ARN has announced that Hot Tomato on the Gold Coast, currently part of its regional network, will operate within ARN’s metro structure from September 1. The changes are part of the ongoing integration of Grant Regional Broadcasters into ARN after they were acquired earlier this year. As a result of the restructure, Graham Miles, General Manager of Hot Tomato, will step down from a 49-year career in radio. From September 1, Graham will move into a transitional role supporting the Hot Tomato integration and other key business initiatives, before finishing with ARN in early December 2022.

Graham Miles said: “This is without a doubt the best business decision for Hot Tomato and where the station needs to be moving forward. Being integrated with the metropolitan properties is a strong message that we see the Gold Coast as filling its rightful spot as the sixth largest city in the country. Having the ability to resource the metropolitan facilities of ARN is treating the market with great respect, and I look forward to working with the team at ARN to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

Ciaran Davis added: “With 20 years’ experience running Hot Tomato, and a total of nearly 50 years in radio (working for ARN amongst other networks), Graham’s perspective was an important consideration, and he was a key part of making this decision. I thank him for the highly constructive and professional way he has engaged with us during these discussions.”

In line with the structural change, the local leaders will report into the national functional leads across ARN as follows:

Graeme Tawyer, Sales Director, will report to Nick Flood, National Commercial Director, Direct & Independent Agencies
Brendan (Whippy) Dangar, Content Director, will report to Duncan Campbell, Chief Content Officer
Matt McDonald, News Director, will report to Monique Dews, Acting National News Director
Justin Williams, Marketing & Promotions Manager, will report to Claire Murphy, Head of Brand & Promotions
Deidre Wilson, Finance Manager will report to Cara White, Acting Regional Finance Manager

In line with the structural change, the local leaders will report into the national functional leads across ARN as follows: