DMG Radio Australia has announced the appointment of Talitha Conway as Head of Online Content, Matt Dower as Group Production Director and Scott Baker-Smith as Nova 100 Assistant Program Director commencing on 3 June.  In the newly created role of Head of Online Content, Talitha will work with the national digital team, station programmers, show producers and announcers to oversee the continued growth of DMG Radio’s online portfolio. More details.

 

6PR and 96FM general manager Martin Boylen urged workers to "stop looking backwards and blaming the past for the problems we have today" in a confidential memo to staff obtained by Perth's The Sunday Times.  His email came after an all-staff meeting fronted by Sydney-based Fairfax Radio chief executive Adam Lang turned into "a massive all-staff showdown", according to "sources" (whoever they might be.).  During the forum, 6PR breakfast host Steve Mills challenged Mr Lang to resign if the station's ageing building and equipment wasn't promptly attended to, as has been repeatedly promised in recent years. Lang is said to have fired back, telling Mills that he may be sacked before then. Regarding the meeting, a Fairfax spokesman said: "No comment other than to say someone has a killer imagination."  Newspaper story.

Former Triple M Melbourne casual panel operator Jared Sheldon has passed away aged 28.  Apart from his stints at Triple M he also worked at ROK FM Parkes, NX FMNewcastle (weekday shift) and 2VM Moree (breakfast). Jared suffered a cardiac arrest and died on Friday April 26.  He suffered from Ehler's Danlos syndrome which may have caused the cardiac arrest.  He had been working in Thailand as an ITC Trainer and was taken to a hospital in Bangkok but could not be revived.  His funeral will be held in Melbourne although funeral details had not been finalised at the present time.

The British nurse who died after taking a hoax call from Southern Cross Austereo presenters Mel Greig and Michael Christian has blamed the call on her death and asked her bosses to get the radio announcers to pay her mortgage.  Mother of two Jacintha Saldanha was found dead in a nurses block near her King Edward VII hospital workplace last December from a suspected suicide. An inquest into her death is expected to reopen and conclude this week. Full story.

Marc Dwyer, currently handling commercial production at the SCA Central Coast hub is moving to Abes Audio from mid May. Marc is a producer and voiceover talent, and owner Abe Udy says: "we are very excited to welcome him to our expanding team."

SEA FM have rated No 1 in the first Nielsen Gold Coast/Tweed Survey for 2013 (16.3%).  Sister SCA station GOLD FM - who rated No 1 last survey - came in at No 2 (15.1%) withHot Tomato third (14%). SEA FM also claimed No spot in breakfast with an increase of 3.8%.  They also had a huge jump at nights going to No 1 with an 8.3% increase.  Full Details.   Press release.

96 9 Star FM Shepparton has a new breakfast duo, Tommy and Candy. Before trying his hand at radio, Tommy was a Personal Trainer for 7 years, but found his love for communicating and radio as the young buck on the red carpet for Triple M Melbourne. No stranger to early mornings from his days as a personal trainer, he jumped at the chance to co-host the breakfast show on Star FM in Shepparton.  Candy comes to Star FM Shepparton from Hobart’s7HOFM Drive Show. Originally from Melbourne, she’s glad to have jumped ship and come back home to Victoria. She has a background in Marketing and Advertising.

Benni Mihan has attacked former 2GN/Eagle FM PDDene Broadbelt, (see story below) claiming that his time at Dene's internet station Ridge Radio was a 'scam'. He said he was first involved with Dene Broadbelt at Ridge Radio providing voice tracks for the internet station.  During that period Broadbelt had told him that the station was being supported by big advertisers including McDonalds. After about 6 months of volunteering, providing voice tracks, Mihan decided to visit the studio of Ridge Radio. He then discovered that the station was simply run out of Broadbelt's bedroom at Bateman's Bay.  For the full saga including the Jocks' Journal side of things click story.

 

Claire Murphy, ex-Nova 919 Adelaide, has been appointed as EP of B105's Brisbane breakfast show of Labby, Stav & Abby. Two weeks ago her role at Nova was made redundant.  Her former position is now being advertised.  See 'Radio Jobs'.

Louise Evans, is the new manager of ABC Radio National.

Former 2GN/Eagle FM PD Dene Broadbelt has had his employment terminated after he engaged talent for a music event without permission from his employer Goulburn Radio. Station manager Gail Bowdern confirmed: “Dene Broadbelt engaged these services without the permission of Goulburn Radio or Eagle FM but we just want to make sure these artists get what they are owed because they did it in good faith with our program director. So we’re making payment today.”   Dene was responsible for setting up Ridge Radio, an internet station based in Bateman’s Bay in NSW South Coast.   He went on to work for other commercial networks and according to various sources "left a trail of unpaid bills." At Jocks' Journal we can also confirm that during his time at Ridge Radio we were never paid for advertising or microphone flags purchased by the station and tracking down Dene or station management proved to be a fruitless task.  Full story.  (Our JJ correspondent Syd Goss reckons there should be a 'Where's Dene 2013?' Facebook site ...)

 

Aaron Chillcott (pictured) has left MIX 101.1 in Melbourne. On Twitter he announced: "Exploring life's next big challenge."  Aaron had joined the station in 2012 from Coast FM in WA.  The station is now seeking a new Assistant MD and announcer.  For all the details: 'Radio Jobs'.  

Cal Phillips (pictured on right) is finishing up as Production Manager / Drive Announcer at 2EC/Power FM in Bega this Friday, after 18 months.  He's accepted the role of daytime announcer/ Promotions Coordinator at 94.9 Power FM & 2ST Nowra starting on May 6^th, replacing Jeff Tighe.

 

Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) has released four new radio ads promoting digital radio as the ideal Mother’s Day gift. Produced by radio specialist agency Eardrum, the series of four 30 second ads feature different shoppers and their questionable motivation for buying mum a digital radio. The radio campaign which begins this week on high rotation for three weeks, across 42 commercial radio stations in the five digital radio metropolitan markets of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, features a bonus offer of an Endota Spa massage voucher worth $60, when purchasing a selected digital radio from JB Hi-Fi.  

Commercial Radio Australia chief executive officer,Joan Warner said: “Digital radio sales in the Mother’s Day quarter have nearly doubled since the first Mother’s Day campaign was launched in 2010 and we hope with this excellent JB Hi-Fi offer the upward trend will continue.”  To listen to the new digital radio ads click here 

Greg Allan, former MIX 1049 Darwin breakfast host with Mel Little, has joined the on air team at MIX 106.5 Canberra.  He's the new host of the 12-3pm weekday program.  

2GB morning announcer Ray Hadley has launched a stunning attack on NRL boss Dave Smith, labelling the former banker a "dunce" and suggesting Smith goes "back to banking and do it sometime sooner rather than later".  Full story.

3AW will be broadcasting live from an active war zone next week with presenter Justin Smith heading to Afghanistan for a series of special Anzac Day broadcasts.  Smith will host live broadcasts on 3AW Radio Mon/Tues/Wed (next week) 8pm-9pm and host an Anzac Day special from 8.30am. More details.

 

Inaugural Adelaide Crows captainChris 'Bone' McDermott will replace Adelaide's first coach on FIVEaa's drive-time show after Graham Cornes quit yesterday amid a cloud of speculation.  Cornes, whose five-year contract ends this year, has been a notable absentee from the airwaves since the start of the AFL season. More details.

Matt Innes has accepted the position of National Nights Image Producer atNova 969 Sydney.

 

Adelaide radio announcer Graham Cornes has quit FIVEaaafter 23 years on the airwaves. The long-time drivetime sports show co-host told management today he was leaving the station, effective immediately. "It's been a great 23 years. I really want to thank the FIVEaa listeners who have made it such an enjoyable journey, even the Port Adelaide ones who can't wait to see me gone," Cornes said.  Full story.

Damien Haffenden has been appointed Program Director of EAGLE FM and 2GN Goulburn.  Damien is no stranger to the Capital Radio Network having previously been PD of the Snowy Mountain’s SNOW FM and 2XL  Most recently Damien has been Music Director and Breakfast anchor of Grant Broadcaster’s HITZFM at Bundaberg. Damien joins the team on Monday May 6th.

Ashlee Pham, from My Kitchen Rulesfame, revealed her own fiery side on live radio.  Pham was interviewed by Hobart's Heart 107.3 Breakfast Radio Show with Kim and Dave after being ousted from the competition the night before.  Things took an awkward turn less than two minutes into the chat when Ashlee took offence to hosts Kim Napier and Dave Noonan's remarks.  Audio and full story.

Scott Lamond is now doing Drive at ABC Coast FM Gold Coast.  He was previously Regional Content Manager/Breakfast at ABC North West WA. 

Nine Entertainment has proposed draft amendments to the Broadcasting Services Act to beef up its commitment to regional news services as the media company continues to push for a $4 billion merger with Southern Cross Austereo.  The proposal represents a strengthening of Nine's earlier promise to safeguard regional news services amid concerns from rural MPs that a full union between Nine and Southern Cross would decimate jobs. (Source: The Australian.)

Huw and Jake of the 94.3 Star FM Gippsland breakfast show, interviewed Harrison Craig the 19 year old Victorian singer (who has a stutter) from The Voice. But rather than talking they did the interview entirely through song which meant Craig answered the questions in song. Check out the audio at:  YouTube link.

Kevin Johnson has moved from breakfast to the drive program replacing Richard Moore on 7HO FM Hobart.

 

Rodney Watts is the new National Sales Manager for the ACE Radio Network. He started with ACE Radio at3SH/Mixx FM Swan Hill in July 1996.

 

FOX FM newsreader Carlie Bonavia is leaving the station in July. On her twitter feed she announced: "Dream achieved - time to chase the next one... after three incredible years reading the news for the Matt and Jo Show on the Fox – and being a ‘Best News Presenter’ finalist at the 2012 ACRAs."  

 

 

After about 15 years at Wave FM in Wollongong,Greg Vincent is moving on.  (See 'Radio Jobs'.)  He's been with the station for about 15 years. Greg is taking up a position with another Grant Broadcaster station, MIX 104.9 in Darwin.  He will replace another Greg, Greg Allan who works withMel.  Vincent has previously spent 13 years working in the NT radio market.  His last day at WAVE will be on May 3.

 

After 2 ½ years on air together the Chris & Browny Show has wrapped up on 105.9 STAR FM in Orange.  It's reported that there was tears and a lot of ‘Man Hugging’ but both Chris & Browny were happy to wrap up the show on a high. Paul ‘Browny’ Brown has accepted a position with Hot FM in Gladstone  and will return to Queensland by the end of April. Chris Baskerville continues his role on STAR FM solo for the time being. A new co-host will be appointed in the near future.

Interesting to note that Mick Newell's son Matt is doing some work for rival Hobart station SeaFM. Insiders say this may be awkward if Southern Cross wants to promote the TV partnership of Mick and Matt……as Southern Cross (as a Channel 7 affiliate) own and run Sea and Heart whilst HOFM are the opposition.

Mick Newell, one half of theMy Kitchen Rules father and son team, has cooked his way into the breakfast show on 101.7 7HOFM!  Tassie’s lovable larrikin hails from the Huon Valley.  He will co-host with fellow Tasmanian Jane Turner. Content Director Ross Turner said: “The truth of the matter is, we just wanted him to supply morning tea for our weekly staff meetings, he said he would if we’d let him play on the radio. A staff poll said, yeah why not, he’s real, he’s relatable and Tassie loves him”  He commences on April 22.

Luke Minto has been appointed to the newly created role of Sydney Operations Director for dmg Radio. A new ad in the 'We Want Digital Radio' campaign has commenced. The campaign which launched on more than 215 stations in regional areas around the country last month, urges listeners to register their support for digital radio expanding into regional Australia.

Thousands have signed the online petition and notified their local MP that they want digital radio in their area. If you'd like to sign .. go to: wewantdigitalradio.com.au  You can also listen to the new ad which launched today, here.

smoothfm listeners will now hear more of Richard Wilkins on weekends and Cameron Daddo will extend to six nights a week from Sunday 14 April.  Josh Groban will be the latest artist, in an extensive list of high profile performers to host his own show on smoothfm from Sunday 14 April at 9am. Iconic newsreader Ron Wilson (pictured) is also joining the smoothfm team. Ron will present smoothfm 95.3’s weekday news bulletins in Sydney from 1pm.  Ron said, “It’s exciting to be part of the smoothfm family. It is a changing time in the industry and it’s fantastic to be part of a station that’s clearly making an impact in Sydney.” 

Derryn Hinch has signed on to become a weekly contributor for 2GB’s Ben Fordham program.  Derryn says: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be joining 2GB Drive and working with a successful media personality like Ben Fordham. I look forward to our Wednesday jousts. In a way, I’m coming home. I started my radio career with 2GB and the Macquarie Network covering the blast off of Apollo 11 from Cape Kennedy in 1969."

The Nielsen metro survey results are out today. 2GB are still well ahead of other Sydney stations with 13.2 % share.  ABCnext with 9.4%.  Fairfax talk station 3AW continue at No 1 in Melbourne with 12.6%. ABC close behind with 11.4.  ARN's 97.3 is the top rating station in Brisbane with 12.0 (-1.4) but only just, Nova  rated 11.9%.  In Adelaide, ARN'sMix 102.3 are still No 1 despite a 2.0% drop.  In Perth, MIX 94.5 continue their reign at No 1.   Full details.

Wade Kingsley, dmg Ideas Director, has resigned after serving over 16 years with the radio network. He became Ideas Director in May 2011. It was a newly created role with responsibility for clients of dmg radio (Nova FM and Smooth FM networks). Prior to that he served as Group Integration Manager.

Paul 'Browny' Brown is the new breakfast host on moving Hot FM Gladstone. He will join Ash Montgomery on breakfast from the end of this month. Browny moves from Star FM in Orange.

 

Triple M Brisbane's Marto has told the most emotional story of his life: he has farewelled his foster daughter after four years. Four years ago Marto and his wife Kath and their two children Hilary and Harry welcomed a scared little girl into their family. She has now left a confident girl ready to take on the world, reunited with her father. Audio.

 

After nearly 13 years here at 6PR and 96fm Perth, Kath Hewitt is about to take 12 months maternity leave. This Friday, 12th April is her last day at 6PR and 96FM.  She says: "This job has been a fantastic ride (with mostly highs, not lows).  To work with the calibre of people that I do, I've been so very lucky.   It's not always that people can find a job they genuinely love and enjoy going to each day, but I do.  It's never boring, it's never the same two days in a row and what I love most about it is the different (and often quirky) personalities of everyone." Leanne Comerford has started as her replacement as PA to the General Manager.

The commercial radio market has recorded strong growth of 4.65% in March, compared to the same month last year, to a total of $59.99 million, according to figures released by Commercial Radio Australia.  The 2013 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue figures, sourced by Deloitte, show that all five metropolitan markets recorded growth in March.  More details.

 

Southern Cross Austereo announcer Hamish Blake has taken out another TV Week Logie Award.  Last year he won the prestigious Gold Logie and this year he took home the Silver for Most Popular Presenter (Hamish & Andy’s Euro Gap Year/Hamish & Andy’s Caravan of Courage: Australia Vs New Zealand, Nine Network. Brian Henderson, longtime Channel 9 news presenter and Bandstand TV host, was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame.  Actress Asher Keddie walked away this year with the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on TV. She is best known for her role as Nina Proudman in Offspring.

 

Brisbane Lions loss to the Adelaide Crows on the weekend means Brisbane Lions Ambassador and B105 breakfast announcer Abby Coleman has lost the battle with her Crows-supporter husband - and their 15 month old son Fin will now be a Crows supporter for life. Details.

Carlie Wacker has been appointed the Events Manager/Promotions Coordinator for Sunshine Coast Radio (Sea FM/Mix FM).  

Brian Lowe replaces Amelia Birnie in the 4BH/4BC Brisbane newsroom. Birnie has accepted a role with the A Current Affair TV program.

A small group of protesters staged a rally outside Sydney radio station 2SM, over recent comments made by John Laws. Last month, during an on air conversation with a woman who was sexually abused as a child (aged 6 at the time), John Laws asked if it was her fault and whether she did anything to provoke the attacks. Full story.

Nova 919 Adelaide newsreader Claire Murphy has 'tweeted' that she is leaving her breakfast newsreading role. She said: "Today was my last day at nova919. It's been a lovely 6 years but it's time to get off my ass and see where this gorgeous universe takes me."

Allegations of software piracy levelled at Dubbo radio stations 2DU and ZOO FM could be widened to include other stations in the Supernetwork.  Full story.

IG3, the radio production company, is wearing a different hat from Sunday. Shaun “Fade” Fay is now starring in a new golf show that starts this Sunday on One at 1 p.m. Golf Getaway, shot on the Central Coast, Gold Coast and Queenstown, originally started as an internet show.  Shaun says: “I’m still writing radio every day but in 2013 it’s all about content and producing that content in an economical way, which of course radio teaches you better than any other media”. For a preview go to www.golfgetaway.com.au

Canberra’s two FM stations have claimed the number 1 and 2 spots in the Nielsen Radio Ratings released today with 104.7’s Scotty & Nige breakfast show also taking the number 1 position along with every other daytime shift on the station.   Canberra FM Radio Content Director,Drew Chapman, puts this growth on MIX 106.3 down to a deliberate return to being involved in everything Canberra from a school fete to the Canberra 100 celebrations through to supporting those in need as highlighted in the recent fundraising campaign which saved Pegasus Riding for the Disabled.   The results are: 104.7 (23.9%), MIX 106.3 (16.8%), ABC 666 (14.0%), 2CA (6.8%) and 2CC (6.7%).   (All data provided by Nielsen Media Research. Survey 1/13 commenced 17/02/13 and ended 16/03/13.)  FULL DETAILS.

Dan Jones is leaving his position as an Announcer at Star FM Dubbo to become the Assistant Content Director of Hot FM Townsville.

Brad Guy, who missed out on the gig at Star FM in Dubbo in 2012, is now keen for the breakfast announcer position at Star FM in Orange. Once again he has put together a video to show he is nuts about radio and keen to get a gig. YouTube.

MIX 94.5 Perth has launched a new all-Australian music show hosted by Blake Williams on Sunday nights called The Scene.  Williams said the show was light-hearted and highlighted the next generation of Perth music.  “Every week I’ll have a local Perth band or artist in the studio, but for more than just a chat,” Williams said.  “The show will feature at least one local act every week and give them some love because it’s so difficult for Perth artists to get airplay on commercial radio."  Williams is a local musician himself who gigs weekly as lead singer of Proof.  Williams (pictured with Bob Evans) said The Scene was about supporting the national and local music scenes

 

FOX FM national drive host Fifi Box is now on maternity leave. Her final show with Jules Lund was on Thursday March 28.  During her leave Sophie Monk is taking her place.

MARCH RADIO NEWS

During Australia's CMC Rocks the Hunter Festival (March 15-17), country artist Chris Young presented the CMA International Country Broadcaster Award to 4GR/CFM Program Director David Burton.  (l-r) ShopKeeper Management Owner and CMA Board member Marion Kraft, Burton, Chris Young, and Entertainment Edge CEO and CMA Board member Rob Potts.  David has been involved in Country radio in Australia for the last 20 years. He is based in Toowoomba from where he is responsible for the programming and content on all The Range Country Music stations owned by Southern Cross Austereo.  He also is Music Director / Producer for The Range TV, a weekly country music video program aired across regional Australia. Full story.

In 25 years, 3AW morning man Neil Mitchell has never done a live read. He has never endorsed a commercial.  However on Thursday he launched an auction to do one live read on Good Friday - with Premier Denis Napthine – to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s Good Friday Appeal.  This co-read live read took place on Good Friday morning live on Neil Mitchell's program.  In the end, it was theChemist Warehouse who donated $27,000 towards the Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal to get Neil Mitchell and Premier Denis Napthine's to read an advertisement live on air.  

Last Sunday night, the 'How Green Is My Cactus' radio comedy team performed a special one-off liveshow in Canberra as part of the city’s centenary celebrations. Bruce Ferrier from Grace Gibson says: "To say it went down a treat is an understatement, as the following review indicates." They wrote: “The writing by the show’s creator, Doug Edwards and co-writer, Shane Edwards has also stood the test of time with flying colours, resisting the temptation to conform to any form of political correctness by declaring all and sundry fair game." Review.

At the reopening of the inquest at Westminster’s Coroner’s Court, Southern Cross Media applied to be a party to proceedings with the media group’s lawyer Maya Sikand saying the 'hoax' (that took place on air in December) may have had "perceived consequences". Ms Sikand said her clients had apologised for the “unforeseen and totally unintended consequences” of their actions and subsequent death. Full story

6PR Perth drive announcer  Howard Sattler has vowed to fight tooth and nail to stay on air despite being recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.  In an effort to spread awareness and support research for Parkinson’s, Sattler has opened up Linda Cann at Perth's Sunday Times on how he is battling the condition and what keeps him fighting.  The Parkinson's condition he was diagnosed with last year has been gradually getting worse - coiling a tightening hand around his throat, stifling and slurring his once forceful voice. The symptoms are a constant reminder of his own mortality -- weakening his movements and stiffening his limbs as if rigor mortis is already trying to set in. But Howard Sattler isnt the kind of person who will do anything quietly, let alone die quietly. Full story.

Clinton Maynard has been officially confirmed as Program Director of 2UE Sydney.   The former News Director who has spent his whole commercial radio career with UE, replaces Peter Brennan who left the station in late 2012.  His replacement as News Director will be announced soon.

Murray Ryan is the new Production Manager and daytime announcer at Eagle FM, 2GN & Hot Country Goulburn.  Ryan, a former AFTRS student, joins the station on Monday 22nd April. He replacesAndrew Mata who will be returning to Charlotte Pass.

Official data relating to DAB+ digital radio in Australia was released by Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) today (March 25) in the 2013 Digital Radio Industry Report, showing digital radio sales figures have soared to a total of 192,974* in a four month period, listening continues to grow with almost 1.5 million people tuning in each week and nearly 14,000 new vehicles have now been sold with DAB+ digital radio.   The highest ever sales figures of DAB+ devices were recorded over the 2012/2013 Christmas and New Year period bringing the total number of digital radios sold since launch to nearly 1.2 million (1,195,940). This represents an increase of 13.57% year on year for digital radio sales, defying a decline in retail sales over the same period.  More details.

Eddie McGuire 'bags' Brisbane Lions and nearly has a heart attack in the process on Triple M Melbourne. Hear the audio.  

 

Essendon captain and reigning Brownlow medallist, Jobe Watson has joined the The Matt & Jo Show on FOX FM. He’ll be heard weekly sharing his tips and football insights.

Victorian radio man Bruce Skeggs has died aged aged 80. From the late 1940's through to 1980 Bruce called "The Trots" for Harness Racing Victoria. He was heard on 3XYand many stations all around Australia.  It is said he called more than 35,000 harness races. He was also a longstanding Victorian Parliamentarian and journalist with The Argus and the creator of TV Week.  He was also instrumental in the founding of Inner FM 96.5 and was involved in the station for several years. (Bruce was actually a witness to the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. He was in New York for a conference and watched the whole thing unfold from his hotel window about 3 kilometres away.)  Video.  (Bruce Mansfield interviewing Bruce Skeggs in 1997.)

 

Ten Network director Siobhan McKenna has been appointed as the new chairperson of the National Broadband Network (NBN).  McKenna, who is also a director at DMG Radio and managing partner of Illyria, Lachlan Murdoch's investment company, will replace outgoing chair Harrison Young.

Bethany Larsen is the new breakfast announcer and newsreader at Magic FM Port Augusta SA. She replaces Rosie and is the new co-host withMatt. Bethany is 19 years old and comes from the Gold Coast where she achieved a bachelor of journalism at Bond University. She spent over 2 years at Radio Metro on the Gold Coast.

Southern Cross Media's second-largest shareholder has lifted its stake in the regional television and radio group.  Allan Gray managing director Simon Marais has increased the fund manager's stake from 10.59 per cent to 11.62 per cent.

For over 42 years, Richard Moore has called Hobart radio home and now the long (long) run at 7HOFM has come to an end.   The King of Hobart radio is set to hang up the headphones and give his vocal chords a well-deserved rest.   Richard Moore has prided himself on being Hobart through and through, with many unforgettable moments.  Stand outs include shaking hands with Royalty, but for Richard his biggest achievements come from his work with the community, in particular the recent Bushfire disaster in Tasmania.  Richard also made up half of the legendary Cooke & Moore Breakfast show that ruled Hobart's airwaves for 22 years and even boasted its own television show. (* Richard is featured in new Jocks' Journal that is published Thursday.)

Comedian Tommy Little will join Nova 100’s weekend lineup from this Saturday 23 March.  Following his success on Nova 100’s summer breakfast show, Tommy will now be heard every Saturday morning from 6am to 9am.  Mike Cass, Nova 100 Program Director said, “Tommy embodies what Nova is about; real and relatable people who bring engaging compelling content to life.  Tommy said, “I’m on air at the time I’m usually coming home from a night out so this should be interesting.”

Greg Allan is leaving the MIX 104.9 breakfast show in Darwin.  He joined Mel Little as co-host in August 2011.

Lisa ‘Milly’ Millard will join Jason ‘Snowy' Carter andMark Aiston from Tuesday 2nd April as a temporary co-host of the Mix 102.3 breakfast show until Jodie Oddy returns from maternity leave.  Jodie is expecting her third child.

2Day FM breakfast host Kyle Sandilands is moving from The X-Factor at Channel 7 to be a judge on Australia's Got Talent that will now be seen on Channel 9.   He joins comedienne Dawn French and singer Timomatic on the judging panel.

Fairfax Radio Network has appointed  Nick Randall as National Sales Director – a key position within the Company’s executive leadership team.  Nick will start his new role in April and joins Fairfax from Southern Cross Austereo. He will report directly to Chief Executive Officer of Fairfax Radio Network, Adam Lang.  Nick began his radio sales career at Melbourne’s Fox FM in 1999 and has had a number of senior positions over the past decade including: Senior Group Sales Manager Melbourne, Director of Sales Brisbane, Director of Sales Sydney and National Sales Operations Manager.

The commercial radio industry has launched a national information campaign urging listeners to support digital radio’s expansion into regional areas, chief executive of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warnersaid today.   A nationwide radio and online banner advertising campaign will begin today (Monday 18 March) urging listeners to register their support for digital radio expanding into regional Australia with local MPs, via a specially set-up website: www.wewantdigitalradio.com.au   The ad campaign will be run on more than 200 regional radio stations throughout Australia, targeting the estimated 6.9 million Australians who listen to commercial radio in regional Australia each week.   “Audiences in regional areas have expressed frustration that they do not have access to the quality and diversity of free to air digital broadcast radio services enjoyed by their metropolitan counterparts as a result of the roll-out of DAB+,” Ms Warner said.  More details.

 

Fresh! is a new program on 2GB Sydney which is all about good food, good wine and good health. Celebrity chef Luke Mangan is the host and he's joined by wine expert Peter Bourne, Sunday Telegraph restaurant reviewer Elizabeth Meryment, the editor of The Good Pub Food Guide, Keith Austin and nutritionist Susie Burrell.  It's on Sunday mornings at 10am.

mcm media has appointed Brett 'Nozz' Nossiter to the role of content acquisitions and partnership director. Brett was formerly with DMG radio where he created and managed five DAB+ radio stations and managed artist relations for streaming service Rdio. He replaces Luke Wallis who had been with the company for 10 years.

Whoops!  Who was the i98FM news reader who referred to the new Pope Francisas a ‘Jesus’ (instead of a ‘Jesuit’) saying this was the ‘first time that this happened.’

Perth  television and radio personality Peter Dean, has died aged 74. His career in broadcasting spanned more than five decades and included radio stations 6IX and6PR.  But it was for his tireless work with Telethon that he was perhaps best known.  Dean died after battling motor neurone disease.  His former co-host on 6IX's record-breaking morning show in the 1960s and 1970s, John Fryer, 79, said his friend would be remembered for his roles with Telethon and the Logie-winning program, Anything Goes.  Full story.

Sarah Shands, a 25 year old Brisbane radio producer, got the better of a brazen burglar by giving him a stern talking to before he gave her computer back and apologised.  Sarah, an ABC radio producer, was living at East Brisbane when she woke to her puppy Otis Ray growling at 5.45am one day last month.  She confronted him and 'said, 'What are you doing? Give me my stuff back!' and he just handed it over and said, 'Oh, sorry.' I said, `What else did you take?  Show me your pockets!'''  Full story.

Bogart Torelli will host Sydney’s smoothfm 95.3’sMore Music Breakfast show. Bogart has been heard in Sydney on Drive, and nationally on weekends, since she joined smoothfm in November 2012.   From Monday 18 March, Cameron Daddo will move into nights. Experienced announcer Simon Diaz will be heard nationally in afternoons, following Ty Frost in mornings, while Byron Webb will now be heard in Drive on smoothfm 95.3 replacing Bogart.

Matt Haywood, formerly of Hot FM WA, is now the Imaging Producer for the Rush Hourat Triple M Melbourne. Taylor McMullen, ex- Sea FM/Heart FM Hobart has joined Hot as Network Imaging Producer.

2DU and ZOO FM are being taken to court over allegations  used unlicensed computer software.  Global software manufacturers Microsoft and Adobe have launched a civil lawsuit seeking damages over an alleged breach of intellectual property (copyright) which will be heard in Sydney on April 3. Full story.

Hal Short, Christian radio pioneer, has announced he is stepping down from his role on numerous United Christian Broadcasters boards globally, including his role as Chairman of the board of UCB Australia.  Hal began his journey in Christian broadcasting in 1974 when he joined Radio Rhema in New Zealand.  In 1978 the station became the first Christian radio station to be broadcasting anywhere in the British Commonwealth.More details.

Brad Swanville from Perth is the new breakfast announcer atRadioWest Merredin.

Dwayne Jeffries (pictured) ex-2GO Gosford breakfast co-host has been appointed as Assistant Program Director at Hope 103.2 Sydney.

Former 2UE overnight newsreader Mark Piepers has spoken to the Sydney Morning Herald on an incident involving Ray Hadley.  The argument between Hadley and Piepers began one morning in 2001. Hadley was driving into work listening to the 2UE news bulletin.  Piepers claims he made the mistake - in Hadley's eyes - of replacing some two-day-old rugby league scores with fresh AFL results. Full story.

The nationally syndicated radio segment, Tech Daily with Andy Wells, welcomes PayPal Australia as official sponsor and expands broadcast network by 20% to over 60 radio stations across Australia, with an audience of close to 1 million.

On Wednesday, 13th March, community radio stations from around the country will be participating in a day of special programming for Commit to Community Radio, a campaign to raise awareness of the lack of government funding to aid community stations from analogue to digital.  Phillip Randall of the Digital Radio Consultative Committee and CEO of Hope Media Ltd states that unless the Federal Government takes action soon, the very existence of community radio in Australian could be non-existent in less than 2 decades.  More details.

Katie ‘Monty’ Dimond will fill in for Chrissie Swan at MIX 101.1 Melbourne as Chrissie prepares for the birth of her third child later in March.  Monty will join Jane Hall and anchor Jamie Row as a temporary co-host of the breakfast show until Chrissie returns from maternity leave.

Southern Cross Media Group Limited has confirmed that it has entered into an agreement withEon Broadcasting Pty Ltd, 90% of which is held by Oceania Capital Partners Limited, to acquire all of the shares in its subsidiary Sunshine Coast Broadcasters Pty Ltd (Sea FMand Mix FM) for $17.75 million. The Wheatley Organisation Pty Ltd holds the remaining 10% of Eon.  SCA CEO Rhys Holleran said: “It is a sad day for many of us who have been personally involved with this business for more than 15 years. It is a credit to our management team that it has an unrivalled reputation in the local community. Whilst this station will move to new ownership, the new owners are very capable of continuing the strong management of the station moving forward. It is our intention to continue to work with the new owners during a transition period to ensure the business’s ongoing success. We sincerely thank all the staff at the Sunshine Coast radio station for their contribution to our group.” At one timeGlenn Wheatley was CEO of Hoyts Media when it operated the Triple Mnetwork.  SCA has had to sell Sunshine Coast Broadcasters Pty Ltd, the holder of the two commercial FM radio licences on the Queensland Sunshine Coast as a consequence of SCA holding more than the permitted number of commercial FM radio licences in the Brisbane and Nambour licence areas after its acquisition of Austereo Group Limited in 2011. More details.

2NM and 98.1 Power FM have appointed Billy McFerran as their new program and content director. Billy had just moved home to Newcastle after a 5 year stint at SCA’s Sea FM and Heart FMHobart as PD when the vacancy arose in Muswellbrook. Departing PD Amy Collett is off to Star FM in Dubbo as the SCA station's new PD. The Muswellbrook stations also welcome Jai Bernard as promotions manager after a 6 month stint as promotions assistant at sister Grant Broadcaster's station, Wave FM Wollongong.

For the first time in many decades, in 2013 News Talk 4BC will not be broadcasting Rugby League games into the Brisbane market.  4BC General Manager David McDonald says, “This announcement is a major blow to 4BC listeners.”  After many months of negotiations with the NRL, 4BC’s commitment to providing extensive local rugby league coverage to Brisbane listeners had been well advanced, with preparations to call tomorrow night’s Broncos match from Suncorp Stadium already in place.  Full story.

As of Monday 3^rd of March 2013, John Paige has moved on from STEREO 974, where he was Station Manager and is now looking forward to working in another capacity within Commercial Radio. During his time at STEREO 974, John says he gained valuable experience, in Station Management, and the day to day working’s behind the scenes.  John can be contacted direct on 040 994 1182.

The Perth commercial radio market recorded growth of 11.58% in February, compared to the same month last year, to a total of $7.987 million, according to figures released by Commercial Radio Australia.  The 2013 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue figures, sourced by Deloitte, show that total advertising revenue for February 2013 in the five metropolitan markets, compared to the year before, was up by 0.44%, to a total of $52.003 million. Both Perth and Melbourne markets recorded growth for the month. More details.

Bendigo is mourning the loss of Geoff Morris, who was described by his friends and former colleagues as a pioneer for blind people.  Mr Morris died on March 5 at the Austin Hospital in Melbourne, aged 72.  He was a well-known Bendigo resident who used to write a relationship column in the Bendigo Advertiser.  He was remembered by friend Richard Jones as a caring and inspirational man. “I’d broadcast footy preview and wrap-up shows with him since the early 90s, first on Triple C FM and then on Phoenix FM,” Mr Jones said.  Full story.

Sam Phelps, 2TM/FM 92.9 Tamworth Content Director, has moved on after his position was made redundant.

Jake James is hosting the new breakfast show at RadioWest in Esperance. It's his first full time announcing position after working as a casual for SCA for 4 years.

Rosie Panetta, ex-Magic FM Port Augusta is joining Hot FM WA.  She replaces Heidi Anderson and joins Tom Bell as the co-host for breakfast from Monday March 18.

Ed Sheeran will debut on smoothfm on Saturday mornings from 9 March at 9am.  The UK singer will be a special guest on Saturdays complementing high profile announcers Ronan Keating, Cameron Daddo, Richard Wilkins, David Campbell and Jason Donovan.

The Nielsen survey results for Metro have been released.  (This will be the last year that Nielsen will conduct the radio survey in Australia.  GfK will take over audience surveys in 2014.)  For the first survey of 2013, talk stations 2GB (down 2.0) and3AW (-1.3) continue their reign at No 1. However in Sydney and Melbourne ABC radio is starting to bridge the gap. ARN'sMix 102.3 are the clear leaders in Adelaide with a 16.8% share.  In Brisbane, ARNstation 97.3 also rate No 1 with 13.4.  MIX 94.5 were once again at No 1 in Perth.   Full details.

Simon Diaz has joined smoothfm as station floater and operations support.  Simon has worked for Mix FM in various roles across all day parts over the last 13 years. Rohan Brown, Program Director for smoothfm said, “Over the Christmas period Simon proved himself as a class performer and to have someone of his caliber backing up our talented on air team is brilliant news for the continued growth of smooth.” Simon will be based out of Melbourne and will start immediately in afternoons as Byron Webb takes a two week break.

2GB morning announcer Ray Hadley and 'these people' are the focus of attention on last night's Media Watch program on ABC TV.  Video.

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) says it is looking at its options, following reports it is considering a merger with Nine if changes to media laws are approved. SCA, in a statement on Monday, said it was reviewing a number of options for the company, which owns television stations in regional areas and broadcasts programming from the struggling Ten Network. Full story.

Mel Greig, whose life was turned upside down following the tragic suicide of a UK nurse, has revealed that she will return to work at 2DayFM.  The Sunday Telegraph spotted the radio host with a girlfriend at an inner-west pub yesterday.  Greig has been keeping a low profile since a prank call made with co-host Michael "MC" Christian to the hospital treating Kate Middleton in December. Full story.

Nine Entertainment is understood to be the subject of a merger proposal with Southern Cross Media. It is one of the deals being floated as media companies jockey for position before promised changes to media rules governing how much of Australia's population the commercial television networks can broadcast to - presently no more than 75 %.  Executives from Nine and Macquarie declined to comment. Read more.

Nova 106.9FM marked the end of summer with a World Record attempt for the longest and fastest backyard slip'n'slide.  Nova 106.9FM's, Ash, Kip and Luttsy, were behind the creation of the monster backyard slip'n'slide, which was built the length of a Par 4 hole on the Victoria Park Golf Course in inner-city Brisbane.  The Brisbane breakfast announcers were joined by 15 Nova listeners who won the chance to participate in one of three categories:"fastest over 100 metres", The "longest slide" and The "expression session".  Competition was fierce for the official World Record category -  "fastest over 100 metres", with the record successfully smashed by Nova staff member, Nate Ryan, who was recorded by a Queensland Police Service radar gun sliding at 44km an hour, posting a new world record time of 9.33 sec.  Check out the video.

Dan Lyons has joined his former NOVA FM radio partner Ken Green at Melbourne's Light FM.However Dan works at the other end of the day and co-hosts the drive program with Kel McWilliam.  Ken co-hosts the breakfast show with Lucy.

One lucky Novocastrian will be the winner of an in-ground pool worth over $30,000 this Saturday at the final draw of NEWFM Newcastle's 'Drool For A Pool' competition. More details.

LAFM has raised over half a million dollars worth of employment for Launceston. Over the past 3 weeks, LAFM have been on the search for work in Launceston and surrounds with the Job Hunt campaign.   The campaign is aimed at introducing the unemployed back into the workforce after an alarming increase in the unemployment rate in Tasmania from 5.2% to 5.4% in just 3 months.  LAFM have joined forces with national recruiting agency, The ORS Group and have secured position’s in various industries including hospitality, administration, hairdressing, labourers and mechanics. LAFM General Manager Colin Taylor commented - "The success of this promotion is fantastic. To be able to use our influence to act as a conduit to assist the people of Northern Tasmania source employment is immensely gratifying. Without the support of the ORS  Group and our joint sponsors and most importantly the business community of Launceston this promotion would not be at the level it is now."

Tim Lee, former Fox FM afternoon announcer has joined MIX 101.1 Melbourne as an online producer for the Chrissie Swan and Jane Hall breakfast show.

4BC Brisbane and 2UE Sydney will introduce a new sports show to be hosted by Paul "Fatty" Vautin and John Gibbs.   Fatty and Gibbsy will host Weekend Sports Today – which will air between 1pm and 5pm Saturdays and Sundays starting 9th March 2013. The show will also be broadcast heard on selected regional stations across the country.  It will feature a wide range of sports including: Rugby League, Rugby Union, AFL, Soccer, Motorsport, Golf, Tennis and much more.

Dale Thomas and Luke Hodge return to Nova 100 as Hughesy & Kate’s football experts, for the 2013 AFL Premiership season, from Friday 22 March. Hawthorn Captain Hodgey returns for a third year in his regular Monday spot and Collingwood legend Daisy has signed on for a fourth year as Nova 100’s AFL expert on Friday mornings.  A passionate Carlton supporter, Hughesy is never short on football or contract advice for two of the AFL’s best players and 2013 is sure to be no different.  Hughesy said, “It is fantastic to have two champion footballers, who know how to laugh at themselves, back on Nova 100. It will only be slightly sad to watch their dreams be shattered when Carlton wins the Premiership this year.”

Andy Mathers has joined the Melbourne based outdoor company S&J Media Group.  He takes on the role of national sales director. Andy has spent more than two years as sales director of Classic Rock which then became Smooth FM.  Prior to that he was with Star 104.5 as General Manager.

As many as 37 community radio stations Australia wide are facing fears that they will no longer be able to broadcast. The affected Melbourne stations confirmed that without Communications Minister Stephen Conroy committing adequate funds to the Digital Radio Project, they will be at risk of not having a digital service in the future. More details.

AIR News has appointed Lesley Yeomans to the breakfast news role commencing Monday 4th March. Lesley has worked in newsroom roles in Sydney and Brisbane before settling in Melbourne firstly at Triple M, then 3AW and more recently Radio Sport National, where she stayed for almost 12 years producing and presenting the breakfast news bulletins In the past few years, she’s worked for Fox News Radio in New York as their Australian correspondent, covering major stories like the Queensland floods and the Victorian bushfires.  AIR News managing director Artie Stevens says "Lesley will bring her high standard of professionalism to our early morning national news service which can be heard right across Australia. Our coverage is mainly heard on on Community radio stations, and whilst we are proud of the standard we have developed for the Community Radio sector, Lesley takes us to a new level."

4BC & 4BH has appointed Steve White as its new Promotions & Marketing Director.  Currently he is the General Manager of 7HO FM in Hobart. Prior to his current role he was the Network Promotions Director at the Macquarie Radio Network based in Sydney. His previous roles were in Queensland and NSW in senior Promotions & Marketing Director roles. 4BC & 4BH General Manager, David McDonaldsaid “We consider ourselves lucky to have been able to secure someone of Steve’s calibre and experience to join our team for this crucial role in our operation and within the Fairfax Radio Network. As we continue to move into new areas of digital exploration whilst maintaining and growing our existing platforms I believe that Steve will provide us with the right attitude, vision and creativity that we need.”  Steve said, “I cannot wait to begin in my new role with 4BC & 4BH and working for the Fairfax Radio Network. The opportunity to work closely with the Executive team to improve and progress 4BC and 4BH’s ratings position in the Brisbane market was such an exciting challenge and combined with the opportunity to return to Queensland was one that I could not say no to when it was offered to me.”  He will commence on Tuesday 2nd April 2013.

The radio industry has taken the first step to future proof the radio audience measurement system with the announcement of GfK as the preferred service provider for radio audience measurement surveys from 1 January 2014. Mobile data capture and online recruitment and data capture will be key new features of the next radio audience measurement contract awarded to international research company, GfK, Commercial Radio Australia(CRA) announced today. “This is an exciting time for the radio industry and marks a new era for the future of radio audience measurement in Australia ensuringcurrency continuity, a multi-mode approach to data collection  including plans for the testing of electronic measurement enhancements,” said Joan Warner, chief executive officer of CRA.  The new three year contract with GfK will be negotiated to begin 1 January 2014 and introduces an e-diary for computers, tablets and mobile phones, synchronised across the internet and compatible with all operating systems. It will be necessary for GfK to conduct further successful parallel pilot testing throughout 2013, prior to the new contract coming into force.  This will ensure validity of the new processes and multi-model data capture methods and comparability with the existing currency.  Full details.

Alexis Kuchel is now back on afternoons at SAFM Adelaide. Alexis (formerly Alexis Savaidis) took a 6 month break but is now heard weekdays from 12pm - 3pm. Her previous radio roles include host of the Hot 30 Countdown and co-host of Take 40 Australia when the show was with Andrew G.