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RADIO REUNIONS
The 2ST 40th Reunion is on June 2nd. We wonder if DJ John will be attending? The one who was sacked from the station in the 1970s. Click here to read the whole story and details of reunion.
On Monday August 6, 2012, Radio 7AD will celebrate 80 years on air. Current staff members at the Devonport based radio station are on the hunt for any old photos, air-checks or memorabilia to integrate into on-air celebrations over the next few months. Grant Broadcasters Northern Tasmania APD, Mark Robinson said, "We are also looking for past members of our 'Koala Club' because we are planning a reunion closer to the birthday. Koala Club members were treated to birthday cards, prizes and special invitations during the earlier years of 7AD. If you or anyone you know has worked at 7AD in the past and are able to help, please let us know!" For more information, contact: - Lee Dixon or Marc McCreadie on 03 6424 1919 or emailbirthday@7AD.com.au
Jocks' Journal: "Australia's longest running radio industry publication". featuring radio news, radio interviews and daily show prep. Free sample. Latest May edition features interview with Madelaine Burke (Nova 937) and Phil Gray shares on 'The Hamburger Method of Criticism.' Also we turn flashback to the radio headlines of 1992.
RADIO NEWS - MAY
Today 18th May, 1992 Laurel Edwards joined Classic Hits 4KQ as a Breakfast Announcer and 20 years on, she holds the record for the longest serving female announcer in the same shift on the one commercial radio station - in capital city radio. (* Sarah King has been on breakfast radio at 2GOFM for 22 years.) Laurel recalls how she was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to commence her career in radio. “I was walking down the street in Stones Corner and I met a friend who was working in the sales department here at 4KQ. He said they were looking for a breakfast announcer so I called up and they said they’d filled the position, but I left my number anyway." Full story.
Michael Buble will host a one-hour show from 9am on Saturdays for the next six weeks on the evamped Smooth FM. Buble is also appearing in their TV commercials featuring his hit song Haven't Met You Yet. He will also be a special guest on Monday morning's breakfast show on both stations.
Johnno and Jane from 7HO FM’s Breakfast With the Stars interviewed Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson the day after he was announced as winner on Celebrity Apprentice. This time is was to 'officially' congratulate him for his win bcause the day before they broke the news to him that a Channel 9 leak hasd revealed he was the winner. .
dmg Radio Australia has announced the launch of the marketing campaign for its new radio stations, smoothfm 95.3 in Sydney and smoothfm 91.5 in Melbourne, from Sunday 20 May. Michael Bublé, an artist who intrinsically reflects the stations personality and format, fronts smoothfm’s marketing campaign. He will also be heard on air from 7am on Monday 21 May and will host an hour long show on Saturday mornings from 9am for six weeks. Bublé stars in the television commercial, with his huge international hit “Haven’t Met You Yet” providing the sound track. A link to the TVC for smoothfm 93.5 Sydney http://youtu.be/5Hn3TrzASKA and smoothfm 91.5 Melbourne http://youtu.be/HC8Sxd3PiRM
Hamish & Andy will combine with their good friend and London breakfast DJ, Christian O’Connell, to simulcast an international radio show to Britain and Australia, at the same time. The show will air on Friday 18 May between 4-6pm in Australia and 7-9am in Britain. The broadcast will feature a mix of British and Australian news, sport and feature interviews across both the UK’s Absolute Radio and Fox FM – as UK listeners wake up, and Australian listeners make their way home.
Johnno and Jane from 7HO FM’s Breakfast With the Stars interviewed Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson live on the show this morning when they noticed the video of the winner of tonight’s Celebrity Apprentice had been leaked on the ninemsn website. (But if you don't want to know who the winner is .... then we suggest you don't listen to this )
Howard Sattler isn't the only Perth radio personality who is battling health issues. ABC radio's Eoin Cameron has had surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. He is currently in intensive care recovering from the operation. Eoin was injured when he fell backwards over a wall at his apartment complex in Perth, about six weeks ago. abc.net.au reports that he hit his head and was rendered unconscious and for several days suffered from headaches and blurred vision. The headaches became more severe last week until Eoin again lost consciousness on the weekend. He was admitted to hospital on Saturday afternoon where an MRI revealed a large subdural haematoma. An operation took place on Monday and he remains in intensive care. Doctors expect Eoin to make a full recovery.
ACMA has imposed an additional licence condition on the broadcasting licence of 2DAY FM. Following an investigation of the Kyle and Jackie O Show broadcast in November 2011, the ACMA found that Kyle Sandilands’ comments about a female journalist were deeply derogatory and offensive, and amounted to a breach of the Commercial Radio Codes of Practice 2011. The licence condition is not confined to broadcasts by Sandilands – it applies to all content broadcast by 2DAY for five years. Press report.
Dan Jones has left Zoo FM Dubbo and is joining Dubbo’s Star FM. He’ll be heard on mornings from June 4th. (12 months ago Dan filled up his car with fuel/demo tapes and CV’s and drove around the state trying to get on air – he then called Dubbo home. For a look at his proposed road trip check out this image.)
River 949 Ipswich has two new presenters Aaron Stevens and Marnie T. Aaron joins the line up from Grant Broadcasters sister station 7AD Devonport. Also Marnie T will be joining to take on the Morning show from Monday 21st May. Daniel Thomas moves from Creative into the Music Director’s role, also effective Monday May 21st. DT will host 1pm to 3pm on air. Full details.
Trevor Long who was previously Business Affairs Manager is now Network Manager SBS Radio’s Audio and Language Content Division. Mandi Wicks who was Network Manager is now the Director. Also Sally Paitaridis, previously Deputy Business Affairs Manager, will become Business Affairs Manager.
Wave FM Wollongong has a new drive show 'Kiwi Todd & Wally for the Drive Home.' It features Wave FM's Todd Stevens who has been joined by Stephen 'Wally' Walter, former Content Director 929 Tamworth.
Joshua Withers is moving from Brisbane to Sydney after accepting a support role with RCS. Josh is a former Star FM Port Macquarie breakfast announcer
6PR’s Howard Sattler hasannounced on his drive program that he has had a stroke which is is to blame for his slurred speech. An MRI two weeks ago showed he has suffered at least one minor stroke. He is taking at least two weeks off from his drive program, but is adamant he won’t retire. He is confident that he can fix his speech through intensive therapy. He will also have to take blood-thinning drugs for the rest of his life. Full story.
Kyle Sandilands is now back home after spending time in hospital after suffering a health scare. The 2DAY FM breakfast host had been due to take part in a kissing booth stunt on Friday May 11 to raise money for the McGrath Foundation in Sydney but the scare forced organisers to postpone the charity event. It appears it was just a case of high blood pressure.
ABC overseas correspondent Peter Lewis is acting Queensland news editor (radio, TV and online) while Bernie Bowen is on long service leave.
The 2012 NZ Radio Awards have been announced. The Metropolitan Station of the Year award went to MORE FM Canterbury (MediaWorks Radio). Best Talk Back Host or Hosts - All Markets was won by Mike Yardley - Mornings Newstalk ZB, Christchurch (The Radio Network). Best Programmer of the Year was won by Dallas Gurney - Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport (The Radio Network). Full details.
After making the on air statement: "That it’s easier for guys to get a date than it is for women” 7HO FM’s Jane Turner was challenged by on air partner Johnno, and Win TV sports Guru Brent Costello, to strut her stuff as a bloke and show us how it’s done. After a week of preparation, with the Hobart audience assisting with pick-up lines, ideal locations, styling advice, tips, and no-no’s Jane had a 60 minute make over and hit the Elizabeth St Mall as “James.” View the video of her attempt at www.7hofm.com.au
Kiara Parker is joining the news team at Gold104/MIX 101.1 Melbourne. She replaces Miriam Maghrabi who is heading to SEN 1116.
UK based talkSPORT, the world's biggest sport radio station, has announced plans for its expansion into Asia. The announcement follows talkSPORT's recent agreement to become the official Global Audio Partner of the Barclays Premier League for the next four football seasons. More details.
Wippa from Nova's Fitzy & Wippa Sydney breakfast team, now holds the record for the biggest ever fail on Australia’s Millionaire Hot Seat after going home without reaching the $1,000 question. He travelled to Melbourne for his own special taping of the show with Eddie McGuire but got stumped on the $500 question. The one that got him was 'what is a pecan' - he thought it was an tropical bird... but that's a toucan! View.
Senator Stephen Conroy, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, has announced a range of measures to support Australia’s public broadcasters. The Government will provide an additional $158.1 million over five years to SBS and the ABC will receive new funding to ensure that an estimated 10 million Australians in regional, rural and remote areas have access to improved ABC radio services. Full story.
PRESS REPORTS .... Perth's MIX 94.5 has celebrated it's 100th win in a row in the latest radio ratings survey but was very nearly toppled by 92.9. Full story. 3AW has extended its lead against arch-rival 774 ABC in Melbourne. Full story.Kyle and Jackie O aren't winning us back. Full story. Brisbane’s 97.3FM retains its mantle as the city’s most popular radio station, but Nova 106.9 is gaining. Full story.
The Nielsen Metro ratings are out today (Tuesday May 8). In Perth, Mix 94.5 registered a record winning 100th consecutive radio rating. However the gap between MIX and other stations is now not as wide with 92.9 only 0.7% behind MIX who dropped 2.8% and also lost % share in all sessions including 3.1% in breakfast. NOVA 93.7 also increased their 10+ share by 2.4%. Talk stations 2GB and 3AW remain at No 1 in Sydney and Melbourne respectively. 97.3 (13.6%) continued at No 1 in Brisbane although Nova (12.9%) challenged with a 2.5% increase to come No 2. FIVEaa has returned to No 1 in Adelaide with the ABC moving into 2nd spot (+1.4%). Triple M in Sydney would be a little concerned as they are now on a 4.5% share (P10+) just ahead of 95.3 (4.2%). Full details.
Jamie McDonald, former drive announcer at ZZZfm, has made the move across Australia to join the Southern Cross Austereo group. Jamie says he is excited to take on the breakfast shift at 747 Radiowest and (just like Kingsley Hall) he is looking forward to once again living in a town that loves AFL!
Kingsley Hallhas resigned as CEO of dmg radio and is moving back home to Adelaide in June. In a staff memo he said: “I have really enjoyed serving as a Director of DMGRA for thirteen years and I am immensely proud of the company that we, as a team, have built over this time." He also explained another reason for his move: "I just haven’t been able to understand rugby league, so while we are looking forward to getting back to Adelaide, I’m excited at the prospect of seeing real football again!”Louise Higgins will take on an expanded role of CFO/Group General Manager, with the GM group and legal reporting through to her on their operational responsibilities. She will also maintain the CFO role. Sean Ryan will take on the board seat vacated by Kingsley at CRA.
Michael Lynch, who has been with Sportsbrand Media in Melbourne for the last 8 months rejoins the Grant Broadcasters Group at 2NM as breakfast host and Music Director. 'Lynchy' previously worked at the network's Nowra stations.
Alison Fleming joins the GEM FM Inverell announcing team. John Sutherland is leaving to take up the drive position at 92.9 Tamworth.
Radio revenue for metropolitan markets continues to be patchy with some cities continuing to perform but others experiencing falls in revenue, according to figures released by Commercial Radio Australia. Adelaide grew 3.88% to $53.45 million; Brisbane grew 0.49% to $91million, Melbourne grew 0.14% to $169 million, Perth fell 0.67% to $75.22 million and Sydney fell 3.14% to $170.967 million. More details.
Gemma O'Neill, Breakfast Executive Producer for 2DAY FM's Kyle & Jackie O program will be leaving in July. O'Neill, who is godmother to Nicole Kidman's daughter Sunday Rose, has confirmed she is leaving. A 2DAY spokeswoman says: "She has thoroughly enjoyed her time on the Kyle and Jackie O Show but will now be starting a family of her own after getting married late last year ... very exciting."Bruno Bouchet has moved on from his producer role with the breakfast show and is now believed to be working on SCA program The Dirt.
Sam Phelps will commence as new Content Director for 2TM/92.9 Tamworth commencing 21 May. He is currently Network Sound Designer for ARN Sydney.
Brian Lowe can now be heard reading news for Fairfax radio in Brisbane on 4BC and 4BH.
B105's Stav Davidson (34) is going to be a dad for the first time when his comedian and 612 ABC announcer/producer wife Kat Davidson (35) gives birth in November. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Thompson Photography.)
Online Resource For Advertisers
An online case study website, developed as a must-have resource for advertisers and media agencies on the best use of commercial radio advertising, has been launched by the industry. Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the website, called “Radio Connects”, provides a great source of successful case studies, showing optimum use of radio in actual advertising campaigns. To visit the website go to: http://www.radioconnects.com.au/ and register to access the case studies. More details.
2CA's Marathon For Marymead
2CA's Leighton Archer and Larry Appley have raised a total of $20,500 during their 24 hour non-stop radio shift dubbed 2CA's Marathon for Marymead on the weekend of May 12 and 13. The money for Marymead goes towards supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families in Canberra. Marymead is celebrating 45 years as an organisation that creates brighter futures for children through their special services and programs.
Blow For Community Radio
This week’s 2012-13 Federal Budget got the thumbs-up from some sectors of the music industry — but it was a blow for community radio. Funding for the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP) is not renewed. Current funding, through the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, runs out at the end of next month. Managed by the CBAA, AMRAP distributes new Australian music to over 2,000 broadcasters from 300 community radio stations. These feature local music on air and on their sites. “Community radio plays such a critical role in the development of Australian musicians”, said artist manager Catherine Haridy, Chair of the Australian Music Grants Advisory Committee (AMGAC) at CBF, which funds AMRAP. “It’s incredibly disappointing to see such a valuable project that gets Australian music to radio stations all over the country cast aside at this point and we are determined to work with Government to find a way to keep the project going.” CBAA general manager Kath Letch confirmed that discussions have begun with Senator Conroy's office to maintain the program. (Source: The Music Network - Christie Eliezer)
Digital Radio Sales Grow
Digital radio sales continue to defy the retail downturn, recording sales of 88,004 in the first quarter of 2012, bringing the total number of digital radios sold since the 2009 launch to 833,320. Full details.
Which announcer mentioned on his radio show that French DJ/musician/producer David Guetta had died in a car accident?? When he found out that it was an internet hoax - let's just say that his face was about as red as a 'hot tomato'!
Three years after launch, you'll now find a digital radio in about one in 10 Australian homes. While that doesn't compare with how quickly we took to smartphones, it's a faster take-up rate than many previous technological advances, including VCRs, DVD players and digital television. Full story.
5MU News Editor/Presenter Chris Lewis reports: "When you’re hitting 60 – perhaps breaking a news story isn’t one of the more crucial elements of the life of a veteran journalist – that is, or was, until a phone call from a regular listener on 1125 5MU’s Weekday Magazine, a two hour mix of music, interviews and talkback." Full story.
Hope Breakfast’s Aaron Wright and Nights Announcer Laura Bennett thought their crimes against music had gone under the radar, but unfortunately for these two, that just isn't the case. As part of the Whitelion Sydney Bail Out fundraiser, Aaron and Laura, along with their gang (including former Big Brother Contestant, Travis Keyser), have been 'arrested' for "crimes against music by forming a woeful boy-band with a girl in it." More details.
The 2ST 40th Reunion is on June 2nd. We wonder if DJ John will be attending? The one who was sacked from the station in the 1970s. 
On Monday August 6, 2012, Radio 7AD will celebrate 80 years on air. Current staff members at the Devonport based radio station are on the hunt for any old photos, air-checks or memorabilia to integrate into on-air celebrations over the next few months. Grant Broadcasters Northern Tasmania APD, Mark Robinson said, "We are also looking for past members of our 'Koala Club' because we are planning a reunion closer to the birthday. Koala Club members were treated to birthday cards, prizes and special invitations during the earlier years of 7AD. If you or anyone you know has worked at 7AD in the past and are able to help, please let us know!" For more information, contact: - Lee Dixon or Marc McCreadie on 03 6424 1919 or email 
Today 18th May, 1992 Laurel Edwards joined Classic Hits 4KQ as a Breakfast Announcer and 20 years on, she holds the record for the longest serving female announcer in the same shift on the one commercial radio station - in capital city radio. (* Sarah King has been on breakfast radio at 2GOFM for 22 years.) Laurel recalls how she was fortunate to be in the right place at the right time to commence her career in radio. “I was walking down the street in Stones Corner and I met a friend who was working in the sales department here at 4KQ. He said they were looking for a breakfast announcer so I called up and they said they’d filled the position, but I left my number anyway." 
dmg Radio Australia has announced the launch of the marketing campaign for its new radio stations, smoothfm 95.3 in Sydney and smoothfm 91.5 in Melbourne, from Sunday 20 May. Michael Bublé, an artist who intrinsically reflects the stations personality and format, fronts smoothfm’s marketing campaign. He will also be heard on air from 7am on Monday 21 May and will host an hour long show on Saturday mornings from 9am for six weeks. Bublé stars in the television commercial, with his huge international hit “Haven’t Met You Yet” providing the sound track. A link to the TVC for smoothfm 93.5 Sydney 
Hamish & Andy will combine with their good friend and London breakfast DJ, Christian O’Connell, to simulcast an international radio show to Britain and Australia, at the same time. The show will air on Friday 18 May between 4-6pm in Australia and 7-9am in Britain. The broadcast will feature a mix of British and Australian news, sport and feature interviews across both the UK’s Absolute Radio and Fox FM – as UK listeners wake up, and Australian listeners make their way home. 
Johnno and Jane from 7HO FM’s Breakfast With the Stars interviewed Ian ‘Dicko’ Dickson live on the show this morning when they noticed the video of the winner of tonight’s Celebrity Apprentice had been leaked on the ninemsn website. (But if you don't want to know who the winner is .... then we suggest you don't listen to this )
Howard Sattler isn't the only Perth radio personality who is battling health issues. ABC radio's Eoin Cameron has had surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. He is currently in intensive care recovering from the operation. Eoin was injured when he fell backwards over a wall at his apartment complex in Perth, about six weeks ago. abc.net.au reports that he hit his head and was rendered unconscious and for several days suffered from headaches and blurred vision. The headaches became more severe last week until Eoin again lost consciousness on the weekend. He was admitted to hospital on Saturday afternoon where an MRI revealed a large subdural haematoma. An operation took place on Monday and he remains in intensive care. Doctors expect Eoin to make a full recovery.
River 949 Ipswich has two new presenters Aaron
Stevens and Marnie T. Aaron joins the line up from Grant Broadcasters sister station 7AD Devonport. Also Marnie T will be joining to take on the Morning show from Monday 21st May. Daniel Thomas moves from Creative into the Music Director’s role, also effective Monday May 21st. DT will host 1pm to 3pm on air. 
Wave FM Wollongong has a new drive show 'Kiwi Todd & Wally for the Drive Home.' It features Wave FM's Todd Stevens who has been joined by Stephen 'Wally' Walter, former Content Director 929 Tamworth.
6PR’s Howard Sattler has announced on his drive program that he has had a stroke which is is to blame for his slurred speech. An MRI two weeks ago showed he has suffered at least one minor stroke. He is taking at least two weeks off from his drive program, but is adamant he won’t retire. He is confident that he can fix his speech through intensive therapy. He will also have to take blood-thinning drugs for the rest of his life. 
Kyle Sandilands is now back home after spending time in hospital after suffering a health scare. The 2DAY FM breakfast host had been due to take part in a kissing booth stunt on Friday May 11 to raise money for the McGrath Foundation in Sydney but the scare forced organisers to postpone the charity event. It appears it was just a case of high blood pressure. 
The 2012 NZ Radio Awards have been announced. The Metropolitan Station of the Year award went to MORE FM Canterbury (MediaWorks Radio). Best Talk Back Host or Hosts - All Markets was won by Mike Yardley - Mornings Newstalk ZB, Christchurch (The Radio Network). Best Programmer of the Year was won by Dallas Gurney - Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport (The Radio Network). 
After making the on air statement: "That it’s easier for guys to get a date than it is for women” 7HO FM’s Jane Turner was challenged by on air partner Johnno, and Win TV sports Guru Brent Costello, to strut her stuff as a bloke and show us how it’s done. After a week of preparation, with the Hobart audience assisting with pick-up lines, ideal locations, styling advice, tips, and no-no’s Jane had a 60 minute make over and hit the Elizabeth St Mall as “James.” View the video of her attempt at 
Wippa from Nova's Fitzy & Wippa Sydney breakfast team, now holds the record for the biggest ever fail on Australia’s Millionaire Hot Seat after going home without reaching the $1,000 question. He travelled to Melbourne for his own special taping of the show with Eddie McGuire but got stumped on the $500 question. The one that got him was 'what is a pecan' - he thought it was an tropical bird... but that's a toucan! 
Perth's MIX 94.5 has celebrated it's 100th win in a row in the latest radio ratings survey but was very nearly toppled by 92.9. 
Jamie McDonald, former drive announcer at ZZZfm, has made the move across Australia to join the Southern Cross Austereo group. Jamie says he is excited to take on the breakfast shift at 747 Radiowest and (just like Kingsley Hall) he is looking forward to once again living in a town that loves AFL! 
Kingsley Hall has resigned as CEO of dmg radio and is moving back home to Adelaide in June. In a staff memo he said: “I have really enjoyed serving as a Director of DMGRA for thirteen years and I am immensely proud of the company that we, as a team, have built over this time." He also explained another reason for his move: "I just haven’t been able to understand rugby league, so while we are looking forward to getting back to Adelaide, I’m excited at the prospect of seeing real football again!” Louise Higgins will take on an expanded role of CFO/Group General Manager, with the GM group and legal reporting through to her on their operational responsibilities. She will also maintain the CFO role. Sean Ryan will take on the board seat vacated by Kingsley at CRA.
B105's Stav Davidson (34) is going to be a dad for the first time when his comedian and 612 ABC announcer/producer wife Kat Davidson (35) gives birth in November. (Photo courtesy of Andrea Thompson Photography.)
An online case study website, developed as a must-have resource for advertisers and media agencies on the best use of commercial radio advertising, has been launched by the industry. Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said the website, called “Radio Connects”, provides a great source of successful case studies, showing optimum use of radio in actual advertising campaigns. To visit the website go to: 
2CA's Leighton Archer and Larry Appley have raised a total of $20,500 during their 24 hour non-stop radio shift dubbed 2CA's Marathon for Marymead on the weekend of May 12 and 13. The money for Marymead goes towards supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and families in Canberra. Marymead is celebrating 45 years as an organisation that creates brighter futures for children through their special services and programs.
Which announcer mentioned on his radio show that French DJ/musician/producer David Guetta had died in a car accident?? When he found out that it was an 
5MU News Editor/Presenter Chris Lewis reports: "When you’re hitting 60 – perhaps breaking a news story isn’t one of the more crucial elements of the life of a veteran journalist – that is, or was, until a phone call from a regular listener on 1125 5MU’s Weekday Magazine, a two hour mix of music, interviews and talkback." 