Survey 8 Nielsen radio ratings
Nielsen radio ratings survey 8 results for each state are below. Click on each of the links to see the results.
Adelaide Brisbane Perth Melbourne Sydney
Anthony Maroon joins Vega 95.3 drive
Ex Triple M jock, Anthony Maroon, will join Sydney station Vega 95.3 presenting drive starting December 8. Anthony takes over from Vega 95.3fm presenter Jason Staveley, who is heading to Germany to take up a radio role with Stuttgart based BigFM.
Cyclist French wins defamation payout
Olympic cyclist Mark French has won a damages payout from a radio station that wrongly implied he was a drug cheat.
The jury found French had been defamed by comments aired on Triple M in 2004, labelling him un-Australian and a drug cheat.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard broadcaster James Brayshaw said French was "a dirty, stinking, dobbing cyclist".
The jury found the comments were defamatory, untrue and malicious and French was awarded $350,000 in damages plus costs and interest of $57,000.
He hugged his lawyer, partner and family after the verdict was handed down.
French was found guilty of doping charges in 2004, but the finding was overturned on appeal.
Source ABC
The jury found French had been defamed by comments aired on Triple M in 2004, labelling him un-Australian and a drug cheat.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard broadcaster James Brayshaw said French was "a dirty, stinking, dobbing cyclist".
The jury found the comments were defamatory, untrue and malicious and French was awarded $350,000 in damages plus costs and interest of $57,000.
He hugged his lawyer, partner and family after the verdict was handed down.
French was found guilty of doping charges in 2004, but the finding was overturned on appeal.
Source ABC
Happy 75th 6IX
[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/6ix.png[/img]
Perth station 6IX celebrates 75 years of broadcasting today. 6IX can be heard at 1080 AM frequency whilst listeners in Joondalup or Rockingham can tune in at 105.7 FM. Congratulations 6IX on 75 years of great radio.
Perth station 6IX celebrates 75 years of broadcasting today. 6IX can be heard at 1080 AM frequency whilst listeners in Joondalup or Rockingham can tune in at 105.7 FM. Congratulations 6IX on 75 years of great radio.
Emily Everywhere short listed for The Cage.
Hot on her departure from Nova today it has been suggested Emily Jade O'keefe will possibly be teaming up with Ian Skippen, Greg Martin and Greg Sullivan on 4MMM's The Cage in 2009.
Spoonman over and out at Triple M
Spoonman AKA Brian Carlton has presented his final program on the Austereo Triple M Network. Carlton, who has had two bites of the cherry as Spoonman on Triple M, may just pop back up on radio in 2009. He has previously worked at both 2UE and 2GB.
Fans have started a BRING BACK SPOONMAN Facebook page [link=http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53727330927&ref=mf]here[/link]
Fans have started a BRING BACK SPOONMAN Facebook page [link=http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53727330927&ref=mf]here[/link]
ACMA takes action against 2UE
The Australian Communications and Media Authority today filed an application in the Federal Court of Australia seeking a civil penalty order against Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd for breaching a condition of its licence.
The 2UE breaches relate to 13 failures by the licensee of 2UE to ensure that on-air announcements disclosing a commercial relationship were made during broadcasts of the John Laws Morning Show.
ACMA has reached agreement with Fairfax Media Limited (the current owner of 2UE) that 2UE will consent to civil penalty orders in the Federal Court in relation to the breaches and that both parties will submit to the Court that an appropriate penalty would be $130,000. It is ultimately a matter for the court to determine the civil penalty.
ACMA has taken the step of applying for civil penalty orders against 2UE, having earlier tried to address 2UE’s compliance failures through other means. These latest breaches occurred at a time when 2UE had given ACMA an enforceable undertaking to improve its performance, particularly in relation to the John Laws Morning Show,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
An enforceable undertaking was offered by 2UE and accepted by ACMA in September 2007 in response to ACMA’s findings that 2UE breached the Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) 20 times during a broadcast in August 2006. The broadcast included extended discussion of the issue of Telstra’s privatisation. Compliance with the Disclosure Standard is a condition that applies to all commercial radio broadcasting licences.
‘ACMA notes that Fairfax Media only acquired control of 2UE late in the period during which the breaches occurred, and acknowledges the cooperation of Fairfax inherent in conceding these breaches and working to improve compliance at 2UE,’ said Mr Chapman said.
‘However, ACMA —and the Australian Broadcasting Authority before it— has emphasised in previous findings against 2UE that the obligation to comply with program standards lies with the licensee itself; in fact it goes to the heart of a licensee’s obligations.
‘Broadcasting licences are not given out lightly by government and convey significant benefit to those to whom a licence is granted. It is a licensee’s unrelenting responsibility to manage its business, including its presenters and production staff, so as to ensure satisfactory compliance with the regulatory requirements.
‘Company management put at real risk the retention of these licences when they allow on-air personalities or other staff to breach the rules. One consideration informing the Authority’s agreement to consenting to the civil penalty order was its assessment that Fairfax genuinely accepts that proposition,’ Mr Chapman said.
ACMA’s findings in relation to the breaches in October and November 2007 are set out in the Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd, published on the ACMA website.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on 02 9334 7980.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrounder
The Disclosure Standard
The Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) requires a licensee to cause a disclosure announcement to be broadcast during a current affairs program when the name, products or services of a presenter’s sponsor are mentioned. A licensee must keep a register of commercial agreements between presenters and sponsors and must provide ACMA with details of those agreements.
Compliance by 2UE with the Disclosure Standard
In September 2007 ACMA found that 2UE failed to cause disclosure announcements on 20 occasions in August 2006 when Mr Laws mentioned a sponsor, Telstra, including during an interview with the then Prime Minister.
ACMA’s findings followed earlier findings by the former Australian Broadcasting Authority in December 2003 that 2UE had breached the Disclosure Standard on 19 occasions (in relation to sponsors Telstra and NRMA). At that time, the ABA also found six breaches of the special licence conditions imposed on 2UE in March 2000, following the Commercial Radio Inquiry.
In response to ACMA’s findings of September 2007, 2UE offered ACMA an enforceable undertaking under which the John Laws Morning Show would be monitored and 2UE would take action if disclosure statements were not made when sponsors were mentioned.
Under the terms of the undertaking the licensee agreed to implement a number of measures in regard to the John Laws Morning Show which were designed to ensure compliance with the commercial radio standards. One such measure was the provision of periodic monitoring reports. An independent reviewer was appointed by the licensee to review samples of the John Laws Morning Show and provide ACMA with regular reports on 2UE’s compliance with the Disclosure Standard.
The first monitoring report was provided to ACMA on 18 October 2007 and the final report was provided shortly after Mr Laws retired from broadcasting on 30 November 2007. In total, the reports presented a sample of 17 programs over two months.
Fairfax Media acquired 2UE from Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, after most of the breaches had occurred.
Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd
ACMA reviewed the monitoring reports for compliance with the undertaking and compiled a Compliance Assessment Report (the report). ACMA identified 13 incidents, all amounting to breaches of the Disclosure Standard, when no disclosure announcement had been made. As 2UE had either failed to take action in relation to these breaches, or had failed to report the breaches to ACMA (or both), ACMA found that 2UE had breached its enforceable undertaking on these occasions.
ACMA also found that 2UE had breached a standard licence condition set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA). One of the standard conditions for commercial radio licences, set out at section 8(1) of Schedule 2 to the BSA, is the requirement that the licensee will comply with program standards applicable under Part 9 of the BSA. As the Disclosure Standard is a program standard made under Part 9, and ACMA found that the licensee breached the standard on 13 occasions, ACMA also found that the licensee breached the standard licence condition on 13 occasions.
Civil penalties under the Broadcasting Services Act
Subsection 140A(3) of the BSA provides that a commercial radio broadcasting licensee must not breach a condition of its licence. Subsection 140A(7) states that subsection (3) is a civil penalty provision.
ACMA can apply to the Federal Court for a civil penalty order to be made under section 205F of the BSA for breach of the licence condition.
ACMA is taking action in this matter against the licensee, Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd. Under the Disclosure Standard and the licence conditions that apply to commercial radio services, it is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure compliance.
Fairfax Media acquired full operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, following the acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited by Macquarie Media Group (MMG) and MMG’s sale of 2UE and other commercial radio licences to Fairfax Media. Most of the breaches of the licence condition occurred before Fairfax Media acquired full control of 2UE, and Fairfax Media cooperated with ACMA in investigating the breaches. Fairfax Media has since taken a number of steps to improve compliance at 2UE.
Although Fairfax Media only gained operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, the licensee has not changed and its enforceable undertaking of 24 September 2007 continues to apply. Fairfax Media has assumed responsibility for compliance with the undertaking and all the other regulatory and legislative obligations attaching to the broadcasting licence.
ACMA and Fairfax Media have reached agreement that an appropriate level for the penalty would be $130,000, comprising $10,000 for each of the 13 breaches.
The 2UE breaches relate to 13 failures by the licensee of 2UE to ensure that on-air announcements disclosing a commercial relationship were made during broadcasts of the John Laws Morning Show.
ACMA has reached agreement with Fairfax Media Limited (the current owner of 2UE) that 2UE will consent to civil penalty orders in the Federal Court in relation to the breaches and that both parties will submit to the Court that an appropriate penalty would be $130,000. It is ultimately a matter for the court to determine the civil penalty.
ACMA has taken the step of applying for civil penalty orders against 2UE, having earlier tried to address 2UE’s compliance failures through other means. These latest breaches occurred at a time when 2UE had given ACMA an enforceable undertaking to improve its performance, particularly in relation to the John Laws Morning Show,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
An enforceable undertaking was offered by 2UE and accepted by ACMA in September 2007 in response to ACMA’s findings that 2UE breached the Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) 20 times during a broadcast in August 2006. The broadcast included extended discussion of the issue of Telstra’s privatisation. Compliance with the Disclosure Standard is a condition that applies to all commercial radio broadcasting licences.
‘ACMA notes that Fairfax Media only acquired control of 2UE late in the period during which the breaches occurred, and acknowledges the cooperation of Fairfax inherent in conceding these breaches and working to improve compliance at 2UE,’ said Mr Chapman said.
‘However, ACMA —and the Australian Broadcasting Authority before it— has emphasised in previous findings against 2UE that the obligation to comply with program standards lies with the licensee itself; in fact it goes to the heart of a licensee’s obligations.
‘Broadcasting licences are not given out lightly by government and convey significant benefit to those to whom a licence is granted. It is a licensee’s unrelenting responsibility to manage its business, including its presenters and production staff, so as to ensure satisfactory compliance with the regulatory requirements.
‘Company management put at real risk the retention of these licences when they allow on-air personalities or other staff to breach the rules. One consideration informing the Authority’s agreement to consenting to the civil penalty order was its assessment that Fairfax genuinely accepts that proposition,’ Mr Chapman said.
ACMA’s findings in relation to the breaches in October and November 2007 are set out in the Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd, published on the ACMA website.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on 02 9334 7980.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrounder
The Disclosure Standard
The Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) requires a licensee to cause a disclosure announcement to be broadcast during a current affairs program when the name, products or services of a presenter’s sponsor are mentioned. A licensee must keep a register of commercial agreements between presenters and sponsors and must provide ACMA with details of those agreements.
Compliance by 2UE with the Disclosure Standard
In September 2007 ACMA found that 2UE failed to cause disclosure announcements on 20 occasions in August 2006 when Mr Laws mentioned a sponsor, Telstra, including during an interview with the then Prime Minister.
ACMA’s findings followed earlier findings by the former Australian Broadcasting Authority in December 2003 that 2UE had breached the Disclosure Standard on 19 occasions (in relation to sponsors Telstra and NRMA). At that time, the ABA also found six breaches of the special licence conditions imposed on 2UE in March 2000, following the Commercial Radio Inquiry.
In response to ACMA’s findings of September 2007, 2UE offered ACMA an enforceable undertaking under which the John Laws Morning Show would be monitored and 2UE would take action if disclosure statements were not made when sponsors were mentioned.
Under the terms of the undertaking the licensee agreed to implement a number of measures in regard to the John Laws Morning Show which were designed to ensure compliance with the commercial radio standards. One such measure was the provision of periodic monitoring reports. An independent reviewer was appointed by the licensee to review samples of the John Laws Morning Show and provide ACMA with regular reports on 2UE’s compliance with the Disclosure Standard.
The first monitoring report was provided to ACMA on 18 October 2007 and the final report was provided shortly after Mr Laws retired from broadcasting on 30 November 2007. In total, the reports presented a sample of 17 programs over two months.
Fairfax Media acquired 2UE from Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, after most of the breaches had occurred.
Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd
ACMA reviewed the monitoring reports for compliance with the undertaking and compiled a Compliance Assessment Report (the report). ACMA identified 13 incidents, all amounting to breaches of the Disclosure Standard, when no disclosure announcement had been made. As 2UE had either failed to take action in relation to these breaches, or had failed to report the breaches to ACMA (or both), ACMA found that 2UE had breached its enforceable undertaking on these occasions.
ACMA also found that 2UE had breached a standard licence condition set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA). One of the standard conditions for commercial radio licences, set out at section 8(1) of Schedule 2 to the BSA, is the requirement that the licensee will comply with program standards applicable under Part 9 of the BSA. As the Disclosure Standard is a program standard made under Part 9, and ACMA found that the licensee breached the standard on 13 occasions, ACMA also found that the licensee breached the standard licence condition on 13 occasions.
Civil penalties under the Broadcasting Services Act
Subsection 140A(3) of the BSA provides that a commercial radio broadcasting licensee must not breach a condition of its licence. Subsection 140A(7) states that subsection (3) is a civil penalty provision.
ACMA can apply to the Federal Court for a civil penalty order to be made under section 205F of the BSA for breach of the licence condition.
ACMA is taking action in this matter against the licensee, Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd. Under the Disclosure Standard and the licence conditions that apply to commercial radio services, it is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure compliance.
Fairfax Media acquired full operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, following the acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited by Macquarie Media Group (MMG) and MMG’s sale of 2UE and other commercial radio licences to Fairfax Media. Most of the breaches of the licence condition occurred before Fairfax Media acquired full control of 2UE, and Fairfax Media cooperated with ACMA in investigating the breaches. Fairfax Media has since taken a number of steps to improve compliance at 2UE.
Although Fairfax Media only gained operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, the licensee has not changed and its enforceable undertaking of 24 September 2007 continues to apply. Fairfax Media has assumed responsibility for compliance with the undertaking and all the other regulatory and legislative obligations attaching to the broadcasting licence.
ACMA and Fairfax Media have reached agreement that an appropriate level for the penalty would be $130,000, comprising $10,000 for each of the 13 breaches.
Brenden gets out of the MIX
Brenden Wood has departed MIX 1065 where he was executive producer of breakfast. No doubt in the world that Brenden will pop up somewhere in radio in 2009, ARN's loss will be somebody elses gain!
2GB's Ray Hadley rails at filthy 'dish pigs'
THE dirty dishes in 2GB's Pyrmont studios kitchen have sparked a stink
between station staff and its star morning host Ray Hadley. [link=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24708056-5001021,00.html]Full story[/link]
between station staff and its star morning host Ray Hadley. [link=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24708056-5001021,00.html]Full story[/link]
Drive exits at Nova 106.9
A quick exit yesterday for Nova 106.9's Dan and Ken. The duo decided to walk from the station when they were told their contracts were not being renewed. Brendan boss will cover drive until an announcement is made on a replacement.
Sigley debut on Nightline.
Former 3AW afternoon presenter, Ernie Sigley, made his debut as fill in co-host of Nightline last Friday evening. Sigley joined Bruce Mansfield on the 3AW airwaves between 8.00pm and midnight.
HG to go from J to M?
More on the rumour suggesting Triple J's HG Nelson heading to Triple M has surfaced today with an article on AdelaideNow giving more legs to the rumour. [link=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24691172-5018092,00.html]More here[/link]
Macquarie Radio review
Six weeks after agreeing to pay its star broadcaster Alan Jones a $4.5 million bonus to extend his contract, the John Singleton-controlled Macquarie Radio Network has not ruled out job cuts as part of a review to cut costs and counter a sharp drop in advertising.
The owner of Sydney's No.1 talkback radio station, 2GB, plans to look at every part of its business - including staff and program production - in coming weeks to find savings after advertising demand in the country's biggest radio market fell off a cliff last month. [link=http://business.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-radio-review-20081121-6e10.html]Full Story SMH[/link]
The owner of Sydney's No.1 talkback radio station, 2GB, plans to look at every part of its business - including staff and program production - in coming weeks to find savings after advertising demand in the country's biggest radio market fell off a cliff last month. [link=http://business.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-radio-review-20081121-6e10.html]Full Story SMH[/link]
Mark Holden and Tamsyn Lewis in at Vega
Melbourne's Vega 91 will have Mark Holden and Tamsyn Lewis presenting breakfast over summer in place of Dicko, Dave and Chrissie.
David scores top Regional job
5RM/MAGIC931 GM, David Bye has been appointed General Manager, Fairfax Radio Regional Network. The appointment follows the retirement of Graham McVean earlier this year. Fairfax Radio have licences in South Australia, QLD and NSW. Well done David!
Helmes Media two new programs
Helmes Media have released two new short segment programs. First up is ‘Bare Essentials” a daily sex and relationship segment hosted by well known broadcaster Sandy Kaye.
Sandy presents ‘Bare Essentials” in a sophisticated and professional manner with some naughty fun thrown into the mix.
As with all of Helmes segments your listeners can interact and ask Sandy questions on our free call number.
“Bare Essentials” is offered on a three month contract for only $44 per week (including GST) and will be available from Monday the 8th of December.
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” a daily look at the world of pets.
As the name implies this new segment isn’t just restricted to dog and cat issues, but all family pets.
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” is complied and written by experienced pet journalist and breeder Sue Shoring and voiced by her husband Brisbane radio announcer Murray Shoring.
Your listeners can also ask questions on our feedback line. This is the pet show you have been looking for!
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” is offered on a six month contract in exchange for two 30 seconds commercials to be aired between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday – alternatively you can purchase the segment for just $44 per week (including GST).
More info at Helmes Media [link=http://www.helmes.com.au]here[/link]
Sandy presents ‘Bare Essentials” in a sophisticated and professional manner with some naughty fun thrown into the mix.
As with all of Helmes segments your listeners can interact and ask Sandy questions on our free call number.
“Bare Essentials” is offered on a three month contract for only $44 per week (including GST) and will be available from Monday the 8th of December.
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” a daily look at the world of pets.
As the name implies this new segment isn’t just restricted to dog and cat issues, but all family pets.
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” is complied and written by experienced pet journalist and breeder Sue Shoring and voiced by her husband Brisbane radio announcer Murray Shoring.
Your listeners can also ask questions on our feedback line. This is the pet show you have been looking for!
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” is offered on a six month contract in exchange for two 30 seconds commercials to be aired between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday – alternatively you can purchase the segment for just $44 per week (including GST).
More info at Helmes Media [link=http://www.helmes.com.au]here[/link]
Sami to get ugly at 2MMM
Triple M Brisbane’s Sami Lukis will join Phil O’Neil at 2MMM for breakfast in 2009. Expect more Triple M appointments for 2009 soon. Word reaching us a Triple J stalwart is rumoured to be in discussion with 2MMM.
Wooley heading back to Nine
Macquarie Southern Cross Network has decided to pull the plug on Charles Wooley's Across Australia. The show which comes out of Hobart will not return in 2009 and host Charles Wooley will return to a full-time role with Channel 9's Sixty Minutes.
Parton joins Canberra's AM sisters
Former Mix Canberra breakfast presenter, Mark Parton, has joined the team at 2CA and 2CC.
Lisa Fernandez last week in Adelaide
After more than 4 years on air on Adelaide's Nova FM Lisa Fernandez heads home to Perth next Friday. Lisa has opted to head home for family reasons so you can expect to hear her on the Perth airwaves in 2009.
Nova breakfast host in Underbelly
Nova's Kate Ritchie will star in Underbelly 2. Ritchie who will be returning to her breakfast gig with Nova in 2009 will star as Judi Kane, the wife of slain 1970s standover man Les Kane.
Holden on Nightline
Mark Holden co-hosted 3AW's Nightline on Friday night. Holden joined Philip Brady for the evening.
Outrage over radio stunt
Perth FM radio station 92.9 has been accused of being heartless over its antics during a competition called Dearly Deported.
In the competition during the Em and Wippa Show long-lost relatives are flown from a faraway land to Perth. When they get here they are made to answer three questions. If they don’t answer all three correctly they receive less than a few minutes of interaction with their loved ones before being whisked back to the airport to return home. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24650075-5012990,00.html]Full story[/link]
In the competition during the Em and Wippa Show long-lost relatives are flown from a faraway land to Perth. When they get here they are made to answer three questions. If they don’t answer all three correctly they receive less than a few minutes of interaction with their loved ones before being whisked back to the airport to return home. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24650075-5012990,00.html]Full story[/link]
2008 CBAA Conference
The CBAA wanted to create a once in a life time experience for the 2008 Conference by taking community broadcasters out of their typical environments and placing them smack bang in the middle of the country for the largest annual gathering of community broadcasters.
[link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/622.html]Whole story CBAA[/link]
[link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/622.html]Whole story CBAA[/link]
Blackman keeping his hand in
Over the last few days John Blackman has been filling in for the absent Arthur Higgins on 1179am Vision Australia. You can hear John until on air between 6.30 and 7.30AM Friday morning 14th November.
Chris Holland leaving Darwin
Chris Holland, APD of Hot 100 / Mix 1049 is hanging up the mic (for a little while), getting married and off to see the world! We wish Chris all the best on his forthcoming marriage
Get Behind the Wheel for an hour
Helmes Media Solutions has announced their weekly motoring program Behind the Wheel will expand to a one hour offering.
General Manager of Helmes Media Solutions and host of Behind the Wheel Joel Helmes, says the show has been a hit with stations and listeners.
“I am just delighted with how the show has come together, we dipped our toe in the water with the half an hour version and quickly found two things, one there is more than enough interesting and relevant content and two half an hour just wasn’t enough time to give that content the coverage it deserved”.
Mr. Helmes says one major goal for the expanded program is even more listener interaction.
“We have had some great responses to our national feedback line but we really want motorists from across Australia to hit us with those questions which a lot of people really still don’t know the answer too”.
“I think it also makes for some really interesting radio”.
The expanded Behind the Wheel will be available free from Helmes Media Solutions from the week starting Monday the 24th of November.
General Manager of Helmes Media Solutions and host of Behind the Wheel Joel Helmes, says the show has been a hit with stations and listeners.
“I am just delighted with how the show has come together, we dipped our toe in the water with the half an hour version and quickly found two things, one there is more than enough interesting and relevant content and two half an hour just wasn’t enough time to give that content the coverage it deserved”.
Mr. Helmes says one major goal for the expanded program is even more listener interaction.
“We have had some great responses to our national feedback line but we really want motorists from across Australia to hit us with those questions which a lot of people really still don’t know the answer too”.
“I think it also makes for some really interesting radio”.
The expanded Behind the Wheel will be available free from Helmes Media Solutions from the week starting Monday the 24th of November.
ABC Classic FM launches new website
ABC Classic FM has launched a new website which is packed with many new offerings
The official launch this month is just the beginning. The first stage allows you to listen to 40 or so Australian works created over the past 100 years. Over the coming months and years the collection will expand, embracing more genres and rare works which have so far been difficult or near-impossible to access. [link=http://www.abc.net.au/classic/australianmusic/]visit [/link]
The official launch this month is just the beginning. The first stage allows you to listen to 40 or so Australian works created over the past 100 years. Over the coming months and years the collection will expand, embracing more genres and rare works which have so far been difficult or near-impossible to access. [link=http://www.abc.net.au/classic/australianmusic/]visit [/link]
3MMM on trial
Melbourne radio station Triple M is on trial accused of defaming an Olympic cyclist.
Mark French is suing Triple-M, for comments made on its program The Cage in 2004.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard the broadcast labelled French a drug cheat, who had dobbed in his teammates to authorities.
The court heard French was also called "un-Australian" and "a dirty stinking dobbing cyclist."
French's lawyers told the court, their client was a highly regarded professional cyclist who had found the broadcast very hurtful.
ABC
Mark French is suing Triple-M, for comments made on its program The Cage in 2004.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard the broadcast labelled French a drug cheat, who had dobbed in his teammates to authorities.
The court heard French was also called "un-Australian" and "a dirty stinking dobbing cyclist."
French's lawyers told the court, their client was a highly regarded professional cyclist who had found the broadcast very hurtful.
ABC
Vega takes a Bath over summer
Channel Seven's Chris Bath will co-host Vega 95.3FM breakfast with Alex Dean from November 26 until January 9. Bath who is no stranger to radio having started at 2UE will be filling in for Tony Squires, Rebecca Wilson and Mikey Robins.
Radio retirees
Two big names of Australian radio retired just over a week apart.
The legendary John Vertigan has now bid farewell to Sport 927. JV is off to the US where he will marry and settle. This weekend for the last time before jetting off he will join the other members of the Survivors Club at their November get together. Good luck and all the best for the future JV.
Ernie Sigley wound up his full time duties at 3AW yesterday. Sigley will now move from Afternoons to fill in presenter when either one of the Nightline presenters are away. The tributes flowed at 3AW yesterday and a tribute video is available [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/ernie-blog/your-tributes-to-ernie-sigley/20080929-4q3f.html?page=10]here[/link]
The legendary John Vertigan has now bid farewell to Sport 927. JV is off to the US where he will marry and settle. This weekend for the last time before jetting off he will join the other members of the Survivors Club at their November get together. Good luck and all the best for the future JV.
Ernie Sigley wound up his full time duties at 3AW yesterday. Sigley will now move from Afternoons to fill in presenter when either one of the Nightline presenters are away. The tributes flowed at 3AW yesterday and a tribute video is available [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/ernie-blog/your-tributes-to-ernie-sigley/20080929-4q3f.html?page=10]here[/link]
Vale Robbie McGready
Veteran radio and TV presenter Robbie McGready passed away recently at the age of 85. Robbie who came to Australia in 1947 is credited with employing John Laws as the breakfast announcer at 2GZ Orange.
In the late 1950's Robbie devised a TV program called called Grocer and Madam which morphed into the Jackpot Quiz. He compered Jackpot Quiz for over 12 years.
Robbie was a stalwart of Byron Bay community station Bay FM and his popular Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory was a favourite with locals. Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory first went to air in 1993 and Robbie was still presenting the program until 2 years ago at the age of 83. Full tribute Byron Shire News
In the late 1950's Robbie devised a TV program called called Grocer and Madam which morphed into the Jackpot Quiz. He compered Jackpot Quiz for over 12 years.
Robbie was a stalwart of Byron Bay community station Bay FM and his popular Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory was a favourite with locals. Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory first went to air in 1993 and Robbie was still presenting the program until 2 years ago at the age of 83. Full tribute Byron Shire News
Robb Kidd MD at Vega 91.5
Rob Kidd, afternoon announcer at Vega 91.5, is now also the station's Music Director. Former MD Kate Mason has left the station.
What does the future hold for ARN?
With the decision made that will see Tony O'Reilly's Independent News sell their 39 per cent stake in APN, owners of the Australian Radio Network, it will be interesting to see who puts their hand up to buy it.
Reports that Seven Network are not interested and Macquarie Group are not keen either leaves the question will the radio and newspaper group be broken up?
If that was the case there would no doubt be a number of companies, prepared to grab hold of either the business groups.
Take ARN for example if that was available, now that opens up a pandoras box that could change the radio landscape across the nation.
Reports that Seven Network are not interested and Macquarie Group are not keen either leaves the question will the radio and newspaper group be broken up?
If that was the case there would no doubt be a number of companies, prepared to grab hold of either the business groups.
Take ARN for example if that was available, now that opens up a pandoras box that could change the radio landscape across the nation.
3AW covered US election
Morning host Neil Mitchell was live on the street broadcasting his program from America yesterday for the US elections which saw Barack Obama becoming the country's first black president.
Neil Mitchell covered his morning program speaking to everyday Americans on who they thought would win while the team around him such as producer Justin Smith gave an insight into results as polling places closed and the results began to come in.
It was during the Ernie Sigley program that Mitchell returned to air to announce Obama had won. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Barack_Obama1.wma]AUDIO1[/link] [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Neil_Mitchell_Bar.wma]AUDIO2 [/link]
Also in the US with 3AW amongst others was former Classic Rock breakfast announcer Seb Costello who Derryn Hinch crossed to during his drive program. Richard Arnold has a wrap up of the day. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Richard_Arnold.wma]AUDIO[/link]
Neil Mitchell covered his morning program speaking to everyday Americans on who they thought would win while the team around him such as producer Justin Smith gave an insight into results as polling places closed and the results began to come in.
It was during the Ernie Sigley program that Mitchell returned to air to announce Obama had won. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Barack_Obama1.wma]AUDIO1[/link] [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Neil_Mitchell_Bar.wma]AUDIO2 [/link]
Also in the US with 3AW amongst others was former Classic Rock breakfast announcer Seb Costello who Derryn Hinch crossed to during his drive program. Richard Arnold has a wrap up of the day. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Richard_Arnold.wma]AUDIO[/link]
Radio stunt has staff in clover
Staff at Brisbane radio station Nova 106.9 got an unexpected Melbourne Cup Day surprise this morning when they arrived to find their Teneriffe headquarters converted into a makeshift race track, complete with live ponies.
One-hundred and thirty square metres of the green stuff was laid across the station's sprawling reception area overnight and the equines brought in this morning, when they were taken to the building's third floor via a lift. [link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/radio-stunt-has-staff-in-clover/2008/11/04/1225560799291.html]Brisbane Times[/link]
One-hundred and thirty square metres of the green stuff was laid across the station's sprawling reception area overnight and the equines brought in this morning, when they were taken to the building's third floor via a lift. [link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/radio-stunt-has-staff-in-clover/2008/11/04/1225560799291.html]Brisbane Times[/link]
2DU's de Kroo to say Hooroo
'
2DU's Leo de Kroo will leave his popular morning program and the station on Christmas Eve to pursue other interests. He has been the voice of Dubbo for over a decade with his unique and passionate style.
It is de Kroo's wish that he finds a replacement who is prepared to carry the torch on local issues that matter to the Dubbo community (those with a hidden political agenda need not apply) prior to his departure.
2DU's Leo de Kroo will leave his popular morning program and the station on Christmas Eve to pursue other interests. He has been the voice of Dubbo for over a decade with his unique and passionate style.
It is de Kroo's wish that he finds a replacement who is prepared to carry the torch on local issues that matter to the Dubbo community (those with a hidden political agenda need not apply) prior to his departure.
Sigley to exit afternoons this week.
He came to the station to fill in for Caroline Wilson (who was on maternity leave) well over a decade ago and this Friday Ernie Sigley retires from the 3AW afternoon program.
As reported here previously Sigley will pop up on 3AW's Nightline from time to time as fill in host.
As reported here previously Sigley will pop up on 3AW's Nightline from time to time as fill in host.
Police drop charge against McKenney
Drug charges against Mix 1065's Todd McKenney have been dropped by police during a brief court hearing today.
Police discovered a vial of the drug in McKenney's pants pocket when they found him unconscious in Rushcutters Bay Park on Anzac Day, April 25, this year.
McKenney said the drugs had been planted in his pants when he took them off to have a shower at a party, at which he also said he had his drink spiked.
Police discovered a vial of the drug in McKenney's pants pocket when they found him unconscious in Rushcutters Bay Park on Anzac Day, April 25, this year.
McKenney said the drugs had been planted in his pants when he took them off to have a shower at a party, at which he also said he had his drink spiked.
Much Improved Digital Radio Channel Plans
Improved Digital Radio Channel Plans (DRCPs) have been released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for comment.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the industry had been working with ACMA to modify the DRCPs first released in December 2007.
“We are confident as an industry the latest plans will provide Australia’s radio listeners with a very high level of coverage from day one of the new technology - well over 90% population coverage - which will be further improved over the first few years of operation and represents the highest level of metropolitan DAB+ digital radio coverage in the world,” said Ms Warner.
The industry will, however, also prepare a submission requesting even more improvements in some areas. Based on the DRCPs, Commercial Radio Australia will formally finalise the technical specifications for the digital antenna infrastructure which ultimately determines how and where radio listeners will be able to hear digital radio in the five capital launch cities; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from May 2009.
“Radio is a mobile media and listeners expect when we switch-on digital radio next year that it will work in the home, in the office, on the beach and throughout the city when they are listening in the car. With these new plans, and a little more tweaking, we can achieve that,” said Ms Warner.
Free to air digital radio will allow radio broadcasters to provide additional audio channels, a higher quality sound, a pause and rewind facility, plus a new informative visual aspect to radio, with the introduction of scrolling news, sport and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD, a product picture, or an animated logo on screen.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the industry had been working with ACMA to modify the DRCPs first released in December 2007.
“We are confident as an industry the latest plans will provide Australia’s radio listeners with a very high level of coverage from day one of the new technology - well over 90% population coverage - which will be further improved over the first few years of operation and represents the highest level of metropolitan DAB+ digital radio coverage in the world,” said Ms Warner.
The industry will, however, also prepare a submission requesting even more improvements in some areas. Based on the DRCPs, Commercial Radio Australia will formally finalise the technical specifications for the digital antenna infrastructure which ultimately determines how and where radio listeners will be able to hear digital radio in the five capital launch cities; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from May 2009.
“Radio is a mobile media and listeners expect when we switch-on digital radio next year that it will work in the home, in the office, on the beach and throughout the city when they are listening in the car. With these new plans, and a little more tweaking, we can achieve that,” said Ms Warner.
Free to air digital radio will allow radio broadcasters to provide additional audio channels, a higher quality sound, a pause and rewind facility, plus a new informative visual aspect to radio, with the introduction of scrolling news, sport and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD, a product picture, or an animated logo on screen.
Tony O'Reilly's Independent to sell ARN stake
APN News & Media (owners of the Australian Radio Network) says its major shareholder, Irish media company Independent News & Media, has received approaches from several parties regarding its 39 per cent stake in the company.
INM, led by chief executive Sir Tony O'Reilly, said it wanted APN to be involved in its strategic review of its holding, to ensure that the outcome is in the best interests of APN's shareholders.
"APN welcomes this approach," the Sydney-based publisher said.
APN, which publishes The New Zealand Herald as well as 24 daily and over 100 non-daily newspapers across Australia and New Zealand, said the review "may or may not result in the sale of part or all of INM's interest in APN".
The company also owns 50 per cent of Australian Radio Network and The Radio Network in New Zealand.
APN said it had appointed ABN Amro to advise on the review.
INM, led by chief executive Sir Tony O'Reilly, said it wanted APN to be involved in its strategic review of its holding, to ensure that the outcome is in the best interests of APN's shareholders.
"APN welcomes this approach," the Sydney-based publisher said.
APN, which publishes The New Zealand Herald as well as 24 daily and over 100 non-daily newspapers across Australia and New Zealand, said the review "may or may not result in the sale of part or all of INM's interest in APN".
The company also owns 50 per cent of Australian Radio Network and The Radio Network in New Zealand.
APN said it had appointed ABN Amro to advise on the review.
Nine lives for Nova team
Merrick and Rosso are tempting fate by signing for a ninth year on Nova - but why not? They are enjoying a steady march back to the top and are within a whisker of reclaiming the FM breakfast crown they lost two years ago to 2DayFM's Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O. In radio terms, however, they're well past the expected five-year life cycle of most FM shows. Full story the SMH
Jennifer Menchin quits 2BS
Yes it is that time of the year when people are on the move! Jennifer Menchin has resigned from 2BS after 6 years. Jennifer who has held various roles with the station including her popular [i]Talk of the Town[/i] afternoon program initially joined the 2BS as a copy writer. She departs the station on Friday the 21st of November.
2MMM Shebang now gone, Wil and Lehmo going
It looks like we will see a very different 2MMM in 2009 with breakfast program The Shebang having now left the building and the announcement today that Wil & Lehmo will not be returning to their Networked drive program next year.
Jamie Angel is currently hosting 2MMM breakfast while Wil and Lehmo will continue on air until the end of November.
Jamie Angel is currently hosting 2MMM breakfast while Wil and Lehmo will continue on air until the end of November.
Holden talking on the radio
Mark Holden has been hosting Saturday and Sunday afternoons on 3AW this weekend.
Pete Graham did switch camps
A regular reader who is in Sydney for the long weekend (Melbourne Cup equals a four day weekend for many in Vic) wanted to know when Pete Graham joined 2UE from 2GB? He had heard him on 2UE's Saturday Night Live last night. We believe it was in September as far as we are aware.
Brownless to skip breakfast
SEN's Billy Brownless has decided to leave the 1116 SEN Morning Glory breakfast program. Billy who has been part of the program since day one of SEN will remain with the station.
Survey 8 Nielsen radio ratings
Sunday, November 30, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Nielsen radio ratings survey 8 results for each state are below. Click on each of the links to see the results.
Adelaide Brisbane Perth Melbourne Sydney
Ex Triple M jock, Anthony Maroon, will join Sydney station Vega 95.3 presenting drive starting December 8. Anthony takes over from Vega 95.3fm presenter Jason Staveley, who is heading to Germany to take up a radio role with Stuttgart based BigFM.
Olympic cyclist Mark French has won a damages payout from a radio station that wrongly implied he was a drug cheat.
The jury found French had been defamed by comments aired on Triple M in 2004, labelling him un-Australian and a drug cheat.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard broadcaster James Brayshaw said French was "a dirty, stinking, dobbing cyclist".
The jury found the comments were defamatory, untrue and malicious and French was awarded $350,000 in damages plus costs and interest of $57,000.
He hugged his lawyer, partner and family after the verdict was handed down.
French was found guilty of doping charges in 2004, but the finding was overturned on appeal.
Source ABC
The jury found French had been defamed by comments aired on Triple M in 2004, labelling him un-Australian and a drug cheat.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard broadcaster James Brayshaw said French was "a dirty, stinking, dobbing cyclist".
The jury found the comments were defamatory, untrue and malicious and French was awarded $350,000 in damages plus costs and interest of $57,000.
He hugged his lawyer, partner and family after the verdict was handed down.
French was found guilty of doping charges in 2004, but the finding was overturned on appeal.
Source ABC
Happy 75th 6IX
Saturday, November 29, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/6ix.png[/img]
Perth station 6IX celebrates 75 years of broadcasting today. 6IX can be heard at 1080 AM frequency whilst listeners in Joondalup or Rockingham can tune in at 105.7 FM. Congratulations 6IX on 75 years of great radio.
Perth station 6IX celebrates 75 years of broadcasting today. 6IX can be heard at 1080 AM frequency whilst listeners in Joondalup or Rockingham can tune in at 105.7 FM. Congratulations 6IX on 75 years of great radio.
Emily Everywhere short listed for The Cage.
Thursday, November 27, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Hot on her departure from Nova today it has been suggested Emily Jade O'keefe will possibly be teaming up with Ian Skippen, Greg Martin and Greg Sullivan on 4MMM's The Cage in 2009.
Spoonman over and out at Triple M
Wednesday, November 26, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Spoonman AKA Brian Carlton has presented his final program on the Austereo Triple M Network. Carlton, who has had two bites of the cherry as Spoonman on Triple M, may just pop back up on radio in 2009. He has previously worked at both 2UE and 2GB.
Fans have started a BRING BACK SPOONMAN Facebook page [link=http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53727330927&ref=mf]here[/link]
Fans have started a BRING BACK SPOONMAN Facebook page [link=http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53727330927&ref=mf]here[/link]
ACMA takes action against 2UE
Tuesday, November 25, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
The Australian Communications and Media Authority today filed an application in the Federal Court of Australia seeking a civil penalty order against Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd for breaching a condition of its licence.
The 2UE breaches relate to 13 failures by the licensee of 2UE to ensure that on-air announcements disclosing a commercial relationship were made during broadcasts of the John Laws Morning Show.
ACMA has reached agreement with Fairfax Media Limited (the current owner of 2UE) that 2UE will consent to civil penalty orders in the Federal Court in relation to the breaches and that both parties will submit to the Court that an appropriate penalty would be $130,000. It is ultimately a matter for the court to determine the civil penalty.
ACMA has taken the step of applying for civil penalty orders against 2UE, having earlier tried to address 2UE’s compliance failures through other means. These latest breaches occurred at a time when 2UE had given ACMA an enforceable undertaking to improve its performance, particularly in relation to the John Laws Morning Show,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
An enforceable undertaking was offered by 2UE and accepted by ACMA in September 2007 in response to ACMA’s findings that 2UE breached the Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) 20 times during a broadcast in August 2006. The broadcast included extended discussion of the issue of Telstra’s privatisation. Compliance with the Disclosure Standard is a condition that applies to all commercial radio broadcasting licences.
‘ACMA notes that Fairfax Media only acquired control of 2UE late in the period during which the breaches occurred, and acknowledges the cooperation of Fairfax inherent in conceding these breaches and working to improve compliance at 2UE,’ said Mr Chapman said.
‘However, ACMA —and the Australian Broadcasting Authority before it— has emphasised in previous findings against 2UE that the obligation to comply with program standards lies with the licensee itself; in fact it goes to the heart of a licensee’s obligations.
‘Broadcasting licences are not given out lightly by government and convey significant benefit to those to whom a licence is granted. It is a licensee’s unrelenting responsibility to manage its business, including its presenters and production staff, so as to ensure satisfactory compliance with the regulatory requirements.
‘Company management put at real risk the retention of these licences when they allow on-air personalities or other staff to breach the rules. One consideration informing the Authority’s agreement to consenting to the civil penalty order was its assessment that Fairfax genuinely accepts that proposition,’ Mr Chapman said.
ACMA’s findings in relation to the breaches in October and November 2007 are set out in the Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd, published on the ACMA website.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on 02 9334 7980.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrounder
The Disclosure Standard
The Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) requires a licensee to cause a disclosure announcement to be broadcast during a current affairs program when the name, products or services of a presenter’s sponsor are mentioned. A licensee must keep a register of commercial agreements between presenters and sponsors and must provide ACMA with details of those agreements.
Compliance by 2UE with the Disclosure Standard
In September 2007 ACMA found that 2UE failed to cause disclosure announcements on 20 occasions in August 2006 when Mr Laws mentioned a sponsor, Telstra, including during an interview with the then Prime Minister.
ACMA’s findings followed earlier findings by the former Australian Broadcasting Authority in December 2003 that 2UE had breached the Disclosure Standard on 19 occasions (in relation to sponsors Telstra and NRMA). At that time, the ABA also found six breaches of the special licence conditions imposed on 2UE in March 2000, following the Commercial Radio Inquiry.
In response to ACMA’s findings of September 2007, 2UE offered ACMA an enforceable undertaking under which the John Laws Morning Show would be monitored and 2UE would take action if disclosure statements were not made when sponsors were mentioned.
Under the terms of the undertaking the licensee agreed to implement a number of measures in regard to the John Laws Morning Show which were designed to ensure compliance with the commercial radio standards. One such measure was the provision of periodic monitoring reports. An independent reviewer was appointed by the licensee to review samples of the John Laws Morning Show and provide ACMA with regular reports on 2UE’s compliance with the Disclosure Standard.
The first monitoring report was provided to ACMA on 18 October 2007 and the final report was provided shortly after Mr Laws retired from broadcasting on 30 November 2007. In total, the reports presented a sample of 17 programs over two months.
Fairfax Media acquired 2UE from Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, after most of the breaches had occurred.
Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd
ACMA reviewed the monitoring reports for compliance with the undertaking and compiled a Compliance Assessment Report (the report). ACMA identified 13 incidents, all amounting to breaches of the Disclosure Standard, when no disclosure announcement had been made. As 2UE had either failed to take action in relation to these breaches, or had failed to report the breaches to ACMA (or both), ACMA found that 2UE had breached its enforceable undertaking on these occasions.
ACMA also found that 2UE had breached a standard licence condition set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA). One of the standard conditions for commercial radio licences, set out at section 8(1) of Schedule 2 to the BSA, is the requirement that the licensee will comply with program standards applicable under Part 9 of the BSA. As the Disclosure Standard is a program standard made under Part 9, and ACMA found that the licensee breached the standard on 13 occasions, ACMA also found that the licensee breached the standard licence condition on 13 occasions.
Civil penalties under the Broadcasting Services Act
Subsection 140A(3) of the BSA provides that a commercial radio broadcasting licensee must not breach a condition of its licence. Subsection 140A(7) states that subsection (3) is a civil penalty provision.
ACMA can apply to the Federal Court for a civil penalty order to be made under section 205F of the BSA for breach of the licence condition.
ACMA is taking action in this matter against the licensee, Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd. Under the Disclosure Standard and the licence conditions that apply to commercial radio services, it is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure compliance.
Fairfax Media acquired full operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, following the acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited by Macquarie Media Group (MMG) and MMG’s sale of 2UE and other commercial radio licences to Fairfax Media. Most of the breaches of the licence condition occurred before Fairfax Media acquired full control of 2UE, and Fairfax Media cooperated with ACMA in investigating the breaches. Fairfax Media has since taken a number of steps to improve compliance at 2UE.
Although Fairfax Media only gained operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, the licensee has not changed and its enforceable undertaking of 24 September 2007 continues to apply. Fairfax Media has assumed responsibility for compliance with the undertaking and all the other regulatory and legislative obligations attaching to the broadcasting licence.
ACMA and Fairfax Media have reached agreement that an appropriate level for the penalty would be $130,000, comprising $10,000 for each of the 13 breaches.
The 2UE breaches relate to 13 failures by the licensee of 2UE to ensure that on-air announcements disclosing a commercial relationship were made during broadcasts of the John Laws Morning Show.
ACMA has reached agreement with Fairfax Media Limited (the current owner of 2UE) that 2UE will consent to civil penalty orders in the Federal Court in relation to the breaches and that both parties will submit to the Court that an appropriate penalty would be $130,000. It is ultimately a matter for the court to determine the civil penalty.
ACMA has taken the step of applying for civil penalty orders against 2UE, having earlier tried to address 2UE’s compliance failures through other means. These latest breaches occurred at a time when 2UE had given ACMA an enforceable undertaking to improve its performance, particularly in relation to the John Laws Morning Show,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.
An enforceable undertaking was offered by 2UE and accepted by ACMA in September 2007 in response to ACMA’s findings that 2UE breached the Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) 20 times during a broadcast in August 2006. The broadcast included extended discussion of the issue of Telstra’s privatisation. Compliance with the Disclosure Standard is a condition that applies to all commercial radio broadcasting licences.
‘ACMA notes that Fairfax Media only acquired control of 2UE late in the period during which the breaches occurred, and acknowledges the cooperation of Fairfax inherent in conceding these breaches and working to improve compliance at 2UE,’ said Mr Chapman said.
‘However, ACMA —and the Australian Broadcasting Authority before it— has emphasised in previous findings against 2UE that the obligation to comply with program standards lies with the licensee itself; in fact it goes to the heart of a licensee’s obligations.
‘Broadcasting licences are not given out lightly by government and convey significant benefit to those to whom a licence is granted. It is a licensee’s unrelenting responsibility to manage its business, including its presenters and production staff, so as to ensure satisfactory compliance with the regulatory requirements.
‘Company management put at real risk the retention of these licences when they allow on-air personalities or other staff to breach the rules. One consideration informing the Authority’s agreement to consenting to the civil penalty order was its assessment that Fairfax genuinely accepts that proposition,’ Mr Chapman said.
ACMA’s findings in relation to the breaches in October and November 2007 are set out in the Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd, published on the ACMA website.
Media contact: Donald Robertson, ACMA Media Manager on 02 9334 7980.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Backgrounder
The Disclosure Standard
The Broadcasting Services (Commercial Radio Current Affairs Disclosure) Standard 2000 (the Disclosure Standard) requires a licensee to cause a disclosure announcement to be broadcast during a current affairs program when the name, products or services of a presenter’s sponsor are mentioned. A licensee must keep a register of commercial agreements between presenters and sponsors and must provide ACMA with details of those agreements.
Compliance by 2UE with the Disclosure Standard
In September 2007 ACMA found that 2UE failed to cause disclosure announcements on 20 occasions in August 2006 when Mr Laws mentioned a sponsor, Telstra, including during an interview with the then Prime Minister.
ACMA’s findings followed earlier findings by the former Australian Broadcasting Authority in December 2003 that 2UE had breached the Disclosure Standard on 19 occasions (in relation to sponsors Telstra and NRMA). At that time, the ABA also found six breaches of the special licence conditions imposed on 2UE in March 2000, following the Commercial Radio Inquiry.
In response to ACMA’s findings of September 2007, 2UE offered ACMA an enforceable undertaking under which the John Laws Morning Show would be monitored and 2UE would take action if disclosure statements were not made when sponsors were mentioned.
Under the terms of the undertaking the licensee agreed to implement a number of measures in regard to the John Laws Morning Show which were designed to ensure compliance with the commercial radio standards. One such measure was the provision of periodic monitoring reports. An independent reviewer was appointed by the licensee to review samples of the John Laws Morning Show and provide ACMA with regular reports on 2UE’s compliance with the Disclosure Standard.
The first monitoring report was provided to ACMA on 18 October 2007 and the final report was provided shortly after Mr Laws retired from broadcasting on 30 November 2007. In total, the reports presented a sample of 17 programs over two months.
Fairfax Media acquired 2UE from Southern Cross Broadcasting in November 2007, after most of the breaches had occurred.
Compliance Assessment Report – Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd
ACMA reviewed the monitoring reports for compliance with the undertaking and compiled a Compliance Assessment Report (the report). ACMA identified 13 incidents, all amounting to breaches of the Disclosure Standard, when no disclosure announcement had been made. As 2UE had either failed to take action in relation to these breaches, or had failed to report the breaches to ACMA (or both), ACMA found that 2UE had breached its enforceable undertaking on these occasions.
ACMA also found that 2UE had breached a standard licence condition set out in the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA). One of the standard conditions for commercial radio licences, set out at section 8(1) of Schedule 2 to the BSA, is the requirement that the licensee will comply with program standards applicable under Part 9 of the BSA. As the Disclosure Standard is a program standard made under Part 9, and ACMA found that the licensee breached the standard on 13 occasions, ACMA also found that the licensee breached the standard licence condition on 13 occasions.
Civil penalties under the Broadcasting Services Act
Subsection 140A(3) of the BSA provides that a commercial radio broadcasting licensee must not breach a condition of its licence. Subsection 140A(7) states that subsection (3) is a civil penalty provision.
ACMA can apply to the Federal Court for a civil penalty order to be made under section 205F of the BSA for breach of the licence condition.
ACMA is taking action in this matter against the licensee, Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd. Under the Disclosure Standard and the licence conditions that apply to commercial radio services, it is the licensee’s responsibility to ensure compliance.
Fairfax Media acquired full operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, following the acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited by Macquarie Media Group (MMG) and MMG’s sale of 2UE and other commercial radio licences to Fairfax Media. Most of the breaches of the licence condition occurred before Fairfax Media acquired full control of 2UE, and Fairfax Media cooperated with ACMA in investigating the breaches. Fairfax Media has since taken a number of steps to improve compliance at 2UE.
Although Fairfax Media only gained operational control of 2UE on 9 November 2007, the licensee has not changed and its enforceable undertaking of 24 September 2007 continues to apply. Fairfax Media has assumed responsibility for compliance with the undertaking and all the other regulatory and legislative obligations attaching to the broadcasting licence.
ACMA and Fairfax Media have reached agreement that an appropriate level for the penalty would be $130,000, comprising $10,000 for each of the 13 breaches.
Brenden gets out of the MIX
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Brenden Wood has departed MIX 1065 where he was executive producer of breakfast. No doubt in the world that Brenden will pop up somewhere in radio in 2009, ARN's loss will be somebody elses gain!
THE dirty dishes in 2GB's Pyrmont studios kitchen have sparked a stink
between station staff and its star morning host Ray Hadley. [link=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24708056-5001021,00.html]Full story[/link]
between station staff and its star morning host Ray Hadley. [link=http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24708056-5001021,00.html]Full story[/link]
Drive exits at Nova 106.9
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
A quick exit yesterday for Nova 106.9's Dan and Ken. The duo decided to walk from the station when they were told their contracts were not being renewed. Brendan boss will cover drive until an announcement is made on a replacement.
Sigley debut on Nightline.
Saturday, November 22, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Former 3AW afternoon presenter, Ernie Sigley, made his debut as fill in co-host of Nightline last Friday evening. Sigley joined Bruce Mansfield on the 3AW airwaves between 8.00pm and midnight.
HG to go from J to M?
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
More on the rumour suggesting Triple J's HG Nelson heading to Triple M has surfaced today with an article on AdelaideNow giving more legs to the rumour. [link=http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24691172-5018092,00.html]More here[/link]
Macquarie Radio review
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Six weeks after agreeing to pay its star broadcaster Alan Jones a $4.5 million bonus to extend his contract, the John Singleton-controlled Macquarie Radio Network has not ruled out job cuts as part of a review to cut costs and counter a sharp drop in advertising.
The owner of Sydney's No.1 talkback radio station, 2GB, plans to look at every part of its business - including staff and program production - in coming weeks to find savings after advertising demand in the country's biggest radio market fell off a cliff last month. [link=http://business.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-radio-review-20081121-6e10.html]Full Story SMH[/link]
The owner of Sydney's No.1 talkback radio station, 2GB, plans to look at every part of its business - including staff and program production - in coming weeks to find savings after advertising demand in the country's biggest radio market fell off a cliff last month. [link=http://business.smh.com.au/business/macquarie-radio-review-20081121-6e10.html]Full Story SMH[/link]
Mark Holden and Tamsyn Lewis in at Vega
Wednesday, November 19, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Melbourne's Vega 91 will have Mark Holden and Tamsyn Lewis presenting breakfast over summer in place of Dicko, Dave and Chrissie.
David scores top Regional job
Tuesday, November 18, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
5RM/MAGIC931 GM, David Bye has been appointed General Manager, Fairfax Radio Regional Network. The appointment follows the retirement of Graham McVean earlier this year. Fairfax Radio have licences in South Australia, QLD and NSW. Well done David!
Helmes Media two new programs
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Helmes Media have released two new short segment programs. First up is ‘Bare Essentials” a daily sex and relationship segment hosted by well known broadcaster Sandy Kaye.
Sandy presents ‘Bare Essentials” in a sophisticated and professional manner with some naughty fun thrown into the mix.
As with all of Helmes segments your listeners can interact and ask Sandy questions on our free call number.
“Bare Essentials” is offered on a three month contract for only $44 per week (including GST) and will be available from Monday the 8th of December.
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” a daily look at the world of pets.
As the name implies this new segment isn’t just restricted to dog and cat issues, but all family pets.
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” is complied and written by experienced pet journalist and breeder Sue Shoring and voiced by her husband Brisbane radio announcer Murray Shoring.
Your listeners can also ask questions on our feedback line. This is the pet show you have been looking for!
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” is offered on a six month contract in exchange for two 30 seconds commercials to be aired between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday – alternatively you can purchase the segment for just $44 per week (including GST).
More info at Helmes Media [link=http://www.helmes.com.au]here[/link]
Sandy presents ‘Bare Essentials” in a sophisticated and professional manner with some naughty fun thrown into the mix.
As with all of Helmes segments your listeners can interact and ask Sandy questions on our free call number.
“Bare Essentials” is offered on a three month contract for only $44 per week (including GST) and will be available from Monday the 8th of December.
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” a daily look at the world of pets.
As the name implies this new segment isn’t just restricted to dog and cat issues, but all family pets.
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” is complied and written by experienced pet journalist and breeder Sue Shoring and voiced by her husband Brisbane radio announcer Murray Shoring.
Your listeners can also ask questions on our feedback line. This is the pet show you have been looking for!
“Feathers, Fur and Fins” is offered on a six month contract in exchange for two 30 seconds commercials to be aired between 6am and 6pm Monday to Friday – alternatively you can purchase the segment for just $44 per week (including GST).
More info at Helmes Media [link=http://www.helmes.com.au]here[/link]
Sami to get ugly at 2MMM
Monday, November 17, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Triple M Brisbane’s Sami Lukis will join Phil O’Neil at 2MMM for breakfast in 2009. Expect more Triple M appointments for 2009 soon. Word reaching us a Triple J stalwart is rumoured to be in discussion with 2MMM.
Wooley heading back to Nine
Sunday, November 16, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Macquarie Southern Cross Network has decided to pull the plug on Charles Wooley's Across Australia. The show which comes out of Hobart will not return in 2009 and host Charles Wooley will return to a full-time role with Channel 9's Sixty Minutes.
Parton joins Canberra's AM sisters
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Former Mix Canberra breakfast presenter, Mark Parton, has joined the team at 2CA and 2CC.
Lisa Fernandez last week in Adelaide
Saturday, November 15, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
After more than 4 years on air on Adelaide's Nova FM Lisa Fernandez heads home to Perth next Friday. Lisa has opted to head home for family reasons so you can expect to hear her on the Perth airwaves in 2009.
Nova breakfast host in Underbelly
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Nova's Kate Ritchie will star in Underbelly 2. Ritchie who will be returning to her breakfast gig with Nova in 2009 will star as Judi Kane, the wife of slain 1970s standover man Les Kane.
Holden on Nightline
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Mark Holden co-hosted 3AW's Nightline on Friday night. Holden joined Philip Brady for the evening.
Outrage over radio stunt
Thursday, November 13, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Perth FM radio station 92.9 has been accused of being heartless over its antics during a competition called Dearly Deported.
In the competition during the Em and Wippa Show long-lost relatives are flown from a faraway land to Perth. When they get here they are made to answer three questions. If they don’t answer all three correctly they receive less than a few minutes of interaction with their loved ones before being whisked back to the airport to return home. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24650075-5012990,00.html]Full story[/link]
In the competition during the Em and Wippa Show long-lost relatives are flown from a faraway land to Perth. When they get here they are made to answer three questions. If they don’t answer all three correctly they receive less than a few minutes of interaction with their loved ones before being whisked back to the airport to return home. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24650075-5012990,00.html]Full story[/link]
2008 CBAA Conference
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
The CBAA wanted to create a once in a life time experience for the 2008 Conference by taking community broadcasters out of their typical environments and placing them smack bang in the middle of the country for the largest annual gathering of community broadcasters.
[link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/622.html]Whole story CBAA[/link]
[link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/622.html]Whole story CBAA[/link]
Blackman keeping his hand in
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Over the last few days John Blackman has been filling in for the absent Arthur Higgins on 1179am Vision Australia. You can hear John until on air between 6.30 and 7.30AM Friday morning 14th November.
Chris Holland leaving Darwin
Monday, November 10, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Chris Holland, APD of Hot 100 / Mix 1049 is hanging up the mic (for a little while), getting married and off to see the world! We wish Chris all the best on his forthcoming marriage
Get Behind the Wheel for an hour
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Helmes Media Solutions has announced their weekly motoring program Behind the Wheel will expand to a one hour offering.
General Manager of Helmes Media Solutions and host of Behind the Wheel Joel Helmes, says the show has been a hit with stations and listeners.
“I am just delighted with how the show has come together, we dipped our toe in the water with the half an hour version and quickly found two things, one there is more than enough interesting and relevant content and two half an hour just wasn’t enough time to give that content the coverage it deserved”.
Mr. Helmes says one major goal for the expanded program is even more listener interaction.
“We have had some great responses to our national feedback line but we really want motorists from across Australia to hit us with those questions which a lot of people really still don’t know the answer too”.
“I think it also makes for some really interesting radio”.
The expanded Behind the Wheel will be available free from Helmes Media Solutions from the week starting Monday the 24th of November.
General Manager of Helmes Media Solutions and host of Behind the Wheel Joel Helmes, says the show has been a hit with stations and listeners.
“I am just delighted with how the show has come together, we dipped our toe in the water with the half an hour version and quickly found two things, one there is more than enough interesting and relevant content and two half an hour just wasn’t enough time to give that content the coverage it deserved”.
Mr. Helmes says one major goal for the expanded program is even more listener interaction.
“We have had some great responses to our national feedback line but we really want motorists from across Australia to hit us with those questions which a lot of people really still don’t know the answer too”.
“I think it also makes for some really interesting radio”.
The expanded Behind the Wheel will be available free from Helmes Media Solutions from the week starting Monday the 24th of November.
ABC Classic FM launches new website
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
ABC Classic FM has launched a new website which is packed with many new offerings
The official launch this month is just the beginning. The first stage allows you to listen to 40 or so Australian works created over the past 100 years. Over the coming months and years the collection will expand, embracing more genres and rare works which have so far been difficult or near-impossible to access. [link=http://www.abc.net.au/classic/australianmusic/]visit [/link]
The official launch this month is just the beginning. The first stage allows you to listen to 40 or so Australian works created over the past 100 years. Over the coming months and years the collection will expand, embracing more genres and rare works which have so far been difficult or near-impossible to access. [link=http://www.abc.net.au/classic/australianmusic/]visit [/link]
3MMM on trial
| Labels: Radionews | 1 comments »
Melbourne radio station Triple M is on trial accused of defaming an Olympic cyclist.
Mark French is suing Triple-M, for comments made on its program The Cage in 2004.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard the broadcast labelled French a drug cheat, who had dobbed in his teammates to authorities.
The court heard French was also called "un-Australian" and "a dirty stinking dobbing cyclist."
French's lawyers told the court, their client was a highly regarded professional cyclist who had found the broadcast very hurtful.
ABC
Mark French is suing Triple-M, for comments made on its program The Cage in 2004.
The Victorian Supreme Court heard the broadcast labelled French a drug cheat, who had dobbed in his teammates to authorities.
The court heard French was also called "un-Australian" and "a dirty stinking dobbing cyclist."
French's lawyers told the court, their client was a highly regarded professional cyclist who had found the broadcast very hurtful.
ABC
Vega takes a Bath over summer
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Channel Seven's Chris Bath will co-host Vega 95.3FM breakfast with Alex Dean from November 26 until January 9. Bath who is no stranger to radio having started at 2UE will be filling in for Tony Squires, Rebecca Wilson and Mikey Robins.
Radio retirees
Friday, November 7, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 1 comments »
Two big names of Australian radio retired just over a week apart.
The legendary John Vertigan has now bid farewell to Sport 927. JV is off to the US where he will marry and settle. This weekend for the last time before jetting off he will join the other members of the Survivors Club at their November get together. Good luck and all the best for the future JV.
Ernie Sigley wound up his full time duties at 3AW yesterday. Sigley will now move from Afternoons to fill in presenter when either one of the Nightline presenters are away. The tributes flowed at 3AW yesterday and a tribute video is available [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/ernie-blog/your-tributes-to-ernie-sigley/20080929-4q3f.html?page=10]here[/link]
The legendary John Vertigan has now bid farewell to Sport 927. JV is off to the US where he will marry and settle. This weekend for the last time before jetting off he will join the other members of the Survivors Club at their November get together. Good luck and all the best for the future JV.
Ernie Sigley wound up his full time duties at 3AW yesterday. Sigley will now move from Afternoons to fill in presenter when either one of the Nightline presenters are away. The tributes flowed at 3AW yesterday and a tribute video is available [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/blogs/ernie-blog/your-tributes-to-ernie-sigley/20080929-4q3f.html?page=10]here[/link]
Vale Robbie McGready
Wednesday, November 5, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 1 comments »
Veteran radio and TV presenter Robbie McGready passed away recently at the age of 85. Robbie who came to Australia in 1947 is credited with employing John Laws as the breakfast announcer at 2GZ Orange.
In the late 1950's Robbie devised a TV program called called Grocer and Madam which morphed into the Jackpot Quiz. He compered Jackpot Quiz for over 12 years.
Robbie was a stalwart of Byron Bay community station Bay FM and his popular Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory was a favourite with locals. Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory first went to air in 1993 and Robbie was still presenting the program until 2 years ago at the age of 83. Full tribute Byron Shire News
In the late 1950's Robbie devised a TV program called called Grocer and Madam which morphed into the Jackpot Quiz. He compered Jackpot Quiz for over 12 years.
Robbie was a stalwart of Byron Bay community station Bay FM and his popular Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory was a favourite with locals. Musical Kaleidoscope, Music with Memory first went to air in 1993 and Robbie was still presenting the program until 2 years ago at the age of 83. Full tribute Byron Shire News
Robb Kidd MD at Vega 91.5
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Rob Kidd, afternoon announcer at Vega 91.5, is now also the station's Music Director. Former MD Kate Mason has left the station.
What does the future hold for ARN?
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
With the decision made that will see Tony O'Reilly's Independent News sell their 39 per cent stake in APN, owners of the Australian Radio Network, it will be interesting to see who puts their hand up to buy it.
Reports that Seven Network are not interested and Macquarie Group are not keen either leaves the question will the radio and newspaper group be broken up?
If that was the case there would no doubt be a number of companies, prepared to grab hold of either the business groups.
Take ARN for example if that was available, now that opens up a pandoras box that could change the radio landscape across the nation.
Reports that Seven Network are not interested and Macquarie Group are not keen either leaves the question will the radio and newspaper group be broken up?
If that was the case there would no doubt be a number of companies, prepared to grab hold of either the business groups.
Take ARN for example if that was available, now that opens up a pandoras box that could change the radio landscape across the nation.
3AW covered US election
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Morning host Neil Mitchell was live on the street broadcasting his program from America yesterday for the US elections which saw Barack Obama becoming the country's first black president.
Neil Mitchell covered his morning program speaking to everyday Americans on who they thought would win while the team around him such as producer Justin Smith gave an insight into results as polling places closed and the results began to come in.
It was during the Ernie Sigley program that Mitchell returned to air to announce Obama had won. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Barack_Obama1.wma]AUDIO1[/link] [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Neil_Mitchell_Bar.wma]AUDIO2 [/link]
Also in the US with 3AW amongst others was former Classic Rock breakfast announcer Seb Costello who Derryn Hinch crossed to during his drive program. Richard Arnold has a wrap up of the day. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Richard_Arnold.wma]AUDIO[/link]
Neil Mitchell covered his morning program speaking to everyday Americans on who they thought would win while the team around him such as producer Justin Smith gave an insight into results as polling places closed and the results began to come in.
It was during the Ernie Sigley program that Mitchell returned to air to announce Obama had won. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Barack_Obama1.wma]AUDIO1[/link] [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Neil_Mitchell_Bar.wma]AUDIO2 [/link]
Also in the US with 3AW amongst others was former Classic Rock breakfast announcer Seb Costello who Derryn Hinch crossed to during his drive program. Richard Arnold has a wrap up of the day. [link=http://www.3aw.com.au/displayPopUpPlayerAction.action?&url=http://media.mytalk.com.au/3AW/AUDIO/051108_Richard_Arnold.wma]AUDIO[/link]
Radio stunt has staff in clover
Monday, November 3, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Staff at Brisbane radio station Nova 106.9 got an unexpected Melbourne Cup Day surprise this morning when they arrived to find their Teneriffe headquarters converted into a makeshift race track, complete with live ponies.
One-hundred and thirty square metres of the green stuff was laid across the station's sprawling reception area overnight and the equines brought in this morning, when they were taken to the building's third floor via a lift. [link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/radio-stunt-has-staff-in-clover/2008/11/04/1225560799291.html]Brisbane Times[/link]
One-hundred and thirty square metres of the green stuff was laid across the station's sprawling reception area overnight and the equines brought in this morning, when they were taken to the building's third floor via a lift. [link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/radio-stunt-has-staff-in-clover/2008/11/04/1225560799291.html]Brisbane Times[/link]
2DU's de Kroo to say Hooroo
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
'
2DU's Leo de Kroo will leave his popular morning program and the station on Christmas Eve to pursue other interests. He has been the voice of Dubbo for over a decade with his unique and passionate style.
It is de Kroo's wish that he finds a replacement who is prepared to carry the torch on local issues that matter to the Dubbo community (those with a hidden political agenda need not apply) prior to his departure.
2DU's Leo de Kroo will leave his popular morning program and the station on Christmas Eve to pursue other interests. He has been the voice of Dubbo for over a decade with his unique and passionate style.
It is de Kroo's wish that he finds a replacement who is prepared to carry the torch on local issues that matter to the Dubbo community (those with a hidden political agenda need not apply) prior to his departure.
Sigley to exit afternoons this week.
Sunday, November 2, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
He came to the station to fill in for Caroline Wilson (who was on maternity leave) well over a decade ago and this Friday Ernie Sigley retires from the 3AW afternoon program.
As reported here previously Sigley will pop up on 3AW's Nightline from time to time as fill in host.
As reported here previously Sigley will pop up on 3AW's Nightline from time to time as fill in host.
Police drop charge against McKenney
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Drug charges against Mix 1065's Todd McKenney have been dropped by police during a brief court hearing today.
Police discovered a vial of the drug in McKenney's pants pocket when they found him unconscious in Rushcutters Bay Park on Anzac Day, April 25, this year.
McKenney said the drugs had been planted in his pants when he took them off to have a shower at a party, at which he also said he had his drink spiked.
Police discovered a vial of the drug in McKenney's pants pocket when they found him unconscious in Rushcutters Bay Park on Anzac Day, April 25, this year.
McKenney said the drugs had been planted in his pants when he took them off to have a shower at a party, at which he also said he had his drink spiked.
Improved Digital Radio Channel Plans (DRCPs) have been released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for comment.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the industry had been working with ACMA to modify the DRCPs first released in December 2007.
“We are confident as an industry the latest plans will provide Australia’s radio listeners with a very high level of coverage from day one of the new technology - well over 90% population coverage - which will be further improved over the first few years of operation and represents the highest level of metropolitan DAB+ digital radio coverage in the world,” said Ms Warner.
The industry will, however, also prepare a submission requesting even more improvements in some areas. Based on the DRCPs, Commercial Radio Australia will formally finalise the technical specifications for the digital antenna infrastructure which ultimately determines how and where radio listeners will be able to hear digital radio in the five capital launch cities; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from May 2009.
“Radio is a mobile media and listeners expect when we switch-on digital radio next year that it will work in the home, in the office, on the beach and throughout the city when they are listening in the car. With these new plans, and a little more tweaking, we can achieve that,” said Ms Warner.
Free to air digital radio will allow radio broadcasters to provide additional audio channels, a higher quality sound, a pause and rewind facility, plus a new informative visual aspect to radio, with the introduction of scrolling news, sport and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD, a product picture, or an animated logo on screen.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the industry had been working with ACMA to modify the DRCPs first released in December 2007.
“We are confident as an industry the latest plans will provide Australia’s radio listeners with a very high level of coverage from day one of the new technology - well over 90% population coverage - which will be further improved over the first few years of operation and represents the highest level of metropolitan DAB+ digital radio coverage in the world,” said Ms Warner.
The industry will, however, also prepare a submission requesting even more improvements in some areas. Based on the DRCPs, Commercial Radio Australia will formally finalise the technical specifications for the digital antenna infrastructure which ultimately determines how and where radio listeners will be able to hear digital radio in the five capital launch cities; Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide from May 2009.
“Radio is a mobile media and listeners expect when we switch-on digital radio next year that it will work in the home, in the office, on the beach and throughout the city when they are listening in the car. With these new plans, and a little more tweaking, we can achieve that,” said Ms Warner.
Free to air digital radio will allow radio broadcasters to provide additional audio channels, a higher quality sound, a pause and rewind facility, plus a new informative visual aspect to radio, with the introduction of scrolling news, sport and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD, a product picture, or an animated logo on screen.
APN News & Media (owners of the Australian Radio Network) says its major shareholder, Irish media company Independent News & Media, has received approaches from several parties regarding its 39 per cent stake in the company.
INM, led by chief executive Sir Tony O'Reilly, said it wanted APN to be involved in its strategic review of its holding, to ensure that the outcome is in the best interests of APN's shareholders.
"APN welcomes this approach," the Sydney-based publisher said.
APN, which publishes The New Zealand Herald as well as 24 daily and over 100 non-daily newspapers across Australia and New Zealand, said the review "may or may not result in the sale of part or all of INM's interest in APN".
The company also owns 50 per cent of Australian Radio Network and The Radio Network in New Zealand.
APN said it had appointed ABN Amro to advise on the review.
INM, led by chief executive Sir Tony O'Reilly, said it wanted APN to be involved in its strategic review of its holding, to ensure that the outcome is in the best interests of APN's shareholders.
"APN welcomes this approach," the Sydney-based publisher said.
APN, which publishes The New Zealand Herald as well as 24 daily and over 100 non-daily newspapers across Australia and New Zealand, said the review "may or may not result in the sale of part or all of INM's interest in APN".
The company also owns 50 per cent of Australian Radio Network and The Radio Network in New Zealand.
APN said it had appointed ABN Amro to advise on the review.
Nine lives for Nova team
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Merrick and Rosso are tempting fate by signing for a ninth year on Nova - but why not? They are enjoying a steady march back to the top and are within a whisker of reclaiming the FM breakfast crown they lost two years ago to 2DayFM's Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O. In radio terms, however, they're well past the expected five-year life cycle of most FM shows. Full story the SMH
Jennifer Menchin quits 2BS
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Yes it is that time of the year when people are on the move! Jennifer Menchin has resigned from 2BS after 6 years. Jennifer who has held various roles with the station including her popular [i]Talk of the Town[/i] afternoon program initially joined the 2BS as a copy writer. She departs the station on Friday the 21st of November.
It looks like we will see a very different 2MMM in 2009 with breakfast program The Shebang having now left the building and the announcement today that Wil & Lehmo will not be returning to their Networked drive program next year.
Jamie Angel is currently hosting 2MMM breakfast while Wil and Lehmo will continue on air until the end of November.
Jamie Angel is currently hosting 2MMM breakfast while Wil and Lehmo will continue on air until the end of November.
Holden talking on the radio
Saturday, November 1, 2008 | Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
Mark Holden has been hosting Saturday and Sunday afternoons on 3AW this weekend.
Pete Graham did switch camps
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
A regular reader who is in Sydney for the long weekend (Melbourne Cup equals a four day weekend for many in Vic) wanted to know when Pete Graham joined 2UE from 2GB? He had heard him on 2UE's Saturday Night Live last night. We believe it was in September as far as we are aware.
Brownless to skip breakfast
| Labels: Radionews | 0 comments »
SEN's Billy Brownless has decided to leave the 1116 SEN Morning Glory breakfast program. Billy who has been part of the program since day one of SEN will remain with the station.
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