Paul Jackson tops Australia’s Best FM Content Directors list

Staff Writer

Based on their performance in 2016 and their success so far in 2017, Radio Today can now reveal Australia’s best FM content directors.

Topping the annual list is NOVA Entertainment’s group program director, Paul Jackson.

“Much of the most creative and entertaining radio in the world right now is happening right here in Australia,” Jackson said after learning of his top position.

“It’s an immensely competitive landscape which is reflected in the strength of the names on Radio Today’s list. It’s a great credit to everyone that our industry is so well thought of and acknowledged globally.”

In compiling the 20 best, RT considered ratings, talent development, leadership, format competition and programming moves over the previous 12 months.

With more stations in its metro and regional network than any other, Southern Cross Austereo has a 45% share across each of the four categories (graph below).

SCA is trailed by NE on 25%, ARN on 15% and one from each ABC, Hot Tomato and Grant Broadcasters. Together they make up RT‘s annual list of 20 influential and rising programming minds in Australian radio.


Australia’s Best FM Content Directors:

Over five weeks of lengthy discussions and input from industry experts and consultation with network insiders, programmers, group executives and radio consultants, has helped to determine the results, plus contributions from RT‘s three-week reader poll.

Best Group/Network FM Content Director

1. Paul Jackson – NE – Nova & smoothfm
2. Duncan Campbell – ARN – KIIS & Pure Gold
3. Mike Fitzpatrick – SCA – Triple M
4. Gemma Fordham – SCA – Hit Network
5. Ollie Wards – ABC – triple j


Best Metro FM Content Director

1. Derek Bargwanna – ARN – KIIS Syd/Mel
2. Jay Walkerden – NE – Nova Brisbane
3. Adrian Brine – SCA – Fox FM Melbourne
4. Peter Clay – NE – smoothfm Sydney/Mel
5. Rohan Brown – NE – Nova 100 & Daniel Underhill – Nova Perth


Best Regional FM Content Director

1. Mickey Maher – SCA – Regional National
2. Mike Byrne – SCA – Newcastle
3. Dan Bradley – Hot Tomato – Gold Coast
4. Peter Yiamarelos – SCA – Central Coast
5. Leigh Kuhlmann – K-Rock – Geelong


Best Metro or Regional FM Assistant Content Director

1. Tim Arnold – SCA – Fox FM Melbourne
2. Georgina Ingham-Myers – NE – Nova Brisbane
3. Alexis Kuchel – SCA – Hit Adelaide
4. Alex Louran – ARN – KIIS Melbourne
5. James Speed – SCA – Hit Perth


“Producing this list wasn’t easy,” said RT‘s publisher and editor, Jake Challenor. “What makes a great Content Director? They have to be strategic, show strong leadership, be highly creative and courageous executives.

“Special thanks to the many industry figures who offered up their time to contribute, and to the 3,204 readers who voted in our online poll over the last few weeks.”

The competitive landscape, the scope of their roles and each CD’s key objectives formed the foundation for determining Australia’s best content and program directors in FM radio across each of the four categories.


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Recent comments (4)
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James
19 Jun 2017 - 7:42 am

How great to see Peter Clay recognised. He has had incredible success with Smooth. Good on you Peter.

Chuck
19 Jun 2017 - 10:28 am

Well done Derek. Often wonder why SCA let him leave but nice to see him on top.

Blair
19 Jun 2017 - 11:28 am

On recent numbers reckon Jay should be at Number 1.

John
19 Jun 2017 - 11:47 am

Congrats to everyone who made the list . There’s some amazing talent in this group.
What about a big get together and celebration drink or 20 at the Shangri La? Just imagine the war stories this group could tell.

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