Not only is Kevin Hillier looking for his recently stolen Twelfth Man gold album and 1977 King of Pop award, he is also looking for his next radio job.A house burglary saw Hillier’s gold album, presented for his contribution to the success of Billy Birmingham’s first 12th Man record and his King of Pop statue for Most Popular DJ Queensland, stolen.
“Goodness knows what the thieves will do with them. Can’t see a very big market for a Kevin Hillier Memorabilia shop.”
The robbery came hot on the heels of another shock.
The Sideline View – Hillier’s Saturday morning sports show on Geelong’s bay 93.9 – was itself recently sidelined due to cost cutting.
The show was in its fourth year but was yet to attract a permanent sponsor and fell into the ‘no pay, no play’ lane.
Hillier is disappointed but understands the commercial realities of today’s marketplace.
“It’s a pity because it was a real showcase for local sport, be it footy, netball, soccer, basketball, golf, gymnastics – even fishing – all grassroots content, of which everyone at the station was very supportive. They just could not secure a financial supporter.”
“My regular contributors were as upset as I was, and they are all great Geelong sports people like Andrew Bews, Leigh Brown, Susan Meaney, Wes Cusworth, Steve Curtain and Chris Pitman.”
“Management had no issue with the show’s local connection or content. Anything but. They allowed me to run the show and supported everything.”
“At the end of the day, they are running a business and though the show was not expensive by any means, the time slot 10 to noon on Saturday has real revenue potential which is being used now for paid advertorials.”
“I would love to do a similar show combining music sport and great content somewhere and have some ideas. Who knows what comes next?”
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