The Top Programming Moves and Shakeups of 2015…The Year That Was

Contributor

As the 2015 ratings year comes to an end, looking back it’s been a big year of programming and talent moves on FM. Some moves will affect next year, and some have had strong impact on ratings and revenue already. Moves that raise the bar and change the game.

The majority of significant moves from ARN and SCA, with only a couple from Nova Entertainment. Most are from SCA, a result of change at the top.

So here’s to changing the game, raising the bar, transitional change, greater traction, proactivity, outside the box thinking, taking it to the next level, upsizing, downsizing, captains calls, greater synergies, less paralysis by analysis, more continuous improvement, strategic initiative, runs on the board and to moving forward!

Here are some of the major moves that have already, will, or should make a difference!

In January this year Mickey Maher was promoted to the role of Head of Content Regional radio for SCA. A great success story from driving Black Thunders to B105/Hit105’s Content Director.  Mickey has overseen many changes and driven through improvements in SCA’s regional markets. In the role he oversees new talent development in SCA regional markets.

 

Hughesy and Kate to KIIS national drive. They started in January this year and have generally rated well for ARN’s KIIS network. Their move from breakfast to drive has gone smoothly with strong ratings in key markets.

Gemma Fordham to Hit Network role. Gemma was announced as the new Head of Content Hit Network .She recently held the roles of Chief Content Officer at NZME/TRN in New Zealand, and is a former Executive Producer of 2Dayfm’s Kyle & Jackie O and the Wendy Harmer breakfast shows.

Ryan & Tanya to Canberra’s FM104.7. Two of the countries most talented newcomers have landed the breakfast show at SCA/ARN’s FM104.7. Ryan Jon moves from HOT WA and Tanya Hennessy from HOT Toowoomba. Watch this team.

Hamish and Andy to Hit national drive. The top rating duo returned mid year, and have found a more competitive drive landscape to what they have been used to in the past. Early ratings have been good and time will tell whether it’s been a good investment by SCA.

The 96fm Perth relaunch, following ARN’s acquisition of the station earlier this year. The station has been rebranded, has a new logo, a new-ish format, a changed breakfast lineup and new night show. ARN will be looking for ratings increases following initial declines.

Chrissie Swan to Nova. After a year off radio Chrissie joins Nova Melbourne breakfast with Sam Pang, AFL footballer   Jonathon Brown (ex Nova Brisbane) and anchor Dean Thomas. A strong new offering from Nova and Melbourne appears likely to again be the most competitive breakfast market in Australia in 2016.

Jo Stanley to Gold. After a year ‘warehoused’ on weekend breakfast at SCA, one of the countries stronger on air talents has been appointed to Gold breakfast joining Anthony ‘Lehmo’  Lehman, and new anchor Troy Ellis.

Amanda Lee to Perth 92.9. Amanda was appointed as the new Content Director at SCA’s 92.9 in Perth; replacing Todd Campbell who is heading to NZME. Previously she was Assistant CD at SCA’s Fox and has worked at Nova Adelaide & Melbourne, and 2dayfm.

Dave Cameron to the newly created position of Head of National Content and Development. After great success as Fox Content Director and Hit Network CD his new role will see him continue to work with key shows and new talent development.

Rove & Sam Frost to 2day breakfast. Last month Rove and The Bachelors Sam Frost commenced on2day breakfast. In a 3-year deal all eyes will be on Rove and Sam to see if they can lift the ratings at SCA’s former Sydney flagship station.

Shaun Heron Nova Sydney. Shaun made the move from promotions/marketing to programming back in January this year becoming Nova’s Content Director and has enjoyed a successful first year in the role.

Streaming back on in regional markets. Finally in October some regional markets turned streaming back on. Some SCA, Grant Broadcasters and Ace stations are now streaming again though there is no word on whether the PPCA and Commercial Radio Australia have reached a resolution….although there are whispers it is close.

Sam Thompson to ARN Melb role. Sam has previously been at Authentic, Nova and SCA. Her vast industry experience positions her well for the new role of ARN Melbourne Head of Content overseeing Gold and Kiis.

Guy Dobson, SCA stalwart, moves to a new creative role. Following stints as SCA’s CEO, Group Content Director, Triple M Network PD, Head of Metro Radio and Executive Director of Operations Guy now holds the role of Group Creative Officer for SCA.

Meshel Laurie to KIIS Melbourne . She joins Matt Tilley on breakfast in 2016.  Kiis Melbourne has under performed to expectations this year and ARN will be hoping this greatly strengthened lineup will improve ratings in 2016.

Matt Anderson to 2day. Matt joins SCA, following success in New Zealand including the Network Content Director role for The Hits, and Assistant Content Director for NZME’s Youth brands.

Matthew Eggleston to KIIS Melbourne Operations Manager. With Sam Thompson’s appointment Matt moves to the role of Operations Manager at KIIS and Bryan Madigan to the Operations position at Gold.

‘Tom & Olly’ to SCA’s Star Albury Breakfast earlier this year; after 10-months on-air this duo is showing great potential on-air, on social and at a grassroots level. A team to watch.

Adrian Brine to Hit105. Mid year former Fox programmer Adrian moved to Brisbane and has had a strong first six months turning the stations ratings performance around as Hit105’s Content Director.

Sarah Passalick to Hot100 Darwin. Sarah joins Stand up comedian Ben Stevenson for breakfast at Hot100 in Darwin. The new Hot100 breakfast lineup started last month.

Irene Hulme following successful stints at Hit107, Nova, Mix , Triple M and 2dayfm Irene moved into the new role of Network Head of Music and Entertainment Partnerships for SCA’s Hit Network.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future” JFK

Brad March is a Director of Radio Today, a former Program Director, Group Program Director & CEO of Austereo and Group Programmer at ARN. He is Director of Marchmedia.

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