Geelong stations break away from Grant Broadcasters after sale to ARN

When ARN bought Grant Broadcasters last week, they could not take control of Geelong’s K rock and bay 93.9 due to ownership limit restrictions overlapping with the Melbourne licence area.

So K rock and Bay have remained in the hands of the Cameron family and will effectively operate as an independent business after the ARN acquisition. Alison Cameron, who will join the board of ARN’s parent company HT&E will no longer be involved with the station.

K rock/bay 93.9 General Manager Andy Mathers says: “I’ve managed and worked with large and independent stations before, there’s upside for both models. I started my radio career here in Geelong, so I’m very excited to see what the next chapter brings as we continue to grow and expand our footprint locally.

 “As a standalone media outlet, we will now be pulling every lever we can find to give Geelong, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula and Werribee the absolute best and most compelling locally driven, and locally produced, radio and online content.

 “During the pandemic we have seen huge audience growth from listeners craving familiarity, localism, local news and of course fun. We made a commitment from the get go not to become ‘Covid FM’, rather we chose to report the facts and keep our listeners entertained and optimistic.”

The station’s news team will also increase its strong local coverage via its free on-air and free online news services.“Our team provides the region’s most trusted and up-to-date breaking news coverage, and they’re looking forward to further cementing their position as leaders in local and national news.”

 “From the perspective of our listeners, our clients and even our staff, it’s very much business as usual, ‘proudly local’ radio made right here in Geelong,” says Mathers.