Hello World I'm John Laws, well I think I am!

He is one of the best-known media identities in Australia with a voice that's instantly recognisable to millions.

But it didn't stop identity thieves targeting radio legend John Laws, forging his signature and raiding his bank account.

The man nicknamed the "Golden Tonsils" has emerged as the latest victim of a gang that police say is running a series of identity scams across the state in the same vein as famous Catch Me If You Can conman, Frank Abagnale Jr. Full article

Evans joins 3SR for breakfast

Greg Evans has joined Shepparton's 3SR fm and will co-host breakfast. Greg has more recently been heard doing the odd shift at Melbourne's 3MP.
Join Greg and Penny for breakfast on 3SR fm.

Vale Ian Major - 3KZ is football!

Broadcaster Ian Major has lost his battle with cancer having passed away today in Melbourne at the Cabrini Hospital.
Maj as he was known was famous for his catchcry of '[i]3KZ is football'[/i], and it is at 3KZ between 1970 and 1991 that he called VFL/AFL with former Richmond VFL champion Jack Dyer AKA Captain Blood.
Maj worked for numerous radio stations over the years including 3XY, 3EE, 3LO and 3AK. It was at 3AK, where he also worked in sales, that he presented a Saturday afternoon sports show with former Essendon ruckman Simon Madden. More recently (2004-2005) he was part of 1116 SEN's weekend afternoon program Weekend Leave Pass. Wiki

Triple J hottest 100 2008

It is one of the most popular countdowns in the country and it has become an Australia Day tradition. The Triple J hottest 100 has been released and Kings of Leon's Sex on Fire is Australia's favourite track, according to the station. View the entire list

Lisa jumps on the big couch

In mid November when Lisa Fernandez announced she was heading home to Perth from Nova Adelaide we suggested it would not be long before she was back on air in her home state.
From today and each weekday Lisa joins Dean Clairs and Shane McFarlane on 94.5's The Big Couch.

The less they speak the better they are - Andrew Symonds

Andrew Symonds did many radio interviews on Friday with the most fitting words coming just seconds before his Triple M interview with Roy and HG concluded. Have a listen to the Audio

Angela Clark will walk from MRN

Macquarie Radio Network chief executive, Angela Clark, will not be renewing her contract, and will be taking maternity leave from February 6. She will act as a consultant until the end of 2009 however beyond that she will cut ties with the group.

Green Guide 22 Jan '09: Rivals and friends across the networks

Several years ago Michael "Wippa" Wipfli was sacked, twice, from his panel operator job at Fox.

"I slipped up a bit," he says, trying to change the subject. But his Nova drive-show co-hosts, Ryan Shelton and Katie "Monty" Dimond, are keen to elaborate on his misfortune.

"Didn't you let Hamish (in the studio) while he was drunk?" Dimond asks. "That had nothing to do with it," Wipfli insists.
Full article

Could Fairfax sell their radio network?

Yesterday's sale of Fairfax's Southern Star TV production and distribution business to production giant Endemol has signalled speculation that the new CEO, Brian McCarthy, could put the radio network on the market.

Fairfax who went on a $4.5 billion spending spree under their former CEO, David Kirk, are keen to get their balance sheet down and wipe much of the current $2.4 billion debt out.

It has been suggested the radio network which includes 4BC, 6PR, 96fm, Magic 1278, 4BH, 2UE and 3AW could be sold at a discount to the $330 million Fairfax paid in 2007. Citi analyst Digby Gilmour placed a current valuation of $148 million on the radio network, purely based on projected earnings over the next 18 months. Related item

6IX now streams live

Perth's 6IX now streams live online. For those of you across the country that want to drop by and have a listen to the Good Times and Great Music on 6IX. HERE

Macquarie Media Group – withdrawal of undertakings

ACMA release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has consented to the withdrawal of enforceable undertakings given by Macquarie Media Holdings Ltd (MMH) and related Macquarie companies under section 205W of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA).

The Macquarie companies sought ACMA’s consent to withdraw the undertakings following a decision on 12 January 2009 by the Full Federal Court in the appeal by MMH and others against the decision of Justice Moore of 14 November 2008.



Justice Moore had found in favour of ACMA’s approach to the interpretation of section 73A of the BSA in respect of the control by MMH and other Macquarie entities of television licences in Darwin and Tasmania. However, the Full Court allowed the appeal, favouring the appellants’ construction of section 73A.

Under the undertakings, MMH and the other Macquarie companies had been required to divest interests in the digital commercial television licences in Tasmania and Darwin by 19 January 2009 so that they were no longer in a position to exercise control of two licences in each of those licence areas.

ACMA is currently reviewing the Federal Court decision before deciding whether to seek special leave to appeal to the High Court.

Media contact: Christine Donnelly, ACMA Acting Media Manager on 02 9334 7980.


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

Backgrounder
Prior approval under the BSA - breaches of the statutory control rules
The statutory control rules are set out in Part 5 of the BSA. A person may have committed an offence if they are in breach of these rules.

Before a transaction takes place or an agreement is entered into that would place a person in breach of the statutory control rules, the person may apply to ACMA under section 67 of the BSA for approval of the breach. Certain preconditions must be satisfied in order for prior approval to be granted by ACMA.

If the preconditions are satisfied, ACMA may approve the breach and specify a period during which the person must take action to ensure the breach ceases. This period cannot be more than two years.

Macquarie’s interests in the Tasmania and Darwin licence areas
Prior to its acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited, ACMA gave certain Macquarie entities and their directors prior approval under section 67 of the BSA for temporary breaches of the control provisions in that Act. Certain Macquarie companies gave undertakings to ACMA under section 205W in order to satisfy one of the preconditions for approval to be given. The approvals relate to the control of two commercial television broadcasting licences in each of the Tasmania and Darwin Licence areas.

From the time tunnel 1980 3AK Beautiful Music.

From 1980 a TVC for 3AK Beautiful Music.

Let the battle commence

Radio's big guns clocked on this morning for the start of the ratings year and another round of intense competition. This year there's more than ego at stake. Employers need every ratings point to convince financially strapped advertisers to part with their dollars amid the economic gloom. SMH article

SEN turns five

Melbourne's sport station 1116 SEN has celebrated 5 years of broadcasting today proving many of those wrong who said it would not last.

SEN was born out of the ashes of the troubled 3AK and initially the station was leased from Pacific Star (current owners of SEN and owners of 3AK) before falling on tough financial times in 2005.

Pacific Star took control of SEN in 2005 and put the wheels in motion to secure calling rights to AFL coverage.

Kim Geale and Dave Noonan have not quit radio after all

Former Sea FM Hobart breakfast duo, Kim Geale and Dave Noonan have made a quick comeback after quitting radio in December 2008.
The pair have moved across to sister station Heart FM and will return to the airwaves next month. Full story

Most now back at work

Most of the regular radio presenters have now returned to the grindstone. Today also saw Alan Jones return to air at 2GB after undergoing his second cancer scare in recent months. Jones had an extended break to recover from brain tumour surgery. Last month, Jones had a three-hour operation to remove the tumour at St Vincent's Private Hospital, in Sydney's inner-city Darlinghurst.

Kate Mac to leave 2DAY FM

Kate Mac will be leaving 2DAY FM at the end of March. Kate has been at 2DAY FM for around 4 and a half years and is currently the afternoon announcer. She is hoping to move in a new direction career wise in the media.

Hamish and Andy to cover Tassie

The Hamish & Andy Show will now be heard across five stations in Tasmania including 7HO (Hobart), LAFM (Launceston) and the Northern Tasmanian SEA FM stations (Devonport, Burnie and Scottsdale).

From January 19, Tasmanian listeners will hear The Hamish & Andy Show live weekdays from 4pm and The Saturday Morning Hamish & Andy Show every weekend.


Austereo and Tasmanian Broadcasters (a subsidiary of Grant Broadcasters) have joined forces to allow Tasmanian listeners to tune into Australia’s top drive-time show for the first time through local Tasmanian radio stations.

Tasmanian Broadcasters’ Executive General Manager Tim Holder said, “Tasmanian Broadcasters are delighted to have secured the Hamish and Andy show for our major markets across Tasmania. We are confident that advertisers and listeners will benefit immensely from having such a highly regarded show broadcasting from local Tasmanian radio stations.”

Welcome to 2009

Radio News would like to thank all of you who have made contributions to the site over the last 12 months.
We wish all of our visitors a happy and healthy 2009.

Hello World I'm John Laws, well I think I am!

Saturday, January 31, 2009 | 0 comments »

He is one of the best-known media identities in Australia with a voice that's instantly recognisable to millions.

But it didn't stop identity thieves targeting radio legend John Laws, forging his signature and raiding his bank account.

The man nicknamed the "Golden Tonsils" has emerged as the latest victim of a gang that police say is running a series of identity scams across the state in the same vein as famous Catch Me If You Can conman, Frank Abagnale Jr. Full article

Evans joins 3SR for breakfast

| 0 comments »

Greg Evans has joined Shepparton's 3SR fm and will co-host breakfast. Greg has more recently been heard doing the odd shift at Melbourne's 3MP.
Join Greg and Penny for breakfast on 3SR fm.

Vale Ian Major - 3KZ is football!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009 | 1 comments »

Broadcaster Ian Major has lost his battle with cancer having passed away today in Melbourne at the Cabrini Hospital.
Maj as he was known was famous for his catchcry of '[i]3KZ is football'[/i], and it is at 3KZ between 1970 and 1991 that he called VFL/AFL with former Richmond VFL champion Jack Dyer AKA Captain Blood.
Maj worked for numerous radio stations over the years including 3XY, 3EE, 3LO and 3AK. It was at 3AK, where he also worked in sales, that he presented a Saturday afternoon sports show with former Essendon ruckman Simon Madden. More recently (2004-2005) he was part of 1116 SEN's weekend afternoon program Weekend Leave Pass. Wiki

Triple J hottest 100 2008

Sunday, January 25, 2009 | 0 comments »

It is one of the most popular countdowns in the country and it has become an Australia Day tradition. The Triple J hottest 100 has been released and Kings of Leon's Sex on Fire is Australia's favourite track, according to the station. View the entire list

Lisa jumps on the big couch

| 0 comments »

In mid November when Lisa Fernandez announced she was heading home to Perth from Nova Adelaide we suggested it would not be long before she was back on air in her home state.
From today and each weekday Lisa joins Dean Clairs and Shane McFarlane on 94.5's The Big Couch.

The less they speak the better they are - Andrew Symonds

Saturday, January 24, 2009 | 1 comments »

Andrew Symonds did many radio interviews on Friday with the most fitting words coming just seconds before his Triple M interview with Roy and HG concluded. Have a listen to the Audio

Angela Clark will walk from MRN

Wednesday, January 21, 2009 | 0 comments »

Macquarie Radio Network chief executive, Angela Clark, will not be renewing her contract, and will be taking maternity leave from February 6. She will act as a consultant until the end of 2009 however beyond that she will cut ties with the group.

Green Guide 22 Jan '09: Rivals and friends across the networks

| 0 comments »

Several years ago Michael "Wippa" Wipfli was sacked, twice, from his panel operator job at Fox.

"I slipped up a bit," he says, trying to change the subject. But his Nova drive-show co-hosts, Ryan Shelton and Katie "Monty" Dimond, are keen to elaborate on his misfortune.

"Didn't you let Hamish (in the studio) while he was drunk?" Dimond asks. "That had nothing to do with it," Wipfli insists.
Full article

Could Fairfax sell their radio network?

Tuesday, January 20, 2009 | 0 comments »

Yesterday's sale of Fairfax's Southern Star TV production and distribution business to production giant Endemol has signalled speculation that the new CEO, Brian McCarthy, could put the radio network on the market.

Fairfax who went on a $4.5 billion spending spree under their former CEO, David Kirk, are keen to get their balance sheet down and wipe much of the current $2.4 billion debt out.

It has been suggested the radio network which includes 4BC, 6PR, 96fm, Magic 1278, 4BH, 2UE and 3AW could be sold at a discount to the $330 million Fairfax paid in 2007. Citi analyst Digby Gilmour placed a current valuation of $148 million on the radio network, purely based on projected earnings over the next 18 months. Related item

6IX now streams live

Monday, January 19, 2009 | 0 comments »

Perth's 6IX now streams live online. For those of you across the country that want to drop by and have a listen to the Good Times and Great Music on 6IX. HERE

Macquarie Media Group – withdrawal of undertakings

Sunday, January 18, 2009 | 0 comments »

ACMA release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has consented to the withdrawal of enforceable undertakings given by Macquarie Media Holdings Ltd (MMH) and related Macquarie companies under section 205W of the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (the BSA).

The Macquarie companies sought ACMA’s consent to withdraw the undertakings following a decision on 12 January 2009 by the Full Federal Court in the appeal by MMH and others against the decision of Justice Moore of 14 November 2008.



Justice Moore had found in favour of ACMA’s approach to the interpretation of section 73A of the BSA in respect of the control by MMH and other Macquarie entities of television licences in Darwin and Tasmania. However, the Full Court allowed the appeal, favouring the appellants’ construction of section 73A.

Under the undertakings, MMH and the other Macquarie companies had been required to divest interests in the digital commercial television licences in Tasmania and Darwin by 19 January 2009 so that they were no longer in a position to exercise control of two licences in each of those licence areas.

ACMA is currently reviewing the Federal Court decision before deciding whether to seek special leave to appeal to the High Court.

Media contact: Christine Donnelly, ACMA Acting Media Manager on 02 9334 7980.


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

Backgrounder
Prior approval under the BSA - breaches of the statutory control rules
The statutory control rules are set out in Part 5 of the BSA. A person may have committed an offence if they are in breach of these rules.

Before a transaction takes place or an agreement is entered into that would place a person in breach of the statutory control rules, the person may apply to ACMA under section 67 of the BSA for approval of the breach. Certain preconditions must be satisfied in order for prior approval to be granted by ACMA.

If the preconditions are satisfied, ACMA may approve the breach and specify a period during which the person must take action to ensure the breach ceases. This period cannot be more than two years.

Macquarie’s interests in the Tasmania and Darwin licence areas
Prior to its acquisition of Southern Cross Broadcasting (Australia) Limited, ACMA gave certain Macquarie entities and their directors prior approval under section 67 of the BSA for temporary breaches of the control provisions in that Act. Certain Macquarie companies gave undertakings to ACMA under section 205W in order to satisfy one of the preconditions for approval to be given. The approvals relate to the control of two commercial television broadcasting licences in each of the Tasmania and Darwin Licence areas.

From the time tunnel 1980 3AK Beautiful Music.

| 0 comments »

From 1980 a TVC for 3AK Beautiful Music.

Let the battle commence

| 0 comments »

Radio's big guns clocked on this morning for the start of the ratings year and another round of intense competition. This year there's more than ego at stake. Employers need every ratings point to convince financially strapped advertisers to part with their dollars amid the economic gloom. SMH article

SEN turns five

| 0 comments »

Melbourne's sport station 1116 SEN has celebrated 5 years of broadcasting today proving many of those wrong who said it would not last.

SEN was born out of the ashes of the troubled 3AK and initially the station was leased from Pacific Star (current owners of SEN and owners of 3AK) before falling on tough financial times in 2005.

Pacific Star took control of SEN in 2005 and put the wheels in motion to secure calling rights to AFL coverage.

Kim Geale and Dave Noonan have not quit radio after all

| 0 comments »

Former Sea FM Hobart breakfast duo, Kim Geale and Dave Noonan have made a quick comeback after quitting radio in December 2008.
The pair have moved across to sister station Heart FM and will return to the airwaves next month. Full story

Most now back at work

| 0 comments »

Most of the regular radio presenters have now returned to the grindstone. Today also saw Alan Jones return to air at 2GB after undergoing his second cancer scare in recent months. Jones had an extended break to recover from brain tumour surgery. Last month, Jones had a three-hour operation to remove the tumour at St Vincent's Private Hospital, in Sydney's inner-city Darlinghurst.

Kate Mac to leave 2DAY FM

| 0 comments »

Kate Mac will be leaving 2DAY FM at the end of March. Kate has been at 2DAY FM for around 4 and a half years and is currently the afternoon announcer. She is hoping to move in a new direction career wise in the media.

Hamish and Andy to cover Tassie

Monday, January 5, 2009 | 2 comments »

The Hamish & Andy Show will now be heard across five stations in Tasmania including 7HO (Hobart), LAFM (Launceston) and the Northern Tasmanian SEA FM stations (Devonport, Burnie and Scottsdale).

From January 19, Tasmanian listeners will hear The Hamish & Andy Show live weekdays from 4pm and The Saturday Morning Hamish & Andy Show every weekend.


Austereo and Tasmanian Broadcasters (a subsidiary of Grant Broadcasters) have joined forces to allow Tasmanian listeners to tune into Australia’s top drive-time show for the first time through local Tasmanian radio stations.

Tasmanian Broadcasters’ Executive General Manager Tim Holder said, “Tasmanian Broadcasters are delighted to have secured the Hamish and Andy show for our major markets across Tasmania. We are confident that advertisers and listeners will benefit immensely from having such a highly regarded show broadcasting from local Tasmanian radio stations.”

Welcome to 2009

Saturday, January 3, 2009 | 0 comments »

Radio News would like to thank all of you who have made contributions to the site over the last 12 months.
We wish all of our visitors a happy and healthy 2009.