one in four - well above the international average. Choice Magazine has joined with 114 global consumer groups in the launch of an international marketing code for high fat, high salt and high sugar foods.
A British mother is threatening to sue the BBC after one of its radio announcers broadcast details of her teenage daughter's birthday party.
Hundreds of gatecrashers turned up at the family's historic 21-bedroom Georgian manor home in Devon and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after hearing details of the party on Radio 1.
Birthday girl Sarah Ruscoe, 17, had expected about 300 people to attend her party, but about 2,000 ended up on her doorstep after one guest telephoned Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong and asked him to do a "shout-out" to anyone who wanted to join the celebrations.
When the uninvited guests turned up, paintings were soon torn from the walls, windows and mirrors smashed and chandeliers and doors damaged.
The four bouncers hired by Sarah's parents to police the party at their Bovey Tracey home had no chance of stopping the gatecrashers invading.
Sarah's mother Rebecca Brooks was furious, saying the ordeal had been "terrifying".
"I think it's totally negligent of the BBC to allow a statement like that to be broadcast," she told The Sunday Telegraph newspaper in Britain.
"There are so many kids around with nothing to do on a Friday night, so when they hear there's about to be a big party on the radio they're going to go."
Her husband Bill Brooks said some of the partygoers "were acting like animals".
"They were screaming and hollering and when someone broke something they cheered," he said.
"We tried to ask people to leave, but it was no use."
Police eventually broke up the party and blocked the driveway to the home to stop revellers returning.
A BBC spokesman said the DJ did not reveal the exact address of the party, but read out details of a "mansion party" taking place in Bovey Tracey which had been provided by a listener.
Hundreds of gatecrashers turned up at the family's historic 21-bedroom Georgian manor home in Devon and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage after hearing details of the party on Radio 1.
Birthday girl Sarah Ruscoe, 17, had expected about 300 people to attend her party, but about 2,000 ended up on her doorstep after one guest telephoned Radio 1 DJ Pete Tong and asked him to do a "shout-out" to anyone who wanted to join the celebrations.
When the uninvited guests turned up, paintings were soon torn from the walls, windows and mirrors smashed and chandeliers and doors damaged.
The four bouncers hired by Sarah's parents to police the party at their Bovey Tracey home had no chance of stopping the gatecrashers invading.
Sarah's mother Rebecca Brooks was furious, saying the ordeal had been "terrifying".
"I think it's totally negligent of the BBC to allow a statement like that to be broadcast," she told The Sunday Telegraph newspaper in Britain.
"There are so many kids around with nothing to do on a Friday night, so when they hear there's about to be a big party on the radio they're going to go."
Her husband Bill Brooks said some of the partygoers "were acting like animals".
"They were screaming and hollering and when someone broke something they cheered," he said.
"We tried to ask people to leave, but it was no use."
Police eventually broke up the party and blocked the driveway to the home to stop revellers returning.
A BBC spokesman said the DJ did not reveal the exact address of the party, but read out details of a "mansion party" taking place in Bovey Tracey which had been provided by a listener.
© 2008 AAP
Changes to 6PR afternoons
Friday, March 14, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
With the departure of Gary Shannon from the 12midday to 2pm slot on radio 6PR Bob Maumill will now be presenting the afternoon program between 12midday and 3pm. Bob will be followed by Howard Sattler, presenting drive 1 hour earlier, between 3pm and 6pm. Gary Shannon is returning to 96fm breakfast to replace Rod and the Flack. He signed off from his 6PR afternoon radio program today after a two year stint. Joining Gary will be journo Aleysha Knowles and former 96fm breakfast co-host Fitzy, who is returning to the slot. The trio kick off on Tuesday March 25th.">As we reported yesterday, Gary Shannon is returning to 96fm breakfast to replace Rod and the Flack who will move to 96fm evenings.
Footy on the way back to radio
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Across the nation weekend radio programming changes from next Saturday until the end of September . Summer talk or music features will once again be put to bed as the radio becomes a source for weekend footy coverage.
NRL has kicked off already and stations that take the call have adjusted programming to suite. Even though there has been a pre season with AFL, the official AFL season starts this coming Thursday night and we will begin to see full on game by game radio coverage by the main players of 3AW, 6PR, Fiveaa, Triple M, SEN and the ABC. Regionals whether taking AFL or NRL will have coverage for most Saturday and Sunday games.
NRL has kicked off already and stations that take the call have adjusted programming to suite. Even though there has been a pre season with AFL, the official AFL season starts this coming Thursday night and we will begin to see full on game by game radio coverage by the main players of 3AW, 6PR, Fiveaa, Triple M, SEN and the ABC. Regionals whether taking AFL or NRL will have coverage for most Saturday and Sunday games.
A bitter family feud is raging over the last wishes of dead footy commentator Clinton Grybas. The Herald Sun can reveal that those who were closest to him are arguing for a say in how his estate is divided.The sports host's shock death has caused a tragic rift between his partner, Laurenna Toulmin, and his parents Vic and Sandra. The warring parties, who consoled each other after Grybas' death, are now at loggerheads over some of his most cherished possessions. HERALD SUN EXCLUSIVE
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Media release: This year’s Gold Siren Winner, equivalent to the best radio ad in Australia, will be announced in Melbourne on May 9, following a record number of entries in this year’s Siren Awards. The winner of the 2008 Siren Awards for creative excellence in radio advertising will be announced at a gala breakfast featuring the hosts of Nova’s top-rating, drive time show, “The Wrong Way Home” - Akmal Saleh, Cal Wilson and Ed Kavalee. [/html]
[html] The comedy team will host the breakfast, which will feature the best radio ads of the past twelve months. The 2008 winner, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and its writer will also win two tickets to attend the festival. Last year’s Gold Siren winner, an advertisement for Snickers called “Hoedown”, won the Grand Prix Radio Lion at Cannes – equivalent to the best radio ad in the world – and was the first Australian winner ever. The other radio winner from Australia was a campaign for Foxtel, written by Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney which won a Silver Lion.
Media release: This year’s Gold Siren Winner, equivalent to the best radio ad in Australia, will be announced in Melbourne on May 9, following a record number of entries in this year’s Siren Awards. The winner of the 2008 Siren Awards for creative excellence in radio advertising will be announced at a gala breakfast featuring the hosts of Nova’s top-rating, drive time show, “The Wrong Way Home” - Akmal Saleh, Cal Wilson and Ed Kavalee. [/html]
[html] The comedy team will host the breakfast, which will feature the best radio ads of the past twelve months. The 2008 winner, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and its writer will also win two tickets to attend the festival. Last year’s Gold Siren winner, an advertisement for Snickers called “Hoedown”, won the Grand Prix Radio Lion at Cannes – equivalent to the best radio ad in the world – and was the first Australian winner ever. The other radio winner from Australia was a campaign for Foxtel, written by Saatchi & Saatchi, Sydney which won a Silver Lion.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the Siren Awards provided a great opportunity to recognise excellence in Australian radio advertising and highlight the great work being achieved.
“Each year the Siren Awards continue to raise the bar in terms of creativity and originality. There have been a record number of entries so far this year – over 500 – up more than 65% on last year, and entries are continuing to flood in with today being the last chance to enter” Ms Warner said.The gala breakfast will be followed by the Sirens Masterclass, a one-day, creative seminar that provides keynote speakers and interactive sessions. The Masterclass includes lunch and will be followed by drinks, enabling fellow creatives to share ideas and network. Keynote speakers at this year’s event are distinguished Australian screen writers, Jan Sardi and Craig Pearce. Sardi received an Academy Award nomination in 1997 for his screenplay for “Shine” and is known more recently for his work on the screenplay for the US film, “The Notebook”.
Craig’s success began in 1991 working with Baz Luhrmann on the Australian feature film, “Strictly Ballroom” and he has continued that partnership with work on “William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet” and Academy Award winning “Moulin Rouge”.Cannes Radio Lions judge for this year and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia, will also talk at the Masterclass and run several interactive sessions on how to write world-class radio ads. More speakers will be announced soon.
Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at The Point Albert Park in Melbourne. Commercial Radio Australia is running the event in association with the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MACD) and the Australian Writers Guild (AWG). The breakfast will run from 7.30am to 9.30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $395 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $65 for breakfast only. An early bird discounted rate of $350 is available for those members of Commercial Radio Australia, MADC and AWG who book and pay before Friday, April 11. For a booking form and more information visit the Sirens website.The national Siren Awards, now in their fifth year, are run by Commercial Radio Australia and are designed to recognise the best radio advertising in the country. The awards promote the importance of creativity as a way to make radio advertising more effective. Today is the last chance to get entries into this year’s Siren Awards with entries closing at 6pm. For more information visit the dedicated website www.sirenawards.com.au.
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Hamish and Andy sign for 3 more
Thursday, March 13, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
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Hamish and Andy have signed on with Austereo for a further three years of radio mayhem. The duo have been broadcasting their networked drive program from Brisbane radio station B105 this week. Read the full article Brisbane Times [/html]
Hamish and Andy have signed on with Austereo for a further three years of radio mayhem. The duo have been broadcasting their networked drive program from Brisbane radio station B105 this week. Read the full article Brisbane Times [/html]
Divestment of radio licences by MMG
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Press release ACMA: Macquarie Media Group (MMG) has divested 12 regional radio licences in accordance with an enforceable undertaking accepted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority in July 2007. [/html]
[html] MMG announced earlier today that the sale of these and other licences had been completed in the last few days. The licence areas where MMG was required by ACMA to sell one of its licences are: Atherton, Charters Towers, Mt Isa, Emerald, Roma and Kingaroy in Queensland; Young in New South Wales; Warragul in Victoria; and Burnie, Devonport, Queenstown and Scottsdale in Tasmania.MMG was given prior approval by ACMA for a transaction in July 2007 relating to its acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited. The transaction resulted in MMG controlling a number of regional television licences in addition to its regional radio licences. MMG gave an enforceable undertaking to ACMA that required it to sell 12 of its radio licences.Under the media diversity rules in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA), diversity in regional radio licence areas is measured by the number of points in those areas. Divestment of licences by MMG was required because the transaction created an unacceptable media diversity situation in nine licence areas and resulted in a reduction in the number of points in three licence areas where an unacceptable media diversity situation already existed. The divestment of the 12 licences by MMG restores the number of points in the relevant regional radio licence areas to pre-transaction levels.MMG also gave an enforceable undertaking to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), however the ACCC’s involvement related only to issues in Tasmania. The undertaking given to ACMA included the sale of licences in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.The enforceable undertaking given by MMG is available on ACMA’s website. Schedule 1 to that undertaking, which reveals the divestment period, has been kept confidential on account of its potential to affect the sale price of the licences. Schedule 1 will be published in the near future.Further information concerning the relevant licence areas is provided in the Register of Controlled Media Groups and in ACMA’s Media Diversity Report.Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on (02) 9334 7980.
* Tasmanian Broadcasters is a subsidiary of Grant Broadcasters Pty Ltd# Super Sydney FM is a subsidiary of Broadcast Operations Pty Ltd [/html]
Press release ACMA: Macquarie Media Group (MMG) has divested 12 regional radio licences in accordance with an enforceable undertaking accepted by the Australian Communications and Media Authority in July 2007. [/html]
[html] MMG announced earlier today that the sale of these and other licences had been completed in the last few days. The licence areas where MMG was required by ACMA to sell one of its licences are: Atherton, Charters Towers, Mt Isa, Emerald, Roma and Kingaroy in Queensland; Young in New South Wales; Warragul in Victoria; and Burnie, Devonport, Queenstown and Scottsdale in Tasmania.MMG was given prior approval by ACMA for a transaction in July 2007 relating to its acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited. The transaction resulted in MMG controlling a number of regional television licences in addition to its regional radio licences. MMG gave an enforceable undertaking to ACMA that required it to sell 12 of its radio licences.Under the media diversity rules in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA), diversity in regional radio licence areas is measured by the number of points in those areas. Divestment of licences by MMG was required because the transaction created an unacceptable media diversity situation in nine licence areas and resulted in a reduction in the number of points in three licence areas where an unacceptable media diversity situation already existed. The divestment of the 12 licences by MMG restores the number of points in the relevant regional radio licence areas to pre-transaction levels.MMG also gave an enforceable undertaking to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), however the ACCC’s involvement related only to issues in Tasmania. The undertaking given to ACMA included the sale of licences in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania.The enforceable undertaking given by MMG is available on ACMA’s website. Schedule 1 to that undertaking, which reveals the divestment period, has been kept confidential on account of its potential to affect the sale price of the licences. Schedule 1 will be published in the near future.Further information concerning the relevant licence areas is provided in the Register of Controlled Media Groups and in ACMA’s Media Diversity Report.Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on (02) 9334 7980.
Backgrounder
Under section 61AB of the BSA, an unacceptable media diversity situation will exist in a regional licence area of a commercial radio broadcasting licence if the number of points in the licence area is less than four.A registered media group (a group of two or more media operations) is worth one point in a licence area. In general, a media operation (a commercial television licence, a commercial radio licence or a newspaper that is associated with the licence area of a commercial television or commercial radio licence) that is not part of a media group is also worth one point.Sections 61AG and 61AH prohibit transactions that result in an unacceptable media diversity situation, or which reduce the number of points in a licence area in which an unacceptable media diversity situation already exists. Section 61AJ provides that before a transaction takes place that would result in an unacceptable media diversity situation coming into existence, or which would reduce the number of points in a licence area in which an unacceptable media diversity situation already exists, a person may apply to ACMA for approval of the transaction.If certain preconditions are satisfied, ACMA may approve the transaction and specify a period during which action must be taken to restore the number of points in a licence area. This period cannot be more than two years.The table below indicates the licence areas in which MMG was required to divest a licence, the licences sold, and the purchasers of those licences.Table 1: Macquarie Media Group Divestiture Licences
| Licence Area | Licence divested under ACMA undertaking | Purchaser |
|---|---|---|
| Burnie RA1 | 7BU 558 AM | Tasmanian Broadcasters Pty Ltd* |
| Queenstown RA1 | 7XS | |
| Young RA1 | 2LF | Super Sydney FM Pty Ltd# |
| Charters Towers RA1 | 4GC | |
| Kingaroy RA1 | 4SB 1071 AM | |
| Roma RA1 | 4ZR |
MMG sale of 19 licences
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Macquarie Media Group (MMG) today announced the sale of 19 Australian regional radio licences by Macquarie Southern Cross Media (MSC). These sales included the 15 licences that were required to be divested as part of the undertakings given to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) when MMG acquired Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, together with an associated licence in each of Young, Charters Towers, Burnie and Devonport. [/html]
[html] The licences have been sold to several purchasers for a total of approximately $34.5 million. Whilst the details of the purchase price and terms of the individual transactions are confidential, the purchasers of each licence are outlined in the table overleaf. MMG has no ongoing equity interest or debt financing exposure to any of these purchasers or licences.
The final sales completed on Thursday 13 March 2008.
The purchasers, the terms of the sales agreements as well as any agreements relating to the ongoing services between the purchasers and MSC, have been notified to ACMA and/or ACCC to the extent required.
MMG will use the sale proceeds to grow the Group or pursue capital management initiatives. The full year contribution of the licences being divested is less than 5 percent of MSC’s annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and thus their sale is expected to have a minimal impact on MMG’s distributions.
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Macquarie Media Group (MMG) today announced the sale of 19 Australian regional radio licences by Macquarie Southern Cross Media (MSC). These sales included the 15 licences that were required to be divested as part of the undertakings given to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) when MMG acquired Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, together with an associated licence in each of Young, Charters Towers, Burnie and Devonport. [/html]
[html] The licences have been sold to several purchasers for a total of approximately $34.5 million. Whilst the details of the purchase price and terms of the individual transactions are confidential, the purchasers of each licence are outlined in the table overleaf. MMG has no ongoing equity interest or debt financing exposure to any of these purchasers or licences.
The final sales completed on Thursday 13 March 2008.
The purchasers, the terms of the sales agreements as well as any agreements relating to the ongoing services between the purchasers and MSC, have been notified to ACMA and/or ACCC to the extent required.
MMG will use the sale proceeds to grow the Group or pursue capital management initiatives. The full year contribution of the licences being divested is less than 5 percent of MSC’s annual earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and thus their sale is expected to have a minimal impact on MMG’s distributions.
end [/html]
Smoky Dawson a Life Remembered
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“The Adventures of Smoky Dawson… A Life Remembered” will be held at the Hills Centre for the Performing Arts at Castle Hill on Wednesday, March 19, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Ticketek by calling 132 849. The night will be a star-filled event with country music stars, radio and media heads such as Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Ray Martin, Normie Rowe, Dick Smith, James Blundell, Melinda Schneider, Johnny Tapp, Johnny Chester, Mary Schneider, John Laws, Lorrae Desmond, Pixie Jenkins, the Howie Bros, Jim Haynes, Graeme Connors and Nick Erby confirmed as part of the moving event. The event will also honour what would have been his 95th birthday. [/html]
“The Adventures of Smoky Dawson… A Life Remembered” will be held at the Hills Centre for the Performing Arts at Castle Hill on Wednesday, March 19, at 7.30pm. Tickets are available through Ticketek by calling 132 849. The night will be a star-filled event with country music stars, radio and media heads such as Lee Kernaghan, John Williamson, Ray Martin, Normie Rowe, Dick Smith, James Blundell, Melinda Schneider, Johnny Tapp, Johnny Chester, Mary Schneider, John Laws, Lorrae Desmond, Pixie Jenkins, the Howie Bros, Jim Haynes, Graeme Connors and Nick Erby confirmed as part of the moving event. The event will also honour what would have been his 95th birthday. [/html]
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
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It will be a big weekend of sport on Triple M where they will be bringing you all the action from this years Formula 1 Grand Prix live from Albert Park, Melbourne. The radio coverage will be boosted by the enthusiastic team of Mark Skaife, Matty White, Brian Taylor and Daniel Gibson. Listen to live radio coverage via Triple M. [/html]
It will be a big weekend of sport on Triple M where they will be bringing you all the action from this years Formula 1 Grand Prix live from Albert Park, Melbourne. The radio coverage will be boosted by the enthusiastic team of Mark Skaife, Matty White, Brian Taylor and Daniel Gibson. Listen to live radio coverage via Triple M. [/html]
Gary Shannon back on 96fm breakfast
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Gary Shannon is returning to 96fm breakfast to replace Rod and the Flack. He signed off from his 6PR afternoon radio program today after a two year stint. Joining Gary will be journo Aleysha Knowles and former 96fm breakfast co-host Fitzy, who is returning to the slot. The trio kick off on Tuesday March 25th. [/html]
Gary Shannon is returning to 96fm breakfast to replace Rod and the Flack. He signed off from his 6PR afternoon radio program today after a two year stint. Joining Gary will be journo Aleysha Knowles and former 96fm breakfast co-host Fitzy, who is returning to the slot. The trio kick off on Tuesday March 25th. [/html]
Sean Craig Murphy returns to radio
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
[html] MIX102.3 proudly announced today they have lured Sean Craig Murphy back to the airwaves. An icon of radio in Adelaide, Sean is currently Creative Director for FNUKY Advertising, having previously worked for Austereo stations SAFM and Triple M and community station Fresh. I’ve wanted to work at MIX for a long time” Sean said. “I love the music and personality of the station: It really has an amazing connection with everythingthat’s great about Adelaide.” Sean said it was a tough decision leaving FNUKY and the advertising industry.“The agency is brilliant and I’ve had a ball, but in the end I couldn’t resist the opportunity to work at MIX. After more than 20 years working in radio I’ve really missed it.”Sean starts full time as the new MIX102.3 Afternoon and Drive Announcer Monday the 17th March.
General Manager of MIX102.3 George Fiacchi commented “Sean’s desire to join us has been evident for a long time. Now, we’re delighted and excited to bring his talents onboard at MIX102.3. He has a passion for great radio, and we know our listeners will connect with that passion from day one. Sean is a fantastic addition to the MIX102.3 team.
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Grant Broadcasters are the new owners of the following Tasmanian stations, signing the deal on Weds March 12, 7AD, 7BU, 7SD, 7XS, 7LA, SEA FM Burnie and SEA FM Devonport. There is an air of excitement with Grant Broadcasters taking over the Northern Tasmanian Network. 3GG has been sold to Guy Dobson’s Resonate who have also picked up Charters Towers (see earlier post) . [/html]
Grant Broadcasters are the new owners of the following Tasmanian stations, signing the deal on Weds March 12, 7AD, 7BU, 7SD, 7XS, 7LA, SEA FM Burnie and SEA FM Devonport. There is an air of excitement with Grant Broadcasters taking over the Northern Tasmanian Network. 3GG has been sold to Guy Dobson’s Resonate who have also picked up Charters Towers (see earlier post) . [/html]
Nova gets behind Dan!
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“I’m Dan Watson, and I’m a homosexual”. This is not a meeting of Gay Anonymous, rather the introduction to The Stick Shift, a two-hour gay-themed radio show on Melbourne’s Nova 100 hosted by said homosexual, Dan Watson. Full article here [/html]
“I’m Dan Watson, and I’m a homosexual”. This is not a meeting of Gay Anonymous, rather the introduction to The Stick Shift, a two-hour gay-themed radio show on Melbourne’s Nova 100 hosted by said homosexual, Dan Watson. Full article here [/html]
New 2GB Canberra Chief
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Michael Cavanagh is the new 2GB Bureau Chief at Parliament house news bureau in Canberra. [/html]
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Michael Cavanagh is the new 2GB Bureau Chief at Parliament house news bureau in Canberra. [/html]
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MMG sell 8 stations
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News is filtering through on MMG's sale of the following stations. In young 2LF and Star-FM have gone to Bill Caralis, in Charters Towers Hot FM AND 4GC have gone to Guy Dobson's Resonate Group. 4ZR, 4LM, 4HI, 1071 4SB have been sold to Brad Smart's PineCam. More to come
Press release: The Southern Community Media Association's National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro's Broadcasters' conference at Ballarat (2-4 May 2008) is all about "Getting Back To Basics".
Workshops and plenary sessions will concentrate on the grass roots
information that community broadcasters need, not only to survive, but
to grow and prosper in the current hostile environment that all
stations and their volunteers are working in.
The National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference
provide great learning opportunities and also offer delegates the
opportunity to develop networks, friendships and information flows in
a friendly open environment.
The Conference not only offers all of these features it is fantastic
value for money with early bird registration open until the 11 April
at just $140 per delegate and with discounts for financial members of
the Southern Community Media Association.
Full details at www.scma1.com
There is also the opportunity to enter the prestigious X Awards.
These awards recognise excellence within the community broadcasting
sector and is open to all financial members of the Southern Community
Media Association as well as all non members who have delegates
attending the National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters'
Conference.
The X Awards entries close on 31 March 2008: don't miss out on this
great opportunity!
See you in Ballarat!
Workshops and plenary sessions will concentrate on the grass roots
information that community broadcasters need, not only to survive, but
to grow and prosper in the current hostile environment that all
stations and their volunteers are working in.
The National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters Conference
provide great learning opportunities and also offer delegates the
opportunity to develop networks, friendships and information flows in
a friendly open environment.
The Conference not only offers all of these features it is fantastic
value for money with early bird registration open until the 11 April
at just $140 per delegate and with discounts for financial members of
the Southern Community Media Association.
Full details at www.scma1.com
There is also the opportunity to enter the prestigious X Awards.
These awards recognise excellence within the community broadcasting
sector and is open to all financial members of the Southern Community
Media Association as well as all non members who have delegates
attending the National Regional, Rural and Sub Metro Broadcasters'
Conference.
The X Awards entries close on 31 March 2008: don't miss out on this
great opportunity!
See you in Ballarat!
Green Guide 13 Mar 2008
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Source and entire item from The Age Green Guide.
AUDIENCES seem to appreciate his particular style of humour. But Peter Berner has heard at least one voice of dissent. "Not funny, Dad!" his three-year-old son has interjected from the back of the family car.
Berner is heartened by the response he has had to his new one-hour show, The Peter Berner Experiment. "The experiment is pretty much anything you can get away with," says Berner, who was one of five co-hosts of long-running Triple M breakfast show The Cage.A mix of comedy and music, his experiment airs live from 3pm in Sydney before the Wil and Lehmo drive show but is delayed until 6pm in Melbourne. Why the late hour in Melbourne? "The thing I've learned with working in radio and FM (in particular) is you do what they want you to do."They're making decisions based on research that I have no interest in. I don't care if they're laughing in the mid-afternoon or early afternoon. As long as people are laughing."
After five years with The Cage team the veteran stand-up comedian and host of the ABC TV quiz show, The Einstein Factor, says he's getting used to being on air alone.
"I must admit in the first few shows, having gone from five people, you say something and you're waiting for a reaction, a laugh, someone to butt in. And then you realise, jeez, I've got to fill this. Now that I've settled into it, I'm enjoying the unfettered power. I get to say what I want."
He's the self-styled "man of a thousand voices", interviewing himself on occasion in guises that have so far included a representative of the Japanese whaling industry, a member of al-Qaeda, and the president of the Australian Goldfish Association.
Actually, he's used to being in the studio alone. While others in the team — Brigitte Duclos, James Brayshaw, Matt Parkinson and Mike Fitzpatrick — were in the St Kilda studio, he'd join in from Sydney.
"It was a bit like Sybil," he says of the film about a woman with 13 personalities. "You end up sitting in a room by yourself but you hear a lot of voices."
Berner wasn't surprised to hear from Austereo programmer Guy Dobson after The Cage's run ended late last year. "Because The Cage was running out of Melbourne and I was Sydney-based, I'd been given the phone call to say it's all over. I thought Dobbo was just doing the courtesy of a face-to-face chat."
He's all too aware that he's filling the spot left by Tony Martin's Get This. "Tony had a massive following and a lot of people were despairing when his show ended … I don't know what to say about that."
The Cage's replacement breakfast team, Peter Helliar and Myf Warhurst, slipped backwards by 0.1% in the first survey of the year despite extensive advertising and marketing. "I think most new shows do," Berner says. "There's (always) going to be fans of the previous show that are going to go, 'Right. That's it. Turn it off. I'm going somewhere else.' They eventually come back. It takes time."
He plays down a 2005 on-air spat with Brigitte Duclos after he compared her to a "chicken Subway sandwich". "It was a flip comment by me on air," he says. "She took offence and in traditional, good old-fashioned radioland, (they decided), 'Let's stoke that, let's poke this beast.' It was actually all good fun in the end."
He's up against Nova's co-hosts Ed Kavalee — Tony Martin's former co-host — and Akmal Saleh, who started in stand-up around the same time as him, close to 20 years ago.
"I've known Akmal forever … and I'm somewhat surprised it's taken people this long to get switched on to the fact that he is a majorly talented individual and a very funny human being."
Berner is 45 and reckons he's getting old. He was an advertising production manager when he first tried out as a comedian. Stand-up comics seemed to be "interesting, odd, slightly dysfunctional people and I've always tended to fit in around people who don't fit in".
He's in demand for corporate functions. He says it's fairly undemanding. "They literally don't want you to go out and molest the managing director's wife. Providing you (don't) do that, you're pretty much OK with it."
Berner says he is invariably asked what subject he'd choose if he was a contestant on The Einstein Factor and replies it would be The Simpsons. He is dismissive of some of the less challenging quiz shows. "Spell 'cat'. We take 45 minutes to figure out if it's c-a-t or k-a-t and we all watch with nervous anticipation."
The Einstein Factor has "alienated people certainly when we talk about molluscs or renaissance prison art from France. But that doesn't last the whole show."
He'd like to do a weekly show here of the calibre of Jon Stewart's The Daily Show in the US.
Berner was pleasantly surprised at the popularity of ABC TV's 140-episode Backberner. "Sure, you know, with a head like mine, I'm surprised I'm still on television, to be honest with you."
What's wrong with the head? "Ah, you know, in renovator's terms it's a knockdown. Really, it's a knockdown, rebuilt."
AUDIENCES seem to appreciate his particular style of humour. But Peter Berner has heard at least one voice of dissent. "Not funny, Dad!" his three-year-old son has interjected from the back of the family car.
Berner is heartened by the response he has had to his new one-hour show, The Peter Berner Experiment. "The experiment is pretty much anything you can get away with," says Berner, who was one of five co-hosts of long-running Triple M breakfast show The Cage.A mix of comedy and music, his experiment airs live from 3pm in Sydney before the Wil and Lehmo drive show but is delayed until 6pm in Melbourne. Why the late hour in Melbourne? "The thing I've learned with working in radio and FM (in particular) is you do what they want you to do."They're making decisions based on research that I have no interest in. I don't care if they're laughing in the mid-afternoon or early afternoon. As long as people are laughing."
After five years with The Cage team the veteran stand-up comedian and host of the ABC TV quiz show, The Einstein Factor, says he's getting used to being on air alone.
"I must admit in the first few shows, having gone from five people, you say something and you're waiting for a reaction, a laugh, someone to butt in. And then you realise, jeez, I've got to fill this. Now that I've settled into it, I'm enjoying the unfettered power. I get to say what I want."
He's the self-styled "man of a thousand voices", interviewing himself on occasion in guises that have so far included a representative of the Japanese whaling industry, a member of al-Qaeda, and the president of the Australian Goldfish Association.
Actually, he's used to being in the studio alone. While others in the team — Brigitte Duclos, James Brayshaw, Matt Parkinson and Mike Fitzpatrick — were in the St Kilda studio, he'd join in from Sydney.
"It was a bit like Sybil," he says of the film about a woman with 13 personalities. "You end up sitting in a room by yourself but you hear a lot of voices."
Berner wasn't surprised to hear from Austereo programmer Guy Dobson after The Cage's run ended late last year. "Because The Cage was running out of Melbourne and I was Sydney-based, I'd been given the phone call to say it's all over. I thought Dobbo was just doing the courtesy of a face-to-face chat."
They met for coffee. "I was sitting there going, 'Yeah, yeah. No worries at all. And then he started talking about (it) … and I twigged that he was actually offering me an hour. I went, 'Ah!' I sat up straight and moved to the front of my chair and started nodding and agreeing with everything he said."
He's all too aware that he's filling the spot left by Tony Martin's Get This. "Tony had a massive following and a lot of people were despairing when his show ended … I don't know what to say about that."
The Cage's replacement breakfast team, Peter Helliar and Myf Warhurst, slipped backwards by 0.1% in the first survey of the year despite extensive advertising and marketing. "I think most new shows do," Berner says. "There's (always) going to be fans of the previous show that are going to go, 'Right. That's it. Turn it off. I'm going somewhere else.' They eventually come back. It takes time."
He plays down a 2005 on-air spat with Brigitte Duclos after he compared her to a "chicken Subway sandwich". "It was a flip comment by me on air," he says. "She took offence and in traditional, good old-fashioned radioland, (they decided), 'Let's stoke that, let's poke this beast.' It was actually all good fun in the end."
He's up against Nova's co-hosts Ed Kavalee — Tony Martin's former co-host — and Akmal Saleh, who started in stand-up around the same time as him, close to 20 years ago.
"I've known Akmal forever … and I'm somewhat surprised it's taken people this long to get switched on to the fact that he is a majorly talented individual and a very funny human being."
Berner is 45 and reckons he's getting old. He was an advertising production manager when he first tried out as a comedian. Stand-up comics seemed to be "interesting, odd, slightly dysfunctional people and I've always tended to fit in around people who don't fit in".
He's in demand for corporate functions. He says it's fairly undemanding. "They literally don't want you to go out and molest the managing director's wife. Providing you (don't) do that, you're pretty much OK with it."
Berner says he is invariably asked what subject he'd choose if he was a contestant on The Einstein Factor and replies it would be The Simpsons. He is dismissive of some of the less challenging quiz shows. "Spell 'cat'. We take 45 minutes to figure out if it's c-a-t or k-a-t and we all watch with nervous anticipation."
The Einstein Factor has "alienated people certainly when we talk about molluscs or renaissance prison art from France. But that doesn't last the whole show."
He'd like to do a weekly show here of the calibre of Jon Stewart's The Daily Show in the US.
Berner was pleasantly surprised at the popularity of ABC TV's 140-episode Backberner. "Sure, you know, with a head like mine, I'm surprised I'm still on television, to be honest with you."
What's wrong with the head? "Ah, you know, in renovator's terms it's a knockdown. Really, it's a knockdown, rebuilt."
Entries close in the inaugural Young Australian Journalist of the Year on Friday, March 14, 2008. The Young Australian Journalist of the Year Awards has five categories: print, television, radio, online and photography. Entry is open to all Australian journalists aged under 26 and employed full-time or freelance who’s work has been published or broadcast through Australian media outlets in the 12 months ending 14 March 2008. The award ceremony will take place in Sydney in July 2008. More details
Jones Radio Networks' American Comedy Network will launch the Australian Comedy Network on March 24 under a licensing deal with ACN. Ad sales will be handled through Jones MediaAmerica and JRN will handle affiliate sales through Jones Inc. Created by CEO Craig Lange, The Australian Comedy Network will provide content to radio outlets in Australia and New Zealand. Source and entire item Radio Online
Lange said, "The combination of ACN's resources and our local team will see us capable of producing topical comedy around the clock. With access to ACN's extensive voice and production bank we can offer stations a service they normally wouldn't be able to access."
The company will be based at studios and production offices in Sydney and Brisbane
Lange said, "The combination of ACN's resources and our local team will see us capable of producing topical comedy around the clock. With access to ACN's extensive voice and production bank we can offer stations a service they normally wouldn't be able to access."
The company will be based at studios and production offices in Sydney and Brisbane
ABC Bega Station History
Tuesday, March 11, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
ABC local radio continues in their series of station history. 2BA/CP went to air in 1956, the same year as Television started. Today known as ABC South East the station boasts a rich history for the Bega and Cooma regions. ABC South East claim to hold the record for just two radio News editors in the one job over a period of 52 years! Read the full article here
The sad bashing death of radio anouncer Article from Tuesday, January 23rd, 2007 Brian Heathcote, last year, has resulted in two people being ordered to stand trial. Brisbane Magistrate John Costello has found there was enough evidence to potentially convict Tyler Alfred Barden, 20, of the Sunshine Coast, for Mr Heathcote's murder. Full article here Courier Mail
ABC cleans out it's Backyard
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Over the last 24 hours the ABC has launched just over 60 new websites for it's local radio network. The new sites replace what were known as The Backyard. Most sites are now live however further tweaking will continue for the next few weeks. Check them out here
Kelly back for Fiveaa Afternoons
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Alexander and; Nicky Downer have completed their couple of weeks filling in on Fiveaa afternoons and have handed the reigns back to Channel 9's Kelly Nestor, who is keeping the seat warm for Amanda Blair.
Pulse radio station gets meeting with minister
Monday, March 10, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Bosses of an iconic Geelong community radio station will meet the Rudd Government's tsar of the airwaves in their fight to stay on the 94.7FM frequency. Pulse head Michael Martinez yesterday hailed the meeting as a breakthrough. Geelong Advertiser
Steve Andrews tragic death
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Brisbane based voice over specialist and former 4BC radio presenter has been tragically killed while crossing the road on the Sunshine Coast overnight. Colleagues and friends are in shock today as they come to grips with this untimely passing of a man who was a natural in this industry. Vale Steve Andrews, gone to soon, aged just 38.
Brisbane Times article
Steve Andrews character voices
Steve Andrews character voices
Brisbane Times article
Steve Andrews character voices
Steve Andrews character voices
Station of the week: 102.9 KO FM
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
This weeks station of the week is 10.9 KO FM, playing Newcastle's widest range of music. Catch David and Tanya for breakfast, spend the mornings with Nicko then check out the rest of the team live on-line.
ACMA press release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority is inviting applications from aspirant community broadcasters to provide temporary radio services to Perth on the frequency 101.7 MHz, following the surrender of the frequency by the operator of community broadcasting service, Groove FM.
‘This is an opportunity for community groups to develop their operational and programming skills while providing for the cultural needs of the Perth community not met by existing services,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
‘ACMA is committed to retaining 101.7 MHz for community radio broadcasting in Perth. The decision to permit community radio trials on the frequency is seen as a first step towards the eventual long-term reallocation of the frequency for community radio,’ Mr Chapman said.
Groove FM, which ceased broadcasting at midnight Sunday 9 March 2008, was licensed to provide a service for youth in Perth under a temporary community broadcasting licence. ACMA issued the temporary licence in February this year following a decision not to renew the long-term licence for the service.
‘It is disappointing that Groove FM was unable to take advantage of its temporary licence to address the concerns that ACMA identified with the service,’ Mr Chapman said.
While ACMA would welcome the emergence of a new organisation representing the youth community, it is the policy intention of the Broadcasting Services Act that temporary services will not be confined to youth radio but may address any legitimate community need.
‘We hope that other groups will now take up the challenge of promoting diversity in broadcasting services for Perth audiences,’ Mr Chapman said.
Applications are open to not-for-profit companies registered in Australia or an external territory that represents a community interest. ACMA will consider all applications received by close of business, Monday 31 March 2008.
ACMA is aware of potential interest from more than one aspirant group. If more than one group is found to meet the basic eligibility requirements or if new aspirant community broadcasters later emerge, access to the frequency will be shared. At an appropriate time, ACMA will offer a long-term community broadcasting licence for allocation, after conducting a merit-based assessment of all applicants for the licence.
‘This is an opportunity for community groups to develop their operational and programming skills while providing for the cultural needs of the Perth community not met by existing services,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
‘ACMA is committed to retaining 101.7 MHz for community radio broadcasting in Perth. The decision to permit community radio trials on the frequency is seen as a first step towards the eventual long-term reallocation of the frequency for community radio,’ Mr Chapman said.
Groove FM, which ceased broadcasting at midnight Sunday 9 March 2008, was licensed to provide a service for youth in Perth under a temporary community broadcasting licence. ACMA issued the temporary licence in February this year following a decision not to renew the long-term licence for the service.
‘It is disappointing that Groove FM was unable to take advantage of its temporary licence to address the concerns that ACMA identified with the service,’ Mr Chapman said.
While ACMA would welcome the emergence of a new organisation representing the youth community, it is the policy intention of the Broadcasting Services Act that temporary services will not be confined to youth radio but may address any legitimate community need.
‘We hope that other groups will now take up the challenge of promoting diversity in broadcasting services for Perth audiences,’ Mr Chapman said.
Applications are open to not-for-profit companies registered in Australia or an external territory that represents a community interest. ACMA will consider all applications received by close of business, Monday 31 March 2008.
ACMA is aware of potential interest from more than one aspirant group. If more than one group is found to meet the basic eligibility requirements or if new aspirant community broadcasters later emerge, access to the frequency will be shared. At an appropriate time, ACMA will offer a long-term community broadcasting licence for allocation, after conducting a merit-based assessment of all applicants for the licence.
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