Sector falls short on digital radio

THE community radio sector has missed the deadline to participate in building the transmission infrastructure for digital broadcasting, blaming uncertainty over whether it would be able to meet funding calls. Industry body the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia said it had been left hanging by the federal Government’s refusal to confirm funding commitments made by its predecessor. “We’re now facing a scenario where the commercial and public broadcasters will have an ownership role in the (digital) infrastructure and we’re kind of nowhere,” said Kath Letch, chairwoman of the CBAA’s digital radio consultative group and station manager of Melbourne community station 3RRR. Read the entire item The Australian

Green Guide May 01 2008

Is there such a thing as a great radio advertisement? For this radio junkie, the seemingly endless stream of ads ranges from tedious drivel to excruciating crap. Never great.Many commercial radio listeners must cringe, change stations or blank out when the ads come on.Annoying as they are, their effectiveness cannot be denied — we remember the jingles, don’t we — and commercial stations would not exist without ads. (And while, strictly speaking, the ABC is ad-free, just what do they call those increasingly frequent “interruptions” that spruik content on ABC radio, television and online?) Read the entire article from The Age

Jen to quit 4GY

One half of the Jen and Jay breakfast radio team are moving on from Classic Hits 4GY. Jen Seyderhelm will finish in mid May to move to 4AK/4WK Toowoomba.

Anne Fullwood joins ABC radio

Former Channel 7 and 10 news presenter, Anne Fullwood, has joined ABC newsradio as a presenter and producer. Anne will work across both breakfast and drive shifts.

John Cargher dies four days after final show

Veteran classical music presenter John Cargher has died in Melbourne, aged 89. Cargher, who presented the Singers of Renown program for 42 years on ABC Radio National, died at his home in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon. He had been battling cancer.He is survived by his wife Robyn and daughter. His death comes just four days after presenting his final program and retiring.

ACMA finds BFM Bankstown breached licence conditions

ACMA media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that Bankstown City Radio Co-operative Ltd, the licensee of Sydney community broadcasting service Radio BFM, breached a condition of its temporary licence by broadcasting advertisements. Community radio stations may broadcast up to five minutes of sponsorship announcements in any hour. Under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, sponsorship announcements on community radio must include an appropriate acknowledgement of financial support (a ‘tag’), otherwise they can be considered advertisements.

ACMA found that Radio BFM broadcast advertisements on 19 October and 23 November 2007 as a number of sponsorship announcements played during the program ‘Dosti’ did not carry ‘tags’.

However, as the program is no longer on air and ACMA is satisfied that the licensee has put in place adequate measures to ensure there are no further breaches of the sponsorship rules, no action is proposed at this time.

ACMA started its investigation after it received two complaints from a complainant in November 2007.

Bankstown City Radio Co-operative Ltd provides community radio service Radio BFM for the general community of Bankstown. The service is provided under a temporary community broadcasting licence.

A copy of Investigation Report 1930 is available on the ACMA website.

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

2AY- finally a new home!

Albury’s 1494 2AY have now moved into their new purpose built studios.




Alex exits Nova

Alex Dalrymple has resigned from Nova 96.9 to pursue a career in acting and to also concentrate on voiceover work. Alex is the longest serving on-air Nova staff member clocking up just on six and a half years at the station.

Kicked off the air

Source and entire item Penrith Press: The radio announcers at Kick FM have been kicked out of the station. Jason Bouman, Kerry Denten, Lindsay Fisher, Ross Hutchison and David Archer, who have 100 years of experience between them, have been replaced with staff from the Penrith-based newspaper Western Weekender. The owners of Kick FM also own the Western Weekender. Bouman told the Press he was negotiating his new contract with Kick FM when he was fired.”On the 31st (of March) I was just given a letter by Sheena (Evans, Kick FM office manager) saying my contract was terminated that was it,” Bouman said. Read the entire article

Radio host drink spiked

Mix 106.5 breakfast radio co-host Todd McKenney believes he is the victim of a drink spiking incident after being found unconscious in a Sydney park on Friday afternoon. McKenney who had to be revived by ambulance officers attended a party at Potts Point on Thursday evening. Members of the public found the unconscious McKenney in the park at Rushcutters Bay around 3.30pm on Friday. At this stage it is unclear how he ended up in the park. Further reports Brisbane Times

Dom exits Darwin

Dom Evans, HotFM/Mix1049 Darwin, has replaced Al Shield at Geelong K-Rock/Bay FM as Production and station floater.

Thanks for winning

The History Channel has won the pay-TV industry's ASTRA award for most outstanding documentary for its series Thanks for Listening on the history of Australian radio.

Green Guide April 24 2008

Popular music. Funny hosts. Bouts of witty banter. Vega has all the ingredients of FM radio success, but after almost three years on air, nobody's listening.Melbourne's youngest and least-popular commercial FM station has tried several incarnations and big-name hosts — from Wendy Harmer and Shaun Micallef to Ian "Dicko" Dickson and Dave O'Neil — but continues to rate badly in surveys of audience share. Read the entire article

Green Guide April 24 2008

Popular music. Funny hosts. Bouts of witty banter. Vega has all the ingredients of FM radio success, but after almost three years on air, nobody's listening.Melbourne's youngest and least-popular commercial FM station has tried several incarnations and big-name hosts — from Wendy Harmer and Shaun Micallef to Ian "Dicko" Dickson and Dave O'Neil — but continues to rate badly in surveys of audience share. Read the entire article

Finalists announced for year’s best radio ad

Media release: The best radio ad of 2008 will be battled out between 50 ad agencies and radio stations as part of the national Siren Awards, which will be announced in Melbourne on May 9. The finalists include some of the best known advertising agencies in Australia including DDB; Saatchi & Saatchi Australia; Clemenger BBDO; Grey Worldwide; Leo Burnett; George Patterson Y&R and JWT as well as boutique agencies like Eardrum Australia, AJF Partnership; Smart and KWP! Adelaide. Radio stations represented among the finalists include Nova 106.9 Brisbane; DMG Perth; Macquarie Regional Radioworks and Australian Radio Network in Sydney.

The national Siren Awards, now in their fourth year, are run by Commercial Radio Australia and are designed to recognise the best radio advertising in the country. The awards promote the importance of creativity as a way to make radio advertising more effective. The Gold Siren winner receives a trip for two to the Cannes Advertising Festival and entry into the 2008 Cannes Radio Lions to be held in June.

SEN poll backs AFL side in Tassie

An on-line poll by Melbourne radio station 1116 SEN has voted overwhelmingly for an AFL side to be located in Tasmania as opposed to Western Sydney. 89% of voters preferred the Tasmanian option with only 11% opting for Sydney. Related article The Mercury

Sly named journalist of year

John Silvester, Sly of the underworld to Melbourne radio listeners, was tonight named the Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year at the Melbourne Press Club awards ceremony at Crown Casino. He also won the Grant Hattam Quill award for investigative journalism. Sly who is the crime reporter for The Age newspaper also contributes to the 3AW breakfast program each week. He is also the co-author of the hugely popular Underbelly series of books which the Channel 9 series is based upon.

New breakfast team for Orange

2LM-ZZZ FM's Emilly Mills and Damien Haffenden are both heading to Star FM Orange and will take over breakfast there. Emilly and Damien hit the air on Monday April 28th.

Newcastle Ratings Survey 1 2008

Newcastle Nielsen radio ratings have been released today with NX FM bolting home with a result of 23.5%, up 5.2%. KO FM have come in second at 18.8%, dipping slightly by 1.7%. The Caralis owned 2HD rated 15.1%, dropping just 0.2% followed by 1233 ABC with 10.4% and a drop of 1.4%. Triple J, 6.9 up 0.4%, have eclipsed NEW FM who have suffered a severe fall of 2.5% and a rating of 5.8%. The end of the field saw the three other ABC stations each record the following results. Radio National 2.5%, up 0.8%, Classic FM 2.5% up 0.3% and News Radio 0.8% up 0.1%. Media Hunter coverage here

Stereo 974 embraces country music

Melbourne's STEREO 974 commenced a new country music programming initiative last Monday the 14th of April. Each weekday between 9.00am and 6.00pm the station will be playing country music with an emphasis on promoting Australian country music artists and the industry.
Station manager Rod Boyd said "For quite some time now Australian Country Music in Melbourne has not had a vehicle to receive the airplay that it deserves. STEREO 974 will now become this vehicle. So now Country Music has a home - STEREO 974

ACMA finds 2GLF breached licence condition

ACMA Media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of 2GLF, Liverpool-Green Valley Community Radio Cooperative Ltd, breached a condition of its licence by failing to encourage members of the community it serves to participate in the operations of the service and in the selection and provision of programs.

Liverpool-Green Valley Community Radio Cooperative Ltd holds a community broadcasting licence to provide a radio service in the local government areas of Liverpool and Fairfield in Sydney’s south west.

ACMA’s investigation found that while 2GLF provided details of the procedure for becoming a member of the station, no evidence was provided to substantiate how it encouraged the community to participate in the operations of the service. In addition, no details were given to substantiate how the station encouraged community participation in the selection and provision of programs.

The investigation did note some improvements had been made by the station, including the introduction of an automation system to record and time-shift some daytime programs to the overnight shift; additional ethnic programming; and two more hours of sports programming.

The improvements were insufficient, however, to demonstrate the licensee’s compliance with its obligations. ACMA has asked 2GLF to provide a report in July 2008 on the measures it has taken since the investigation was finalised to meet its licence obligations.

ACMA’s investigation followed a complaint received on 13 October 2007 that 2GLF was not encouraging community participation in the operations and programming of the service. The complainant also alleged that the service was failing to represent its community interest in line with its licence conditions. However, ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee was meeting the requirements of this licence condition.

Fairfax sniffing 2GB?

Rumours persist that Fairfax radio, owners of 2UE, are interested in buying 2GB if and when John Singleton pulls the plug. One industry insider has told radionews.com.au that Fairfax will pounce on 2GB should a sale be announced.

Green Guide 17 April 2008

NOT SO long ago, Jon Faine decided to throw in his high-profile radio job and try something else. Soon after notching up a decade on 774's morning shift, Faine had had enough. "As many people do, but most are smart enough not to talk about, I had one of those midlife crises," he says. But his bosses refused to let him go, offering the ultimate remedy — six months off work. For the first time at the ABC, an on-air host secured long-service leave. This meant Faine could realise his 30-year ambition to drive a car from Melbourne to London. The road trip begins on July 1, complete with a book deal. Full story

2UE fails on Chesterton defamation appeal

Sydney radio station 2UE has failed to have set aside a jury's finding that John Laws during a radio program in August 2005 defamed journalist Ray Chesterton. It was during that broadcast Mr Chesterton was described in a defamatory manner including that Mr Chesterton was a "bombastic, beer-bellied buffoon" and was not to be taken seriously as a journalist.



The NSW Court of Appeal has dismissed the challenge by Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd, which had requested for the jury's findings to be set aside and a new trial ordered.

2UE complained the trial judge erred in the directions to the jury about "business reputation".

The next step of the case will involve a judge conducting a hearing at which Radio 2UE can put forward any defences it may have and submissions on damages can be made.

ABC Local Radio Awards Finalists Announced

Media release: A diverse list of programs, producers and presenters were today announced as finalists in the 2008 ABC Local Radio Awards. Established in 2001, the ABC Local Radio Awards recognise and celebrate the talent and dedication of ABC Local Radio staff who deliver entertaining radio to local communities around Australia.

Open to broadcasters and producers from the nine metropolitan and 51 regional ABC Local Radio stations across the country, the categories recognise individual and station excellence and include metropolitan and regional broadcaster and station of the year, sports & rural broadcasting and website production, as well as coverage of significant local community events and outside broadcasts. A full list of categories and 2008 finalists is attached.

Director of ABC Radio & Regional Content Sue Howard, part of the Awards judging panel, said she was impressed with both the quality and commitment evident in the entries this year.

“Each year the Awards highlight the energy and creativity of the Local Radio network across the country, and our continuing commitment to audiences. And pleasingly, the list includes both seasoned nominees and an encouraging number of new names and activities.”

“My congratulations go to all finalists and I wish them every success,” Ms Howard said.

The winners of the 2008 ABC Local Radio Awards will be announced in Sydney on Thursday 1 May at a ceremony hosted by ABC1’s New Inventors presenter James O’Loghlin.

The Awards are complemented by a two-day Forum for finalists & ABC Local Radio delegates to discuss a range of topics including future directions of the ABC over the next five years, building strong local communities and maintaining creativity and energy in the work environment.
Full list of finalist

Nicky Downer back on Fiveaa

The wife of Australia's former Foreign Minister, Nicky Downer, has returned to fill in on Fiveaa afternoons, minus her husband Alexander Downer who co-hosted the radio program for a couple of weeks. Nicky will be heard with Chris Kenny in the 1.00pm to 4.00pm slot whilst filling in.

Canadian Radio man hurt in crash

A popular Canadian singer/song writer and radio presenter has been injured while working in country Victoria. Carl Dixon remains in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital after a head-on smash at Ballan (Vic) on Monday. Related article

Another Vertigan bound for radio?

Congratulations to Ace radio's Jon Vertigan and his wife Kellie who have welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world. Benjamin James Vertigan was born on Sunday April 13 and weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 15oz. All reports suggest bub, mum and dad are doing fine. Rumours that Benjamin is booked into a 2026 Melbourne Radio School course as a third generation announcer are false, we just made that bit up!

Proposed NewsRadio in Riverland area of SA

ACMA Media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority is proposing to make spectrum available for the national ABC NewsRadio service to broadcast to Renmark/Loxton on 93.9 MHz. ACMA has been unable to identify any unused FM frequencies that could be used for the ABC radio service due to spectrum congestion for high power radio services in Renmark/Loxton. The frequency 93.9 MHz has been identified as the only permanently unallocated frequency at Renmark/Loxton that is suitable for broadcasting services operating at a high power. Riverland Christian Radio Inc is currently broadcasting on that frequency under a temporary community broadcasting licence but not at a high power level.



ACMA is proposing to make alternative FM spectrum available for community broadcasting on 100.7 MHz. Use of this alternative frequency and associated specifications will allow the current temporary community radio service to continue broadcasting with similar coverage of the Renmark/Loxton area.

‘If the proposals are adopted, the temporary community broadcaster, Riverland Christian Radio, will change frequency to 100.7 MHz so that the ABC can broadcast its national NewsRadio service to a wide audience on 93.9 MHz,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, Inputs to Industry Division. ‘Riverland Christian Broadcasters will continue to provide a service to interested members of the community on its new frequency.

‘ACMA’s initial view is that using the radiofrequency spectrum in this way will promote diversity of services for audiences in the Riverland area. However, ACMA is very keen to hear the views of the Riverland community before making a decision about varying the licence area plan,’ said Mr Tanner.

Details of the proposed changes are contained in an explanatory paper and draft variation to the Riverland (Television and Radio) licence area plan, released today by ACMA.

MRN new appointments

Macquarie Radio Network has recently announced the appointment of Jon Stubley as Group Direct Sales Manager. In other news from MRN Kate Edwards has taken up the new position of Head of Integration.

Tim Pye to speak at Sirens Masterclass

CRA Media release: Well-known Australian television and radio writer and producer, Tim Pye will speak at the Sirens Masterclass, a creative writing seminar for radio, in Melbourne on May 9. Tim's television writing andproducing credits include TV's comedy hit, Stupid Stupid Man as well as Emerald Falls, All Saints, Seachange, Water Rats and Wildside.

Tim has won several awards including an AFI for Wildside and the Henry Lawson Award for Fallen Angels. He has worked in both television and radio and is president of the Australian Writers Guild (AWG).

He joins other speakers at the event, Australian screen writers, Jan Sardi and Craig Pearce. Sardi received an Academy Award nomination in 1997 for his screenplay for “Shine” and is known more recently for his work on the screenplay for the US film, “The Notebook.”
Craig is best-known for his work with Baz Luhrmann on the Australian feature film, “Strictly Ballroom”, “William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet” and Academy Award winning, “Moulin Rouge”.
Cannes Radio Lions judge from last year and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia, will also talk at the Masterclass and run several interactive sessions on how to write world-class radio ads.
This year’s Sirens Masterclass follows the announcement of the Gold Siren winner - the best radio ad in Australia over the past twelve months. The breakfast announcement will be hosted by Nova’s top-rating, drivetime show, “The Wrong Way Home” - Akmal Saleh, Cal Wilson and Ed Kavalee.
Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at The Point Albert Park in Melbourne. Commercial Radio Australia is running the events in association with the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MADC) and the AWG. The breakfast will run from 7.30am to 9.30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $395 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $65 for breakfast only. For a booking form and more information visit the Sirens website: www.sirenawards.com.au.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the Siren Awards provided a great opportunity to recognise excellence in Australian radio advertising and highlight the great work being achieved.
The 2008 Sirens winner, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and its writer will also win two tickets to attend the festival.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson (02) 9281 6577 or (0402) 214 039.

Alicia Gorey returning to Melbourne

Western Australia ABC Regional drive host and ABC TV evening news presenter, Alicia Gorey, has resigned from both roles and is heading home to Melbourne. Alicia who originally went to Perth to work for Triple J in 2002 is heading back to Melbourne to work as a senior reporter for Channel 9.

From the time tunnel: 3XY 1978 promo

From the time tunnel is this promo for 3XY from 1978. It features a who's who of the Australian music industry. Runs 1.51

Vega’s identity crisis

It's heading for three years since Sydney's $100 million radio station Vega was launched and it's yet to deliver on either audience or profits. Two program directors and various personalities, including Wendy Harmer and Angela Catterns, have come and gone. There have been four different marketing campaigns, the music has become more mainstream and the target audience has grown younger. Full story SMH

ACMA interaction with community broadcasting

ACMA media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced a new approach and a number of ongoing initiatives to improve its interactions with the community broadcasting sector. The new approach will be more proactive, entail a review of processes and procedures and have a focus on improved information, consultation and transparency

This sector is incredibly diverse and its several hundred members vary widely in their size and resources and the quality of their governance arrangements. We have gone back to first principles and are looking for better ways to do business with the sector. The aim is to ensure sector members continue to serve the community while at the same time making the regulator more accessible and more accountable,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.The first step of ACMA’s new approach to interaction with the community broadcasting sector is the establishment of a new ACMA team, the Community Broadcasting Group (CBG). One aim of the CBG is to interact with the community broadcasting sector and, in particular, its peak bodies in a highly consultative manner.

The CBG’s work encompasses all licence allocations and renewals, complaints and investigations, compliance and enforcement, and the monitoring and review of the codes of practice that govern community radio and community television broadcasting services. A single group dealing with this range of matters will deliver efficiencies and ensure a more consistent approach across the range of issues experienced by the community broadcasting sector. This, in turn, should minimise overlap or delay.

As at 30 June 2007, there were 358 community radio broadcasting services, compared to 274 commercial radio broadcasting services.

‘This is a large number of community radio broadcasting services. As they obtain access to valuable free-to-air spectrum at little cost, it is important for ACMA to administer the legislative provisions in accordance with the public interest and in the manner intended by Parliament,’ said Mr Chapman.

‘The emphasis in the past has been on licence renewal decisions and investigations arising from specific complaints. While these processes will remain important, they are "blunt instruments" for the community broadcasting sector and the majority of community stations are likely to benefit from an increased emphasis on information and education throughout the life of their licences. This could take the form of more comprehensive and up-to-date guidelines on the various regulatory requirements of the sector and a speedier dissemination of information about decisions that set precedents for the sector.’

The requirement for ACMA to consider whether to renew each community broadcasting licence every five years came into effect in December 2002. Between 1 July 2004 and 29 February 2008, ACMA assessed 276 community radio renewal applications. Of this number, 271 licences were renewed and five licences were not renewed due to serious problems with their services. The figures suggest that the community radio sector, as a whole, is operating reasonably effectively although several non-renewals have given rise to angst in some quarters. Overall, however, the process has ensured that community radio remains open and accountable to the communities they are licensed to serve.

A highlight of ACMA’s improved communication with the sector is the establishment of a single community broadcasting portal on the ACMA homepage, providing a single point of access to a broad array of information and resources for, and about, community broadcasting services. The publication of a greater range of reports and information relevant to community broadcasting will be a growing feature of the new portal.

ACMA’s intention is that the new approach will support the community broadcasting sector’s growth by providing improved processes, procedures and information products. Community broadcasting licensees should benefit from the enhanced transparency and greater accessibility. Greater compliance with the relevant licence conditions and codes of practice is expected to be a positive result from the more pro-active assistance to be provided to the sector.

2RG axe newsroom

After 50 years 2RG Griffith is to axe their local news service from this coming Thursday. The last bulletin read from the 2RG/Star studios will be at lunchtime on Thursday 17th April.

Radio records good growth in 2007

CRA media release: Commercial Economic Advisory Service of Australia (CEASA) figures released today, for the full calendar year 2007 and last six months of last year, show radio continues to perform well in attracting advertising revenue with an increase of around six (6.4%) per cent for the 2007 calendar year to a total of $984.4 million.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said CEASA’s Advertising Expenditure in Main Media report for the full calendar year 2007 shows radio advertising continues to perform in a competitive market with the metropolitan markets recording growth of around 8 per cent (7.6%) to a total of $644.5 million and regional markets growing by 5.5 per cent to a total of $319.7 million.

Ms Warner said these figures reflected the same sentiment as the 2007 PricewaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures for metropolitan radio markets.

“This is good news for the radio industry which is continually working to keep radio top of mind with advertisers. These figures also highlight the importance of new strategies, like radio working in partnership with online, to ensure maximum advantage in today’s multi-media world,” Ms Warner said.

“It is also a significant feat that the radio industry has recorded growth in attracting advertising revenue over the past seven years, despite a couple of slower years, and in what is an increasingly competitive and cluttered media market,” Ms Warner said.

Ms Warner said radio advertising revenue in 2008 was showing promising signs with the first quarter year figures released today showing growth of around four per cent for metropolitan radio markets to a total of $144.45 million. However she said growth was not uniform across the markets with Sydney still facing some challenges.

According to the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures for March 2008, most metropolitan markets recorded strong growth in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same timeframe in 2007, with Perth (up 18%), Adelaide (up 4%), Melbourne (up 8%) and Brisbane (up 9%). However Sydney recorded a drop of six per cent to $46.78 million.

“Looking forward, the launch of digital radio next year and the unique partnership with online and radio present some significant opportunities for the industry to further build its advertising revenue over the coming years,” Ms Warner said. “The industry must capitalise on these opportunities.”

Radio a weighty issue?

First it was SA FM's Andrew Cosi Costello who blamed his time at both of Adelaide's Austereo stations for his bulk out to 140 Kilo's and now fellow Biggest Loser house mate Kirsten Binnie has pinpointed her time in radio to when she started beefing up. Kirsten has revealed she started putting on weight when she became an early morning newsreader for a Sydney radio station in 2002.

Nova stunt stalls Sydney

The Police and the Road Traffic Authority are far from laughing although Nova breakfast radio funsters Merrick and Rosso thought it would be a good idea to give listeners who ran out of petrol on Sydney's busy roads a year's worth of free fuel. Well a couple of listeners did just that, they ran out of fuel, and caused total havoc on top of the Sydney Harbour bridge. When traffic ground to a halt RTA emergency crews, including a tow truck, had to be dispatched to remove the lucky listeners vehicle safely.

Another listener who decided Lane Cove tunnel would be a great place to run out of petrol also needed to be towed after holding up Tuesday evening peak hour traffic. The Police and RTA were flooded with complaints from furious drivers claiming the stunt was dangerous and that next time Nova should be held responsible for what it costs to clear the mess this sort of thing creates. Related article

Ali puts out welcome Matt for old flame

Looks like love has blossomed again for Triple M brekkie announcer Ali Carle and her sporty boyfriend Matthew Clarke. Full story Sunday Mail

Station of the week:Gippsland’s GOLD 1242

"Gippsland’sGippsland’s Gold 1242 is our station of the week. Join Jon Vertigan for breakfast, Julie Strini and Grant Johnstone get your mornings moving. Cruise through the afternoon with Greg Allen and let Wendy Robinson take you into the night. Gippsland’s GOLD 1242 part of the ACE Radio Network.

Perez Hilton on our radio daily

Celebrity blogger and gossip, Perez Hilton, has signed to Australia's MCM Entertainment for distribution of his upcoming radio show. He will soon provide a twice daily dose of gossip, fact and dirt on celebrities which will be broadcast on radio in breakfast and drive. It is likely to be heard on the Austereo Today network stations B105, SAFM, 92.9, FOX and 2DAY. Although our scouts tell us it might just be Nova who win Hilton's services!

Perez Hilton's new radio show is expected to be launched around the world on May 5.

Noeline Brown made Ambassador for Ageing

Noeline Brown star of stage, radio, screen and television has been has been appointed Australia's first Ambassador for Ageing. Noeline's appointment was announced by the federal Ageing Minister Justine Elliot, honouring a Rudd government election promise.The position has been created to give older Australians a direct link to the federal government and a stronger voice in the community, Ms Elliot said. Noeline's web page here

Jono Coleman’s Targa challenge

Radio presenter Jonathan Coleman is heading to Tasmania next week to take part in the 17th annual Targa Tasmania. The co-host of The Jonathan Coleman Experience who is now heard on 25 stations around Australia will be part of a number of celebrities taking part including Channel 9 morning show host Kerri-Anne Kennerley,Channel 10's RPM motor sport program Greg Rust and The TODAY show sports presenter Cameron Williams. Targa Tasmania runs from April 15 -20 inclusive.

Sarah a ’star’ in the making!

Sarah Armstrong has laned herself her first gig in radio and will join Ryan Burgess as co-host for Star FM Griffith breakfast. Well done Sarah!

Craig Huth dicing with local council

2RE/Max FM radio announcer Craig Huth is going to run for the September 13th Greater Taree City Council elections as a local Councillor. Huth, who can talk the leg of a kitchen table is keen to make a difference. He believes the talkback radio format of his shows reflects his desire to be a part of the community, and he’s particularly fond of the issues that make a difference to people’s lives. “I’m very interested in politics… very interested in government at all its levels,” he says. Related article Manning River Times

EON FM founding director subject of hoax

The founding director of radio station EON FM, Glenn Wheatley, has been the victim of a hoax that was to see his recently announced home detention become a reality TV show. Phil Tripp, of the IMMEDIA website, said yesterday he had signed Wheatley to a series about his release from Beechworth Prison into home detention and planned to follow Wheatley around his South Yarra mansion over 13 weeks. Neither Glenn Whealtley or his family were in on the hoax and a family spokesman said "Glenn just wants to come home to do his time and the get on with life. This issue fabricated by Phil Tripp is nonsense".

Kate trades Geelong for Maroochydore

3AW Account Exucutive Kate McMurrich has left the station and will soon move to Maroochydore to live. Kate is finally joining her long time boyfriend, Hot91 breakfast presenter Ronnie Stanton. The pair met when both Kate and Ronnie worked at K ROCK in Geelong where Kate currently lives. Check out kateandronnie.com

Radio advertising up by 6.4 percent

Commercial radio advertising grew by just on 6.4 percent in 2007 with just on $1 billion. being reaped. The Australian advertising industry recorded higher than expected outcomes with 11.5 per cent growth on last year to top $13 billion. The big flyer in advertising was on-line. A massive 34.5 per growth for what just under a decade ago burnt anyone who touched it. Related story SMH

DMG DCM’s in Adelaide

Word from various sources: There have been approx 10 people let go at Nova 919 Adelaide today including production staff and casuals.

Green Guide: 10 April 2008

This week Tracie Winch has written an interesting article on Melbourne's 774 ABC and their delight in using 'comedians' as fill in radio presenters. Recent 'comic' fill in presenters have included Rachel Berger, Catherine Deveny, Tracy Bartram, Julian Morrow, Wendy Harmer, Tony Moclair, Libby Gore, Mark Mitchell and Peter Rowsthorn. Full article here

Be warned - dress to impress!

Source SMH: Sydney C-listers contemplating tandoori tans and underwear as outerwear for the MTV Australia Awards, you have been warned. As hosts of the red carpet show at the awards on April 26, NOVA breakfast radio's presenters, Merrick and Rosso, both respected fashionistas, will be on the lookout for victims of the less-is-more approach to dressing.

Good to compare notes!

A certain regional station was getting sick of loosing their first commercial in each ad break married with the constant risk of being knocked off air earlier this week. Taking a relay program they rang the tech at 'the other end' and were told 'sorry the problems at your end.'

One smart cookie suggested they ring other stations taking the same program to see if they had the same problems. Bingo! Upon comparing notes the stations knew there was no way they could be the cause as they were all experiencing the same problem. Quick phone call to the relaying station and the problem was fixed. Remember that's one pulse, not two!

Will Jones quit ‘GB?

2GB's breakfast radio presenter Alan Jones has won something in the order of 133 breakfast ratings in a row and one has to ask what would keep on driving you after being at the top for so long, ego? money? passion? The rumour mill has been active for months with suggestions that Jones will pull the plug at the end of the year, 'he has had enough' one reliable source said recently 'he has no more to prove, the fire is fadding'. What has added fuel to this is that if John Singleton pulls out of 2GB Jones will bail soon after. Mark Day has a further spin on this in The Australian Media section today HERE

What about Tony Martin?

A passionate Tony Martin fan has contacted radionews.com.au highlighting an extract from an Age article about Triple M's Wil and Lemho and their struggle in the ratings race in the competitive drive slot. He points out a quote from Triple M's Guy Dobson in reference to how the pair are in no danger of being sacked. "Ratings are not the issue. It's about how the show sounds and Wil and Lehmo are sounding great. It's also about how the core audience feels about it and how the advertisers feel, and there are no problems there'
The readers point was simple. Tony Martin was sounding great, the core audience loved Martin and Co, the advertisers were over the moon as were the ratings - then why was Martin flung? The Age article here

Audio tributes to Philip

Further to our article from Monday on Philip Brady's 50 years in the media here are a couple of tributes paid to Phil. One features his radio co-host Bruce Mansfield, the other is from Bert Newton. Also Phil's response to it all.
Bruce pays tribute to Phil Bert Newton Phil responds

Real Underbelly wives hit TODAY network

At opposite ends of the country on 92.9 Perth and 2DAY Sydney the radio breakfast teams have interviewed the real life women portrayed in the hit channel 9 series Underbelly. Judy Moran, estranged wife of the late Lewis Moran, mother of murdered Jason and Mark, has appeared on Em and Wippa's 92.9 breakfast program to share her thoughts on the TV program against those of what really happened Listen here.

In Sydney 2DAY breakfast, Kyle and Jackie interviewed Roberta Williams, wife of Carl Williams. Roberta was pedalling the same garbage about her portrayal in the series. People connected to the production of Underbelly confirm the actor who plays Roberta Williams on the series managed to get many of Roberta's mannerisms correct with one insider saying 'this was art imitating life' much to Roberta's protests. Where the actor out shone Roberta was in looks. Listen here

Go Set on Poparchives

Radionews.com.au has often praised the useful resources of that great website Pop Archives. One of our readers recently pointed out their 'Go Set' page. To those to young to remember Go Set was a pop music magazine/newspaper published between 1966 and 1974. Do yourself a favour and check it out here.

'Birdsong radio' a worldwide hit

A radio station exclusivley broadcasting ambient noise from a british country garden has become an unlikely hit worldwide. Half a million listeners have tuned into the birdsong radio station, with many listeners waking up to the calming sounds every morning. Full story LIVENEWS

Radio brings blind into focus

Source and entire article Daily Telegraph: Tomorrow, 2RPH celebrates 25 years on air with a lunch at Parliament House. From 6am to 11pm every day (it runs a BBC feed overnight) 2RPH puts to air the material most of us take for granted - news, columns, features, sport, even the death notices. In other words, it goes a long way past the headlines. Read the original article

Philip Brady celebrates 50 years

3AW Nightline presenter Philip Brady yesterday celebrated 50 years in the Media. Philip started at Channel 9 on April 6 1958 and during his time there was part of In Melbourne Tonight with Graham Kennedy. He has hosted quiz shows on Channel 10 such as The Money Makers and Concentration and was part of Steve Vizard's Tonight Live at Channel 7.

Radio has been a big part of Philip's time in the industry with stints at 3AK, 3UZ, an earlier stint at 3AW and five years at Easy Listening 97 on the Gold Coast prior to returning to Melbourne. He joined 3AW at the start of 1990 to present Sunday nights Remember When with Bruce Mansfield with the duo taking over Nightline some months later after the departure of Alex Kenworthy from the station.

Austereo owners join the Zoo

Village Roadshow, owners of Austereo's Triple M and Today radio networks, have been given conditional support by Zoos Victoria to a roller-coaster amusement park proposed for its Werribee Open Range Zoo on Melbourne's western fringe. If successful Village hope to open the complex in 2010.

Todd needs a lift!

Mix 106.5 breakfast radio co-host Todd McKenney has today pleaded guilty in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court to drink-driving. He was fined $375 plus $70 in court costs and has lost his driving licence until July. Asked outside the court for a comment:"I think the comment is simply: `Don't drink and drive'," he said.He laughed when asked how he would get to the Mix 106.5 studios from his Bondi home for his 5am breakfast radio show. "I haven't thought about that. I will probably walk," he joked.

Jim Wilson admits he stuffed up

Regular sport contributor to 3AW's drive program Jim Wilson has admitted to being drunk when he went to air on the radio station last Friday afternoon. Jim humbly apologized to the program host, producers, 3AW management and the listeners pointing out that in a 22 year career he has never done anything like this before. Jim was having a few drinks with mates going into a week off work last Friday when the incident occurred.



As we reported on Saturday Derryn Hinch pulled Wilson off air, saying he was in no fit state to be there and replaced him for the segment with Graeme Bond. Jim Wilson was back in his regular Monday spot today.

Kyle slams Rove + Audio

Kyle Sandilands has lashed out at Rove McManus straight after interviewing him on 2DAY FM breakfast this morning. Rove had been on the line to discuss the Gold Logie nomination and much of the interview saw Kylie playing Mr Nice to Rove, even signing off "Thanks mate, nice to talk to you." It was when Rove had hung up Sandilands turned it on to radio co-host Jackie O,

"I lied about the 'nice to talk to you' bit. Hate talkin' to him ... hate his guts. I was bein' civil. But I still don't like him."Jackie O then tried to calm Sandilands down but he continued with "Being civil to people and actually liking him are two different things. I don't wanna pretend to the audience that I like him, cos he's an arsehole."
"I will present the show in a professional manner, really what I think is he's a spiteful little a***hole. That's what I think." Audio

Station of the week:2ST Nowra

"2STOur radio station of the week is 2ST Nowra. A fantastic station which can be heard on the following frequencies, 999 AM Nowra, 102.9 FM Bowral, 106.7FM Ulladulla, 91.7 on the Coast. Drop by the 2ST home page and check out their on air line up, including Barry Mac, Graeme Day, Murray Peters, Pete Brandtman and Mark Scott.

Grant Tothill joins Sony BMG

Grant Tothill has quit his role of Triple M Content Director at Austereo and is leaving the radio industry. He has jumped the fence to join Sony-BMG in a senior management position responsible for the promotion and marketing of their portfolio of Australian recording artist. Grant comes to the role after 16 years with Austereo and on top of that began his music career 30 years ago in artist management and touring. He takes up the role in May.

Lousy reception

Source and entire item SMH: Steve Price is at risk of sounding like Monty Python's limbless Black Knight in the Holy Grail, still up for the fight as the odds keep stacking up. Price has replaced John Laws - one of the greats of radio, albeit with a fading audience - in 2UE's morning slot, leaving him with big shoes to fill but a low base to climb back from. Full story SMH

Jones back to the grind

Alan Jones returns to 2GB breakfast radio tomorrow after a two week absence. Regular fill in Jason Morrison has covered the shift for Jones.

Kyle 8 litres of coke a day!

2DAY FM breakfast radio co-host, Kyle Sandilands, has told Sunday Life magazine he drinks anywhere up to 8 litres of Coca Cola a day and an incredible 20 café lattes a day (although if you really wanted an instant hit 4 short blacks would easily do the work of 20 lattes.)
Sandilands also told the magazine he has a huge intake of chocolate to cope with his hectic workload. He went on to add he survives on as little as 4 hours sleep a night and suffers from severe migraines.

Did Jim have a big lunch?

What caused Channel 7's Jim Wilson to be replaced half way through his Friday sports spot on radio 3AW's drive yesterday afternoon? Had Jim had one of those long Friday lunches? Derryn Hinch went to a commercial break and Graeme 'Bondy' Bond returned in Jim's place. Reminds me of the former 3AW drive presenter who was found under the desk rather worse for wear, but that is another story!

Bob’s naked ambition!

Veteran Fiveaa radio presenter, Bob Francis, has had a terrible couple of weeks after deciding it would be a good idea to imitate a sprinkler in his birthday suit. Bob slipped as he anchored his way out the back door injuring his right leg as he went down and unable to get up he lay on the ground in his backyard until his neighbour heard his cries for help some 15 minutes later. The end result and the serious side to this has seen Bob land in hospital where he contracted a golden staph infection. Last week when radiorumours.com first heard about Bob's backyard adventure we thought it was an early April Fools day gag. Related article Sunday Mail.

Greg Evans marries a perfect match.

Award winning former 3XY jock and one time host of TV's Perfect Match, Greg Evans marries people nowadays. Greg is now a wedding celebrant (when he is not flogging Nature Bee on the radio) and was this week invited by Brisbane's Nova to blissfully wed two lucky listeners, Natalie Smith and Neil Bristow. There is a great story on how this young couple met, on a cruise ship in a game of Perfect Match. Full story Brisbane Times.

Todd has lost Benji

It is everyones worst nightmare, neighbour goes away-you're asked to look after their spoilt pooch and next thing you know it is on the loose! Well it has happened to Mix 106.5 breakfast radio co-host Todd McKeeney. Todd has been looking after his neighbours dog while she is off travelling in Japan celebrating her birthday with her husband.

Benji 'escaped' when being walked in a park yesterday and now the clock is ticking down on Todd's neighbour returning from Japan.

Todd's offering anyone who finds the dog a reward of $1,000 for Benji’s return.

Those of you in Sydney who find the dog or have any information should contact Mix Morningswith Sonia Kruger & Todd McKenney, Executive Producer Brenden Wood, on 0417 407 851.

Jones and 2GB do 360

Source and entire item The Australian: Australian Olympics boss John Coates has been awarded $360,000 damages in his defamation case against broadcaster Alan Jones and Radio 2GB.
In December 2004, Jones made comments on the women's eight rowing
final at the Athens Olympics in which Australian rower Sally Robbins
stopped rowing before the finish line.

A jury found the broadcast conveyed defamatory meanings, which Justice
Michael Adams categorised as being in three categories - bullying,
cover-up and incompetence.

In the NSW Supreme Court today, he dismissed the "justification"
defence put forward by Jones and Harbour Radio Pty Ltd, which operates
Radio 2GB.

He calculated Mr Coates's damages at $360,000 and will rule on
interest and legal costs at a later date.

Neither the broadcaster nor Mr Coates were present in court today.

Mike Byrne quits ARN

Mix 106.5 Program Director Mike Byrne has resigned from the role. Various rumours doing the rounds and all totally unconfirmed of where Mike is heading.

David calls it a day at Austereo

David Day has quit Austereo after 27 years with the company. The radio veteran who has been in the industry for 42 years, 35 of those in Adelaide, will now concentrate on his successful Australian Radio School. The one time 5KA announcer will also get the wheels in motion on a no holes barred tell all book on his time in the industry. David's wife, Annette Day has also quit Austereo, joining APN Outdoor Advertising.

Bell joins Macquarie Media Group

Bell joins Macquarie Former SBC Managing Director Tony Bell has joined Macquarie Media Group replacing former Howard Government minister Larry Anthony as a non-executive director of both Macquarie Media Holdings and Macquarie Media Management. Macquarie Media Group last year bought Southern Cross Broadcasting (on selling the radio division to Fairfax) and effectively giving Bell a five month hiatus from the media. Media Group

Kruger pilot shelved

Mix 106.5 breakfast radio co-host and Channel 7 personality, Sonia Kruger, has had her potential new TV show shelved at pilot stage. The pilot which was filmed in Melbourne last month is based on top UK show 8 Out of 10 Cats. Related article

3D ad wins Round 5 of 2008 Siren Awards

Media release: An ad described by its writers as “3D radio”, has won the overall and single categories for round five of the 2008 Siren Awards. Written for Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, the ad called “New Trick” was written to raise money for kenneling of dogs and cats and to help find homes for homeless animals.

The writers, Josh Bryer and Hamish Stewart from agency M&C Saatchi/ Mark. in Sydney, claim the ad contains an ultrasonic frequency (at 20,000Hz) mixed under the voiceover, which is a sound that humans can’t hear but dogs can. They claim that when dogs hear the ad, they react by barking or whining.



The writers said: “Our client told us of a surge in demand for dog adoption in rural areas and asked how we could affordably and effectively reach potential dog adopters in the countryside. While doing so, we wanted to strike a powerful emotional chord with the audience.”



They describe their ad as “3D radio. Radio that goes beyond the usual dimensions of advertising to affect the environment in which it’s heard. When people saw or heard their dogs reacting to the ad, the illusion of empathy was created: it seemed their dogs were telling them to help ours.”

Judge and previous round winner, Frances Webb from Leo Burnett in Melbourne said the ad was an innovative way to use the medium. “Imagine your surprise if your dog started whining along to a radio spot.”

There were three highly commended entries in the single category. They were “Tight Dress” for HBA Health Insurance, written by Richard Williams and Ant Phillips from Clemenger BBDO Melbourne; “Corey’s Party Hotline” for Melbourne Airport, written by Scot van den Driesen and Mal Chambers from agency, Smart in Melbourne and “Valentine’s Day” for the Advertiser Newspaper, written by Greg Aldous and James Rickard from agency, KWP! Adelaide.

Winner of the campaign category was a series of three ads for Ford using Australian cricketers, called “Getting Burnt, Wuss and The Runs”. The campaign was written by John Skaro and Roger Nance from agency, JWT Melbourne.

John Skaro said about the campaign: “The idea for the radio campaign was actually born out of spending a couple of days with the Test cricketers, when we were shooting the Ford Backyard Cricket television commercials. We basically got to know them a bit and learned about the kind of things they take the piss about. Things like each other's hair styles, age etc... And since the campaign idea was based around friendly rivalry, we thought the idea of "serious" news reports about their latest personality "clashes" could result in some funny ads. Hopefully, it did.”

Winner of the craft category was Matt Dickson from DMG Radio Australia who was sound engineer, creative director and producer of the ad called “Cloverfield” for Paramount Pictures.

Judge and previous winner, Paul McCosk from studio, Risk Sound said the ad was a simple idea that was well designed and has maximum impact on the listener: “I chose this as the best craft for its timing of the radio announcer cutting back in as she screams in desperation and horror.”

Highly commended in the craft category was an ad called “Do Something Cool” for the Brisbane City Council. The ad was produced by sound engineer, Ross Batten from production studio, Cutting Edge in Brisbane with creative director, Rem Bruijn from agency, Make.

The national Siren Awards are run by Commercial Radio Australia and are designed to recognise the best radio advertising in the country. The awards promote the importance of creativity as a way to make radio advertising more effective. Entries for round 1 for 2009 are now open and close on May 30.

This year’s Gold Siren Winner, equivalent to the best radio ad in Australia, will be announced in Melbourne on May 9, following a record number of entries in this year’s Siren Awards. The winner will be announced at a gala breakfast featuring the hosts of Nova’s top-rating, drivetime show, “The Wrong Way Home” - Akmal Saleh, Cal Wilson and Ed Kavalee.

The 2008 winner, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and its writer will also win two tickets to attend the festival.

The gala breakfast will be followed by the Sirens Masterclass, a one-day, creative seminar that provides keynote speakers and interactive sessions. Keynote speakers at this year’s event are distinguished Australian screen writers, Jan Sardi and Craig Pearce. Sardi received an Academy Award nomination in 1997 for his screenplay for “Shine” and is known more recently for his work on the screenplay for the US film, “The Notebook.”

Cannes Radio Lions judge for this year and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia, will also talk at the Masterclass and run several interactive sessions on how to write world-class radio ads. More speakers will be announced soon.

Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at The Point Albert Park in Melbourne. Commercial Radio Australia is running the event in association with the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MADC) and the Australian Writers Guild (AWG). The breakfast will run from 7.30am to 9.30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $395 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $65 for breakfast only. An early bird discounted rate of $350 is available for those members of Commercial Radio Australia, MADC and AWG who book and pay before Friday, April 11.

For more information visit the dedicated website www.sirenawards.com.au.

Canberra ratings out today

Survey 1 for the Canberra Nielsen radio ratings have been released today. FM104.7 is the clear winner with a 22.9% share followed by ABC 666 with 18.9%. Mix 106.3 in for third place registering 12.6%. The results for all stations are available here.

John Kerr mourning son

2UE's John Kerr is mourning the lost of his only son, Adam, who was tragically killed in a car accident last Friday night when his car ran off the road near Bathurst.

Luttsy’s Dennis Rodman adventure

The Courier Mail reports that popular Nova radio announcer David 'Luttsy' Lutteral literally came close to being on the receiving end of some serious trouble from wannabe a list celebrity Dennis Rodman. The former Chicago Bulls star lost the plot and starting berating Luttsy when he and two friends were having a few quiet ales in a Sydney Hotel last week. Full story Courier Mail

That radio bloke

For those that continue to search for thatradiobloke.com, here is the link. The search is in relation to the ongoing Commercial Radio Australia series of advertisements that are voiced by Mark Mitchell. A new series of ads are currently runnng for this campaign.

Sector falls short on digital radio

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 | 0 comments »

THE community radio sector has missed the deadline to participate in building the transmission infrastructure for digital broadcasting, blaming uncertainty over whether it would be able to meet funding calls. Industry body the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia said it had been left hanging by the federal Government’s refusal to confirm funding commitments made by its predecessor. “We’re now facing a scenario where the commercial and public broadcasters will have an ownership role in the (digital) infrastructure and we’re kind of nowhere,” said Kath Letch, chairwoman of the CBAA’s digital radio consultative group and station manager of Melbourne community station 3RRR. Read the entire item The Australian

Green Guide May 01 2008

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Is there such a thing as a great radio advertisement? For this radio junkie, the seemingly endless stream of ads ranges from tedious drivel to excruciating crap. Never great.Many commercial radio listeners must cringe, change stations or blank out when the ads come on.Annoying as they are, their effectiveness cannot be denied — we remember the jingles, don’t we — and commercial stations would not exist without ads. (And while, strictly speaking, the ABC is ad-free, just what do they call those increasingly frequent “interruptions” that spruik content on ABC radio, television and online?) Read the entire article from The Age

Jen to quit 4GY

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One half of the Jen and Jay breakfast radio team are moving on from Classic Hits 4GY. Jen Seyderhelm will finish in mid May to move to 4AK/4WK Toowoomba.

Anne Fullwood joins ABC radio

Tuesday, April 29, 2008 | 0 comments »

Former Channel 7 and 10 news presenter, Anne Fullwood, has joined ABC newsradio as a presenter and producer. Anne will work across both breakfast and drive shifts.

John Cargher dies four days after final show

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Veteran classical music presenter John Cargher has died in Melbourne, aged 89. Cargher, who presented the Singers of Renown program for 42 years on ABC Radio National, died at his home in Melbourne on Wednesday afternoon. He had been battling cancer.He is survived by his wife Robyn and daughter. His death comes just four days after presenting his final program and retiring.

ACMA finds BFM Bankstown breached licence conditions

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ACMA media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that Bankstown City Radio Co-operative Ltd, the licensee of Sydney community broadcasting service Radio BFM, breached a condition of its temporary licence by broadcasting advertisements. Community radio stations may broadcast up to five minutes of sponsorship announcements in any hour. Under the Broadcasting Services Act 1992, sponsorship announcements on community radio must include an appropriate acknowledgement of financial support (a ‘tag’), otherwise they can be considered advertisements.

ACMA found that Radio BFM broadcast advertisements on 19 October and 23 November 2007 as a number of sponsorship announcements played during the program ‘Dosti’ did not carry ‘tags’.

However, as the program is no longer on air and ACMA is satisfied that the licensee has put in place adequate measures to ensure there are no further breaches of the sponsorship rules, no action is proposed at this time.

ACMA started its investigation after it received two complaints from a complainant in November 2007.

Bankstown City Radio Co-operative Ltd provides community radio service Radio BFM for the general community of Bankstown. The service is provided under a temporary community broadcasting licence.

A copy of Investigation Report 1930 is available on the ACMA website.

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

2AY- finally a new home!

Monday, April 28, 2008 | 0 comments »

Albury’s 1494 2AY have now moved into their new purpose built studios.




Alex exits Nova

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Alex Dalrymple has resigned from Nova 96.9 to pursue a career in acting and to also concentrate on voiceover work. Alex is the longest serving on-air Nova staff member clocking up just on six and a half years at the station.

Kicked off the air

Sunday, April 27, 2008 | 0 comments »

Source and entire item Penrith Press: The radio announcers at Kick FM have been kicked out of the station. Jason Bouman, Kerry Denten, Lindsay Fisher, Ross Hutchison and David Archer, who have 100 years of experience between them, have been replaced with staff from the Penrith-based newspaper Western Weekender. The owners of Kick FM also own the Western Weekender. Bouman told the Press he was negotiating his new contract with Kick FM when he was fired.”On the 31st (of March) I was just given a letter by Sheena (Evans, Kick FM office manager) saying my contract was terminated that was it,” Bouman said. Read the entire article

Radio host drink spiked

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Mix 106.5 breakfast radio co-host Todd McKenney believes he is the victim of a drink spiking incident after being found unconscious in a Sydney park on Friday afternoon. McKenney who had to be revived by ambulance officers attended a party at Potts Point on Thursday evening. Members of the public found the unconscious McKenney in the park at Rushcutters Bay around 3.30pm on Friday. At this stage it is unclear how he ended up in the park. Further reports Brisbane Times

Dom exits Darwin

Thursday, April 24, 2008 | 0 comments »

Dom Evans, HotFM/Mix1049 Darwin, has replaced Al Shield at Geelong K-Rock/Bay FM as Production and station floater.

Thanks for winning

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The History Channel has won the pay-TV industry's ASTRA award for most outstanding documentary for its series Thanks for Listening on the history of Australian radio.

Green Guide April 24 2008

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Popular music. Funny hosts. Bouts of witty banter. Vega has all the ingredients of FM radio success, but after almost three years on air, nobody's listening.Melbourne's youngest and least-popular commercial FM station has tried several incarnations and big-name hosts — from Wendy Harmer and Shaun Micallef to Ian "Dicko" Dickson and Dave O'Neil — but continues to rate badly in surveys of audience share. Read the entire article

Green Guide April 24 2008

Wednesday, April 23, 2008 | 0 comments »

Popular music. Funny hosts. Bouts of witty banter. Vega has all the ingredients of FM radio success, but after almost three years on air, nobody's listening.Melbourne's youngest and least-popular commercial FM station has tried several incarnations and big-name hosts — from Wendy Harmer and Shaun Micallef to Ian "Dicko" Dickson and Dave O'Neil — but continues to rate badly in surveys of audience share. Read the entire article

Finalists announced for year’s best radio ad

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 | 0 comments »

Media release: The best radio ad of 2008 will be battled out between 50 ad agencies and radio stations as part of the national Siren Awards, which will be announced in Melbourne on May 9. The finalists include some of the best known advertising agencies in Australia including DDB; Saatchi & Saatchi Australia; Clemenger BBDO; Grey Worldwide; Leo Burnett; George Patterson Y&R and JWT as well as boutique agencies like Eardrum Australia, AJF Partnership; Smart and KWP! Adelaide. Radio stations represented among the finalists include Nova 106.9 Brisbane; DMG Perth; Macquarie Regional Radioworks and Australian Radio Network in Sydney.

The national Siren Awards, now in their fourth year, are run by Commercial Radio Australia and are designed to recognise the best radio advertising in the country. The awards promote the importance of creativity as a way to make radio advertising more effective. The Gold Siren winner receives a trip for two to the Cannes Advertising Festival and entry into the 2008 Cannes Radio Lions to be held in June.

SEN poll backs AFL side in Tassie

Friday, April 18, 2008 | 0 comments »

An on-line poll by Melbourne radio station 1116 SEN has voted overwhelmingly for an AFL side to be located in Tasmania as opposed to Western Sydney. 89% of voters preferred the Tasmanian option with only 11% opting for Sydney. Related article The Mercury

Sly named journalist of year

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John Silvester, Sly of the underworld to Melbourne radio listeners, was tonight named the Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year at the Melbourne Press Club awards ceremony at Crown Casino. He also won the Grant Hattam Quill award for investigative journalism. Sly who is the crime reporter for The Age newspaper also contributes to the 3AW breakfast program each week. He is also the co-author of the hugely popular Underbelly series of books which the Channel 9 series is based upon.

New breakfast team for Orange

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2LM-ZZZ FM's Emilly Mills and Damien Haffenden are both heading to Star FM Orange and will take over breakfast there. Emilly and Damien hit the air on Monday April 28th.

Newcastle Ratings Survey 1 2008

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Newcastle Nielsen radio ratings have been released today with NX FM bolting home with a result of 23.5%, up 5.2%. KO FM have come in second at 18.8%, dipping slightly by 1.7%. The Caralis owned 2HD rated 15.1%, dropping just 0.2% followed by 1233 ABC with 10.4% and a drop of 1.4%. Triple J, 6.9 up 0.4%, have eclipsed NEW FM who have suffered a severe fall of 2.5% and a rating of 5.8%. The end of the field saw the three other ABC stations each record the following results. Radio National 2.5%, up 0.8%, Classic FM 2.5% up 0.3% and News Radio 0.8% up 0.1%. Media Hunter coverage here

Stereo 974 embraces country music

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Melbourne's STEREO 974 commenced a new country music programming initiative last Monday the 14th of April. Each weekday between 9.00am and 6.00pm the station will be playing country music with an emphasis on promoting Australian country music artists and the industry.
Station manager Rod Boyd said "For quite some time now Australian Country Music in Melbourne has not had a vehicle to receive the airplay that it deserves. STEREO 974 will now become this vehicle. So now Country Music has a home - STEREO 974

ACMA finds 2GLF breached licence condition

Thursday, April 17, 2008 | 0 comments »

ACMA Media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found that the licensee of 2GLF, Liverpool-Green Valley Community Radio Cooperative Ltd, breached a condition of its licence by failing to encourage members of the community it serves to participate in the operations of the service and in the selection and provision of programs.

Liverpool-Green Valley Community Radio Cooperative Ltd holds a community broadcasting licence to provide a radio service in the local government areas of Liverpool and Fairfield in Sydney’s south west.

ACMA’s investigation found that while 2GLF provided details of the procedure for becoming a member of the station, no evidence was provided to substantiate how it encouraged the community to participate in the operations of the service. In addition, no details were given to substantiate how the station encouraged community participation in the selection and provision of programs.

The investigation did note some improvements had been made by the station, including the introduction of an automation system to record and time-shift some daytime programs to the overnight shift; additional ethnic programming; and two more hours of sports programming.

The improvements were insufficient, however, to demonstrate the licensee’s compliance with its obligations. ACMA has asked 2GLF to provide a report in July 2008 on the measures it has taken since the investigation was finalised to meet its licence obligations.

ACMA’s investigation followed a complaint received on 13 October 2007 that 2GLF was not encouraging community participation in the operations and programming of the service. The complainant also alleged that the service was failing to represent its community interest in line with its licence conditions. However, ACMA’s investigation found that the licensee was meeting the requirements of this licence condition.

Fairfax sniffing 2GB?

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Rumours persist that Fairfax radio, owners of 2UE, are interested in buying 2GB if and when John Singleton pulls the plug. One industry insider has told radionews.com.au that Fairfax will pounce on 2GB should a sale be announced.

Green Guide 17 April 2008

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NOT SO long ago, Jon Faine decided to throw in his high-profile radio job and try something else. Soon after notching up a decade on 774's morning shift, Faine had had enough. "As many people do, but most are smart enough not to talk about, I had one of those midlife crises," he says. But his bosses refused to let him go, offering the ultimate remedy — six months off work. For the first time at the ABC, an on-air host secured long-service leave. This meant Faine could realise his 30-year ambition to drive a car from Melbourne to London. The road trip begins on July 1, complete with a book deal. Full story

2UE fails on Chesterton defamation appeal

Wednesday, April 16, 2008 | 0 comments »

Sydney radio station 2UE has failed to have set aside a jury's finding that John Laws during a radio program in August 2005 defamed journalist Ray Chesterton. It was during that broadcast Mr Chesterton was described in a defamatory manner including that Mr Chesterton was a "bombastic, beer-bellied buffoon" and was not to be taken seriously as a journalist.



The NSW Court of Appeal has dismissed the challenge by Radio 2UE Sydney Pty Ltd, which had requested for the jury's findings to be set aside and a new trial ordered.

2UE complained the trial judge erred in the directions to the jury about "business reputation".

The next step of the case will involve a judge conducting a hearing at which Radio 2UE can put forward any defences it may have and submissions on damages can be made.

ABC Local Radio Awards Finalists Announced

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Media release: A diverse list of programs, producers and presenters were today announced as finalists in the 2008 ABC Local Radio Awards. Established in 2001, the ABC Local Radio Awards recognise and celebrate the talent and dedication of ABC Local Radio staff who deliver entertaining radio to local communities around Australia.

Open to broadcasters and producers from the nine metropolitan and 51 regional ABC Local Radio stations across the country, the categories recognise individual and station excellence and include metropolitan and regional broadcaster and station of the year, sports & rural broadcasting and website production, as well as coverage of significant local community events and outside broadcasts. A full list of categories and 2008 finalists is attached.

Director of ABC Radio & Regional Content Sue Howard, part of the Awards judging panel, said she was impressed with both the quality and commitment evident in the entries this year.

“Each year the Awards highlight the energy and creativity of the Local Radio network across the country, and our continuing commitment to audiences. And pleasingly, the list includes both seasoned nominees and an encouraging number of new names and activities.”

“My congratulations go to all finalists and I wish them every success,” Ms Howard said.

The winners of the 2008 ABC Local Radio Awards will be announced in Sydney on Thursday 1 May at a ceremony hosted by ABC1’s New Inventors presenter James O’Loghlin.

The Awards are complemented by a two-day Forum for finalists & ABC Local Radio delegates to discuss a range of topics including future directions of the ABC over the next five years, building strong local communities and maintaining creativity and energy in the work environment.
Full list of finalist

Nicky Downer back on Fiveaa

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The wife of Australia's former Foreign Minister, Nicky Downer, has returned to fill in on Fiveaa afternoons, minus her husband Alexander Downer who co-hosted the radio program for a couple of weeks. Nicky will be heard with Chris Kenny in the 1.00pm to 4.00pm slot whilst filling in.

Canadian Radio man hurt in crash

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A popular Canadian singer/song writer and radio presenter has been injured while working in country Victoria. Carl Dixon remains in a critical condition in a Melbourne hospital after a head-on smash at Ballan (Vic) on Monday. Related article

Another Vertigan bound for radio?

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Congratulations to Ace radio's Jon Vertigan and his wife Kellie who have welcomed a beautiful baby boy into the world. Benjamin James Vertigan was born on Sunday April 13 and weighed in at a healthy 8lbs 15oz. All reports suggest bub, mum and dad are doing fine. Rumours that Benjamin is booked into a 2026 Melbourne Radio School course as a third generation announcer are false, we just made that bit up!

Proposed NewsRadio in Riverland area of SA

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ACMA Media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority is proposing to make spectrum available for the national ABC NewsRadio service to broadcast to Renmark/Loxton on 93.9 MHz. ACMA has been unable to identify any unused FM frequencies that could be used for the ABC radio service due to spectrum congestion for high power radio services in Renmark/Loxton. The frequency 93.9 MHz has been identified as the only permanently unallocated frequency at Renmark/Loxton that is suitable for broadcasting services operating at a high power. Riverland Christian Radio Inc is currently broadcasting on that frequency under a temporary community broadcasting licence but not at a high power level.



ACMA is proposing to make alternative FM spectrum available for community broadcasting on 100.7 MHz. Use of this alternative frequency and associated specifications will allow the current temporary community radio service to continue broadcasting with similar coverage of the Renmark/Loxton area.

‘If the proposals are adopted, the temporary community broadcaster, Riverland Christian Radio, will change frequency to 100.7 MHz so that the ABC can broadcast its national NewsRadio service to a wide audience on 93.9 MHz,’ said Giles Tanner, General Manager, Inputs to Industry Division. ‘Riverland Christian Broadcasters will continue to provide a service to interested members of the community on its new frequency.

‘ACMA’s initial view is that using the radiofrequency spectrum in this way will promote diversity of services for audiences in the Riverland area. However, ACMA is very keen to hear the views of the Riverland community before making a decision about varying the licence area plan,’ said Mr Tanner.

Details of the proposed changes are contained in an explanatory paper and draft variation to the Riverland (Television and Radio) licence area plan, released today by ACMA.

MRN new appointments

Monday, April 14, 2008 | 0 comments »

Macquarie Radio Network has recently announced the appointment of Jon Stubley as Group Direct Sales Manager. In other news from MRN Kate Edwards has taken up the new position of Head of Integration.

Tim Pye to speak at Sirens Masterclass

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CRA Media release: Well-known Australian television and radio writer and producer, Tim Pye will speak at the Sirens Masterclass, a creative writing seminar for radio, in Melbourne on May 9. Tim's television writing andproducing credits include TV's comedy hit, Stupid Stupid Man as well as Emerald Falls, All Saints, Seachange, Water Rats and Wildside.

Tim has won several awards including an AFI for Wildside and the Henry Lawson Award for Fallen Angels. He has worked in both television and radio and is president of the Australian Writers Guild (AWG).

He joins other speakers at the event, Australian screen writers, Jan Sardi and Craig Pearce. Sardi received an Academy Award nomination in 1997 for his screenplay for “Shine” and is known more recently for his work on the screenplay for the US film, “The Notebook.”
Craig is best-known for his work with Baz Luhrmann on the Australian feature film, “Strictly Ballroom”, “William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet” and Academy Award winning, “Moulin Rouge”.
Cannes Radio Lions judge from last year and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia, will also talk at the Masterclass and run several interactive sessions on how to write world-class radio ads.
This year’s Sirens Masterclass follows the announcement of the Gold Siren winner - the best radio ad in Australia over the past twelve months. The breakfast announcement will be hosted by Nova’s top-rating, drivetime show, “The Wrong Way Home” - Akmal Saleh, Cal Wilson and Ed Kavalee.
Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at The Point Albert Park in Melbourne. Commercial Radio Australia is running the events in association with the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MADC) and the AWG. The breakfast will run from 7.30am to 9.30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $395 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $65 for breakfast only. For a booking form and more information visit the Sirens website: www.sirenawards.com.au.
Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the Siren Awards provided a great opportunity to recognise excellence in Australian radio advertising and highlight the great work being achieved.
The 2008 Sirens winner, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and its writer will also win two tickets to attend the festival.
Media contact: Jenny Stevenson (02) 9281 6577 or (0402) 214 039.

Alicia Gorey returning to Melbourne

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Western Australia ABC Regional drive host and ABC TV evening news presenter, Alicia Gorey, has resigned from both roles and is heading home to Melbourne. Alicia who originally went to Perth to work for Triple J in 2002 is heading back to Melbourne to work as a senior reporter for Channel 9.

From the time tunnel: 3XY 1978 promo

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From the time tunnel is this promo for 3XY from 1978. It features a who's who of the Australian music industry. Runs 1.51

Vega’s identity crisis

Sunday, April 13, 2008 | 0 comments »

It's heading for three years since Sydney's $100 million radio station Vega was launched and it's yet to deliver on either audience or profits. Two program directors and various personalities, including Wendy Harmer and Angela Catterns, have come and gone. There have been four different marketing campaigns, the music has become more mainstream and the target audience has grown younger. Full story SMH

ACMA interaction with community broadcasting

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ACMA media release: The Australian Communications and Media Authority has announced a new approach and a number of ongoing initiatives to improve its interactions with the community broadcasting sector. The new approach will be more proactive, entail a review of processes and procedures and have a focus on improved information, consultation and transparency

This sector is incredibly diverse and its several hundred members vary widely in their size and resources and the quality of their governance arrangements. We have gone back to first principles and are looking for better ways to do business with the sector. The aim is to ensure sector members continue to serve the community while at the same time making the regulator more accessible and more accountable,’ said Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman.The first step of ACMA’s new approach to interaction with the community broadcasting sector is the establishment of a new ACMA team, the Community Broadcasting Group (CBG). One aim of the CBG is to interact with the community broadcasting sector and, in particular, its peak bodies in a highly consultative manner.

The CBG’s work encompasses all licence allocations and renewals, complaints and investigations, compliance and enforcement, and the monitoring and review of the codes of practice that govern community radio and community television broadcasting services. A single group dealing with this range of matters will deliver efficiencies and ensure a more consistent approach across the range of issues experienced by the community broadcasting sector. This, in turn, should minimise overlap or delay.

As at 30 June 2007, there were 358 community radio broadcasting services, compared to 274 commercial radio broadcasting services.

‘This is a large number of community radio broadcasting services. As they obtain access to valuable free-to-air spectrum at little cost, it is important for ACMA to administer the legislative provisions in accordance with the public interest and in the manner intended by Parliament,’ said Mr Chapman.

‘The emphasis in the past has been on licence renewal decisions and investigations arising from specific complaints. While these processes will remain important, they are "blunt instruments" for the community broadcasting sector and the majority of community stations are likely to benefit from an increased emphasis on information and education throughout the life of their licences. This could take the form of more comprehensive and up-to-date guidelines on the various regulatory requirements of the sector and a speedier dissemination of information about decisions that set precedents for the sector.’

The requirement for ACMA to consider whether to renew each community broadcasting licence every five years came into effect in December 2002. Between 1 July 2004 and 29 February 2008, ACMA assessed 276 community radio renewal applications. Of this number, 271 licences were renewed and five licences were not renewed due to serious problems with their services. The figures suggest that the community radio sector, as a whole, is operating reasonably effectively although several non-renewals have given rise to angst in some quarters. Overall, however, the process has ensured that community radio remains open and accountable to the communities they are licensed to serve.

A highlight of ACMA’s improved communication with the sector is the establishment of a single community broadcasting portal on the ACMA homepage, providing a single point of access to a broad array of information and resources for, and about, community broadcasting services. The publication of a greater range of reports and information relevant to community broadcasting will be a growing feature of the new portal.

ACMA’s intention is that the new approach will support the community broadcasting sector’s growth by providing improved processes, procedures and information products. Community broadcasting licensees should benefit from the enhanced transparency and greater accessibility. Greater compliance with the relevant licence conditions and codes of practice is expected to be a positive result from the more pro-active assistance to be provided to the sector.

2RG axe newsroom

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After 50 years 2RG Griffith is to axe their local news service from this coming Thursday. The last bulletin read from the 2RG/Star studios will be at lunchtime on Thursday 17th April.

Radio records good growth in 2007

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CRA media release: Commercial Economic Advisory Service of Australia (CEASA) figures released today, for the full calendar year 2007 and last six months of last year, show radio continues to perform well in attracting advertising revenue with an increase of around six (6.4%) per cent for the 2007 calendar year to a total of $984.4 million.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said CEASA’s Advertising Expenditure in Main Media report for the full calendar year 2007 shows radio advertising continues to perform in a competitive market with the metropolitan markets recording growth of around 8 per cent (7.6%) to a total of $644.5 million and regional markets growing by 5.5 per cent to a total of $319.7 million.

Ms Warner said these figures reflected the same sentiment as the 2007 PricewaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures for metropolitan radio markets.

“This is good news for the radio industry which is continually working to keep radio top of mind with advertisers. These figures also highlight the importance of new strategies, like radio working in partnership with online, to ensure maximum advantage in today’s multi-media world,” Ms Warner said.

“It is also a significant feat that the radio industry has recorded growth in attracting advertising revenue over the past seven years, despite a couple of slower years, and in what is an increasingly competitive and cluttered media market,” Ms Warner said.

Ms Warner said radio advertising revenue in 2008 was showing promising signs with the first quarter year figures released today showing growth of around four per cent for metropolitan radio markets to a total of $144.45 million. However she said growth was not uniform across the markets with Sydney still facing some challenges.

According to the latest PricewaterhouseCoopers Radio Revenue Performance figures for March 2008, most metropolitan markets recorded strong growth in the first quarter of this year, compared to the same timeframe in 2007, with Perth (up 18%), Adelaide (up 4%), Melbourne (up 8%) and Brisbane (up 9%). However Sydney recorded a drop of six per cent to $46.78 million.

“Looking forward, the launch of digital radio next year and the unique partnership with online and radio present some significant opportunities for the industry to further build its advertising revenue over the coming years,” Ms Warner said. “The industry must capitalise on these opportunities.”

Radio a weighty issue?

Saturday, April 12, 2008 | 0 comments »

First it was SA FM's Andrew Cosi Costello who blamed his time at both of Adelaide's Austereo stations for his bulk out to 140 Kilo's and now fellow Biggest Loser house mate Kirsten Binnie has pinpointed her time in radio to when she started beefing up. Kirsten has revealed she started putting on weight when she became an early morning newsreader for a Sydney radio station in 2002.

Nova stunt stalls Sydney

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The Police and the Road Traffic Authority are far from laughing although Nova breakfast radio funsters Merrick and Rosso thought it would be a good idea to give listeners who ran out of petrol on Sydney's busy roads a year's worth of free fuel. Well a couple of listeners did just that, they ran out of fuel, and caused total havoc on top of the Sydney Harbour bridge. When traffic ground to a halt RTA emergency crews, including a tow truck, had to be dispatched to remove the lucky listeners vehicle safely.

Another listener who decided Lane Cove tunnel would be a great place to run out of petrol also needed to be towed after holding up Tuesday evening peak hour traffic. The Police and RTA were flooded with complaints from furious drivers claiming the stunt was dangerous and that next time Nova should be held responsible for what it costs to clear the mess this sort of thing creates. Related article

Ali puts out welcome Matt for old flame

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Looks like love has blossomed again for Triple M brekkie announcer Ali Carle and her sporty boyfriend Matthew Clarke. Full story Sunday Mail

Station of the week:Gippsland’s GOLD 1242

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"Gippsland’sGippsland’s Gold 1242 is our station of the week. Join Jon Vertigan for breakfast, Julie Strini and Grant Johnstone get your mornings moving. Cruise through the afternoon with Greg Allen and let Wendy Robinson take you into the night. Gippsland’s GOLD 1242 part of the ACE Radio Network.

Perez Hilton on our radio daily

Friday, April 11, 2008 | 0 comments »

Celebrity blogger and gossip, Perez Hilton, has signed to Australia's MCM Entertainment for distribution of his upcoming radio show. He will soon provide a twice daily dose of gossip, fact and dirt on celebrities which will be broadcast on radio in breakfast and drive. It is likely to be heard on the Austereo Today network stations B105, SAFM, 92.9, FOX and 2DAY. Although our scouts tell us it might just be Nova who win Hilton's services!

Perez Hilton's new radio show is expected to be launched around the world on May 5.

Noeline Brown made Ambassador for Ageing

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Noeline Brown star of stage, radio, screen and television has been has been appointed Australia's first Ambassador for Ageing. Noeline's appointment was announced by the federal Ageing Minister Justine Elliot, honouring a Rudd government election promise.The position has been created to give older Australians a direct link to the federal government and a stronger voice in the community, Ms Elliot said. Noeline's web page here

Jono Coleman’s Targa challenge

Thursday, April 10, 2008 | 0 comments »

Radio presenter Jonathan Coleman is heading to Tasmania next week to take part in the 17th annual Targa Tasmania. The co-host of The Jonathan Coleman Experience who is now heard on 25 stations around Australia will be part of a number of celebrities taking part including Channel 9 morning show host Kerri-Anne Kennerley,Channel 10's RPM motor sport program Greg Rust and The TODAY show sports presenter Cameron Williams. Targa Tasmania runs from April 15 -20 inclusive.

Sarah a ’star’ in the making!

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Sarah Armstrong has laned herself her first gig in radio and will join Ryan Burgess as co-host for Star FM Griffith breakfast. Well done Sarah!

Craig Huth dicing with local council

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2RE/Max FM radio announcer Craig Huth is going to run for the September 13th Greater Taree City Council elections as a local Councillor. Huth, who can talk the leg of a kitchen table is keen to make a difference. He believes the talkback radio format of his shows reflects his desire to be a part of the community, and he’s particularly fond of the issues that make a difference to people’s lives. “I’m very interested in politics… very interested in government at all its levels,” he says. Related article Manning River Times

EON FM founding director subject of hoax

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The founding director of radio station EON FM, Glenn Wheatley, has been the victim of a hoax that was to see his recently announced home detention become a reality TV show. Phil Tripp, of the IMMEDIA website, said yesterday he had signed Wheatley to a series about his release from Beechworth Prison into home detention and planned to follow Wheatley around his South Yarra mansion over 13 weeks. Neither Glenn Whealtley or his family were in on the hoax and a family spokesman said "Glenn just wants to come home to do his time and the get on with life. This issue fabricated by Phil Tripp is nonsense".

Kate trades Geelong for Maroochydore

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3AW Account Exucutive Kate McMurrich has left the station and will soon move to Maroochydore to live. Kate is finally joining her long time boyfriend, Hot91 breakfast presenter Ronnie Stanton. The pair met when both Kate and Ronnie worked at K ROCK in Geelong where Kate currently lives. Check out kateandronnie.com

Radio advertising up by 6.4 percent

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Commercial radio advertising grew by just on 6.4 percent in 2007 with just on $1 billion. being reaped. The Australian advertising industry recorded higher than expected outcomes with 11.5 per cent growth on last year to top $13 billion. The big flyer in advertising was on-line. A massive 34.5 per growth for what just under a decade ago burnt anyone who touched it. Related story SMH

DMG DCM’s in Adelaide

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Word from various sources: There have been approx 10 people let go at Nova 919 Adelaide today including production staff and casuals.

Green Guide: 10 April 2008

Wednesday, April 9, 2008 | 0 comments »

This week Tracie Winch has written an interesting article on Melbourne's 774 ABC and their delight in using 'comedians' as fill in radio presenters. Recent 'comic' fill in presenters have included Rachel Berger, Catherine Deveny, Tracy Bartram, Julian Morrow, Wendy Harmer, Tony Moclair, Libby Gore, Mark Mitchell and Peter Rowsthorn. Full article here

Be warned - dress to impress!

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Source SMH: Sydney C-listers contemplating tandoori tans and underwear as outerwear for the MTV Australia Awards, you have been warned. As hosts of the red carpet show at the awards on April 26, NOVA breakfast radio's presenters, Merrick and Rosso, both respected fashionistas, will be on the lookout for victims of the less-is-more approach to dressing.

Good to compare notes!

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A certain regional station was getting sick of loosing their first commercial in each ad break married with the constant risk of being knocked off air earlier this week. Taking a relay program they rang the tech at 'the other end' and were told 'sorry the problems at your end.'

One smart cookie suggested they ring other stations taking the same program to see if they had the same problems. Bingo! Upon comparing notes the stations knew there was no way they could be the cause as they were all experiencing the same problem. Quick phone call to the relaying station and the problem was fixed. Remember that's one pulse, not two!

Will Jones quit ‘GB?

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2GB's breakfast radio presenter Alan Jones has won something in the order of 133 breakfast ratings in a row and one has to ask what would keep on driving you after being at the top for so long, ego? money? passion? The rumour mill has been active for months with suggestions that Jones will pull the plug at the end of the year, 'he has had enough' one reliable source said recently 'he has no more to prove, the fire is fadding'. What has added fuel to this is that if John Singleton pulls out of 2GB Jones will bail soon after. Mark Day has a further spin on this in The Australian Media section today HERE

What about Tony Martin?

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A passionate Tony Martin fan has contacted radionews.com.au highlighting an extract from an Age article about Triple M's Wil and Lemho and their struggle in the ratings race in the competitive drive slot. He points out a quote from Triple M's Guy Dobson in reference to how the pair are in no danger of being sacked. "Ratings are not the issue. It's about how the show sounds and Wil and Lehmo are sounding great. It's also about how the core audience feels about it and how the advertisers feel, and there are no problems there'
The readers point was simple. Tony Martin was sounding great, the core audience loved Martin and Co, the advertisers were over the moon as were the ratings - then why was Martin flung? The Age article here

Audio tributes to Philip

Tuesday, April 8, 2008 | 0 comments »

Further to our article from Monday on Philip Brady's 50 years in the media here are a couple of tributes paid to Phil. One features his radio co-host Bruce Mansfield, the other is from Bert Newton. Also Phil's response to it all.
Bruce pays tribute to Phil Bert Newton Phil responds

Real Underbelly wives hit TODAY network

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At opposite ends of the country on 92.9 Perth and 2DAY Sydney the radio breakfast teams have interviewed the real life women portrayed in the hit channel 9 series Underbelly. Judy Moran, estranged wife of the late Lewis Moran, mother of murdered Jason and Mark, has appeared on Em and Wippa's 92.9 breakfast program to share her thoughts on the TV program against those of what really happened Listen here.

In Sydney 2DAY breakfast, Kyle and Jackie interviewed Roberta Williams, wife of Carl Williams. Roberta was pedalling the same garbage about her portrayal in the series. People connected to the production of Underbelly confirm the actor who plays Roberta Williams on the series managed to get many of Roberta's mannerisms correct with one insider saying 'this was art imitating life' much to Roberta's protests. Where the actor out shone Roberta was in looks. Listen here

Go Set on Poparchives

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Radionews.com.au has often praised the useful resources of that great website Pop Archives. One of our readers recently pointed out their 'Go Set' page. To those to young to remember Go Set was a pop music magazine/newspaper published between 1966 and 1974. Do yourself a favour and check it out here.

'Birdsong radio' a worldwide hit

Monday, April 7, 2008 | 0 comments »

A radio station exclusivley broadcasting ambient noise from a british country garden has become an unlikely hit worldwide. Half a million listeners have tuned into the birdsong radio station, with many listeners waking up to the calming sounds every morning. Full story LIVENEWS

Radio brings blind into focus

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Source and entire article Daily Telegraph: Tomorrow, 2RPH celebrates 25 years on air with a lunch at Parliament House. From 6am to 11pm every day (it runs a BBC feed overnight) 2RPH puts to air the material most of us take for granted - news, columns, features, sport, even the death notices. In other words, it goes a long way past the headlines. Read the original article

Philip Brady celebrates 50 years

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3AW Nightline presenter Philip Brady yesterday celebrated 50 years in the Media. Philip started at Channel 9 on April 6 1958 and during his time there was part of In Melbourne Tonight with Graham Kennedy. He has hosted quiz shows on Channel 10 such as The Money Makers and Concentration and was part of Steve Vizard's Tonight Live at Channel 7.

Radio has been a big part of Philip's time in the industry with stints at 3AK, 3UZ, an earlier stint at 3AW and five years at Easy Listening 97 on the Gold Coast prior to returning to Melbourne. He joined 3AW at the start of 1990 to present Sunday nights Remember When with Bruce Mansfield with the duo taking over Nightline some months later after the departure of Alex Kenworthy from the station.

Austereo owners join the Zoo

Sunday, April 6, 2008 | 0 comments »

Village Roadshow, owners of Austereo's Triple M and Today radio networks, have been given conditional support by Zoos Victoria to a roller-coaster amusement park proposed for its Werribee Open Range Zoo on Melbourne's western fringe. If successful Village hope to open the complex in 2010.

Todd needs a lift!

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Mix 106.5 breakfast radio co-host Todd McKenney has today pleaded guilty in Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court to drink-driving. He was fined $375 plus $70 in court costs and has lost his driving licence until July. Asked outside the court for a comment:"I think the comment is simply: `Don't drink and drive'," he said.He laughed when asked how he would get to the Mix 106.5 studios from his Bondi home for his 5am breakfast radio show. "I haven't thought about that. I will probably walk," he joked.

Jim Wilson admits he stuffed up

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Regular sport contributor to 3AW's drive program Jim Wilson has admitted to being drunk when he went to air on the radio station last Friday afternoon. Jim humbly apologized to the program host, producers, 3AW management and the listeners pointing out that in a 22 year career he has never done anything like this before. Jim was having a few drinks with mates going into a week off work last Friday when the incident occurred.



As we reported on Saturday Derryn Hinch pulled Wilson off air, saying he was in no fit state to be there and replaced him for the segment with Graeme Bond. Jim Wilson was back in his regular Monday spot today.

Kyle slams Rove + Audio

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Kyle Sandilands has lashed out at Rove McManus straight after interviewing him on 2DAY FM breakfast this morning. Rove had been on the line to discuss the Gold Logie nomination and much of the interview saw Kylie playing Mr Nice to Rove, even signing off "Thanks mate, nice to talk to you." It was when Rove had hung up Sandilands turned it on to radio co-host Jackie O,

"I lied about the 'nice to talk to you' bit. Hate talkin' to him ... hate his guts. I was bein' civil. But I still don't like him."Jackie O then tried to calm Sandilands down but he continued with "Being civil to people and actually liking him are two different things. I don't wanna pretend to the audience that I like him, cos he's an arsehole."
"I will present the show in a professional manner, really what I think is he's a spiteful little a***hole. That's what I think." Audio

Station of the week:2ST Nowra

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"2STOur radio station of the week is 2ST Nowra. A fantastic station which can be heard on the following frequencies, 999 AM Nowra, 102.9 FM Bowral, 106.7FM Ulladulla, 91.7 on the Coast. Drop by the 2ST home page and check out their on air line up, including Barry Mac, Graeme Day, Murray Peters, Pete Brandtman and Mark Scott.

Grant Tothill joins Sony BMG

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Grant Tothill has quit his role of Triple M Content Director at Austereo and is leaving the radio industry. He has jumped the fence to join Sony-BMG in a senior management position responsible for the promotion and marketing of their portfolio of Australian recording artist. Grant comes to the role after 16 years with Austereo and on top of that began his music career 30 years ago in artist management and touring. He takes up the role in May.

Lousy reception

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Source and entire item SMH: Steve Price is at risk of sounding like Monty Python's limbless Black Knight in the Holy Grail, still up for the fight as the odds keep stacking up. Price has replaced John Laws - one of the greats of radio, albeit with a fading audience - in 2UE's morning slot, leaving him with big shoes to fill but a low base to climb back from. Full story SMH

Jones back to the grind

Saturday, April 5, 2008 | 0 comments »

Alan Jones returns to 2GB breakfast radio tomorrow after a two week absence. Regular fill in Jason Morrison has covered the shift for Jones.

Kyle 8 litres of coke a day!

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2DAY FM breakfast radio co-host, Kyle Sandilands, has told Sunday Life magazine he drinks anywhere up to 8 litres of Coca Cola a day and an incredible 20 café lattes a day (although if you really wanted an instant hit 4 short blacks would easily do the work of 20 lattes.)
Sandilands also told the magazine he has a huge intake of chocolate to cope with his hectic workload. He went on to add he survives on as little as 4 hours sleep a night and suffers from severe migraines.

Did Jim have a big lunch?

Friday, April 4, 2008 | 0 comments »

What caused Channel 7's Jim Wilson to be replaced half way through his Friday sports spot on radio 3AW's drive yesterday afternoon? Had Jim had one of those long Friday lunches? Derryn Hinch went to a commercial break and Graeme 'Bondy' Bond returned in Jim's place. Reminds me of the former 3AW drive presenter who was found under the desk rather worse for wear, but that is another story!

Bob’s naked ambition!

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Veteran Fiveaa radio presenter, Bob Francis, has had a terrible couple of weeks after deciding it would be a good idea to imitate a sprinkler in his birthday suit. Bob slipped as he anchored his way out the back door injuring his right leg as he went down and unable to get up he lay on the ground in his backyard until his neighbour heard his cries for help some 15 minutes later. The end result and the serious side to this has seen Bob land in hospital where he contracted a golden staph infection. Last week when radiorumours.com first heard about Bob's backyard adventure we thought it was an early April Fools day gag. Related article Sunday Mail.

Greg Evans marries a perfect match.

Thursday, April 3, 2008 | 0 comments »

Award winning former 3XY jock and one time host of TV's Perfect Match, Greg Evans marries people nowadays. Greg is now a wedding celebrant (when he is not flogging Nature Bee on the radio) and was this week invited by Brisbane's Nova to blissfully wed two lucky listeners, Natalie Smith and Neil Bristow. There is a great story on how this young couple met, on a cruise ship in a game of Perfect Match. Full story Brisbane Times.

Todd has lost Benji

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It is everyones worst nightmare, neighbour goes away-you're asked to look after their spoilt pooch and next thing you know it is on the loose! Well it has happened to Mix 106.5 breakfast radio co-host Todd McKeeney. Todd has been looking after his neighbours dog while she is off travelling in Japan celebrating her birthday with her husband.

Benji 'escaped' when being walked in a park yesterday and now the clock is ticking down on Todd's neighbour returning from Japan.

Todd's offering anyone who finds the dog a reward of $1,000 for Benji’s return.

Those of you in Sydney who find the dog or have any information should contact Mix Morningswith Sonia Kruger & Todd McKenney, Executive Producer Brenden Wood, on 0417 407 851.

Jones and 2GB do 360

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Source and entire item The Australian: Australian Olympics boss John Coates has been awarded $360,000 damages in his defamation case against broadcaster Alan Jones and Radio 2GB.
In December 2004, Jones made comments on the women's eight rowing
final at the Athens Olympics in which Australian rower Sally Robbins
stopped rowing before the finish line.

A jury found the broadcast conveyed defamatory meanings, which Justice
Michael Adams categorised as being in three categories - bullying,
cover-up and incompetence.

In the NSW Supreme Court today, he dismissed the "justification"
defence put forward by Jones and Harbour Radio Pty Ltd, which operates
Radio 2GB.

He calculated Mr Coates's damages at $360,000 and will rule on
interest and legal costs at a later date.

Neither the broadcaster nor Mr Coates were present in court today.

Mike Byrne quits ARN

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Mix 106.5 Program Director Mike Byrne has resigned from the role. Various rumours doing the rounds and all totally unconfirmed of where Mike is heading.

David calls it a day at Austereo

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David Day has quit Austereo after 27 years with the company. The radio veteran who has been in the industry for 42 years, 35 of those in Adelaide, will now concentrate on his successful Australian Radio School. The one time 5KA announcer will also get the wheels in motion on a no holes barred tell all book on his time in the industry. David's wife, Annette Day has also quit Austereo, joining APN Outdoor Advertising.

Bell joins Macquarie Media Group

Wednesday, April 2, 2008 | 0 comments »

Bell joins Macquarie Former SBC Managing Director Tony Bell has joined Macquarie Media Group replacing former Howard Government minister Larry Anthony as a non-executive director of both Macquarie Media Holdings and Macquarie Media Management. Macquarie Media Group last year bought Southern Cross Broadcasting (on selling the radio division to Fairfax) and effectively giving Bell a five month hiatus from the media. Media Group

Kruger pilot shelved

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Mix 106.5 breakfast radio co-host and Channel 7 personality, Sonia Kruger, has had her potential new TV show shelved at pilot stage. The pilot which was filmed in Melbourne last month is based on top UK show 8 Out of 10 Cats. Related article

3D ad wins Round 5 of 2008 Siren Awards

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Media release: An ad described by its writers as “3D radio”, has won the overall and single categories for round five of the 2008 Siren Awards. Written for Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, the ad called “New Trick” was written to raise money for kenneling of dogs and cats and to help find homes for homeless animals.

The writers, Josh Bryer and Hamish Stewart from agency M&C Saatchi/ Mark. in Sydney, claim the ad contains an ultrasonic frequency (at 20,000Hz) mixed under the voiceover, which is a sound that humans can’t hear but dogs can. They claim that when dogs hear the ad, they react by barking or whining.



The writers said: “Our client told us of a surge in demand for dog adoption in rural areas and asked how we could affordably and effectively reach potential dog adopters in the countryside. While doing so, we wanted to strike a powerful emotional chord with the audience.”



They describe their ad as “3D radio. Radio that goes beyond the usual dimensions of advertising to affect the environment in which it’s heard. When people saw or heard their dogs reacting to the ad, the illusion of empathy was created: it seemed their dogs were telling them to help ours.”

Judge and previous round winner, Frances Webb from Leo Burnett in Melbourne said the ad was an innovative way to use the medium. “Imagine your surprise if your dog started whining along to a radio spot.”

There were three highly commended entries in the single category. They were “Tight Dress” for HBA Health Insurance, written by Richard Williams and Ant Phillips from Clemenger BBDO Melbourne; “Corey’s Party Hotline” for Melbourne Airport, written by Scot van den Driesen and Mal Chambers from agency, Smart in Melbourne and “Valentine’s Day” for the Advertiser Newspaper, written by Greg Aldous and James Rickard from agency, KWP! Adelaide.

Winner of the campaign category was a series of three ads for Ford using Australian cricketers, called “Getting Burnt, Wuss and The Runs”. The campaign was written by John Skaro and Roger Nance from agency, JWT Melbourne.

John Skaro said about the campaign: “The idea for the radio campaign was actually born out of spending a couple of days with the Test cricketers, when we were shooting the Ford Backyard Cricket television commercials. We basically got to know them a bit and learned about the kind of things they take the piss about. Things like each other's hair styles, age etc... And since the campaign idea was based around friendly rivalry, we thought the idea of "serious" news reports about their latest personality "clashes" could result in some funny ads. Hopefully, it did.”

Winner of the craft category was Matt Dickson from DMG Radio Australia who was sound engineer, creative director and producer of the ad called “Cloverfield” for Paramount Pictures.

Judge and previous winner, Paul McCosk from studio, Risk Sound said the ad was a simple idea that was well designed and has maximum impact on the listener: “I chose this as the best craft for its timing of the radio announcer cutting back in as she screams in desperation and horror.”

Highly commended in the craft category was an ad called “Do Something Cool” for the Brisbane City Council. The ad was produced by sound engineer, Ross Batten from production studio, Cutting Edge in Brisbane with creative director, Rem Bruijn from agency, Make.

The national Siren Awards are run by Commercial Radio Australia and are designed to recognise the best radio advertising in the country. The awards promote the importance of creativity as a way to make radio advertising more effective. Entries for round 1 for 2009 are now open and close on May 30.

This year’s Gold Siren Winner, equivalent to the best radio ad in Australia, will be announced in Melbourne on May 9, following a record number of entries in this year’s Siren Awards. The winner will be announced at a gala breakfast featuring the hosts of Nova’s top-rating, drivetime show, “The Wrong Way Home” - Akmal Saleh, Cal Wilson and Ed Kavalee.

The 2008 winner, chosen by a panel of industry experts, will be automatically entered into the Cannes Radio Lions – to be held in June and its writer will also win two tickets to attend the festival.

The gala breakfast will be followed by the Sirens Masterclass, a one-day, creative seminar that provides keynote speakers and interactive sessions. Keynote speakers at this year’s event are distinguished Australian screen writers, Jan Sardi and Craig Pearce. Sardi received an Academy Award nomination in 1997 for his screenplay for “Shine” and is known more recently for his work on the screenplay for the US film, “The Notebook.”

Cannes Radio Lions judge for this year and creator of the award-winning Australian radio brand campaign, Ralph van Dijk of Eardrum Australia, will also talk at the Masterclass and run several interactive sessions on how to write world-class radio ads. More speakers will be announced soon.

Both the Sirens breakfast and Masterclass will be held at The Point Albert Park in Melbourne. Commercial Radio Australia is running the event in association with the Melbourne Advertising and Design Club (MADC) and the Australian Writers Guild (AWG). The breakfast will run from 7.30am to 9.30am and the Masterclass will follow the breakfast and includes lunch. Tickets are on sale now at $395 for the breakfast and Masterclass combined and $65 for breakfast only. An early bird discounted rate of $350 is available for those members of Commercial Radio Australia, MADC and AWG who book and pay before Friday, April 11.

For more information visit the dedicated website www.sirenawards.com.au.

Canberra ratings out today

Tuesday, April 1, 2008 | 0 comments »

Survey 1 for the Canberra Nielsen radio ratings have been released today. FM104.7 is the clear winner with a 22.9% share followed by ABC 666 with 18.9%. Mix 106.3 in for third place registering 12.6%. The results for all stations are available here.

John Kerr mourning son

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2UE's John Kerr is mourning the lost of his only son, Adam, who was tragically killed in a car accident last Friday night when his car ran off the road near Bathurst.

Luttsy’s Dennis Rodman adventure

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The Courier Mail reports that popular Nova radio announcer David 'Luttsy' Lutteral literally came close to being on the receiving end of some serious trouble from wannabe a list celebrity Dennis Rodman. The former Chicago Bulls star lost the plot and starting berating Luttsy when he and two friends were having a few quiet ales in a Sydney Hotel last week. Full story Courier Mail

That radio bloke

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For those that continue to search for thatradiobloke.com, here is the link. The search is in relation to the ongoing Commercial Radio Australia series of advertisements that are voiced by Mark Mitchell. A new series of ads are currently runnng for this campaign.