debritz.net - Radio

Radio's great leap forward

debritz — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:52:20 -0700

While we're still umming and ahhing about digital radio here in Australia, it's well established in the UK. In fact, they are just about to roll out what's described as a "killer application" that will allow listeners to download songs they like as soon as they hear them on air. Now that's got to be good news for the radio and music industries - who will both make money from the paid-for service. However, at the rate we're taking up technology now it'll be years before we have it here. Details here (requires registration).

Nova nights change again

debritz — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 17:37:15 -0700

First it was Jabba and Justine, then it was Justine and Simon, then Vee and Bossy, now Nova 106.9FM has made what it calls a "permanent change" in its night-time shift. Step forward Dan Lyons and Ken Green, previously known as The Benchwarmers. Here's the Nova press release in full:

Nova 106.9 is pleased to finally announce Dan Lyons and Ken Green as the new hosts of Nova's Night Show in 2007.
Dan & Ken, previously known as "The Benchwarmers" have worked together since 2000, most recently networked throughout Australia on over 42 radio stations.
Dan & Ken are no strangers to Queensland, forging their radio careers here and currently based on the Goldie. The boys are over the moon about moving back to Brissie to host a LOCAL show where they can finally call the time without worrying about 4 time zones!
When we asked Dan how he felt about losing his social life at night he said, "I’m really excited, but I’m still gonna hold onto my dream of spruiking outside $2 discount stores. I can't believe they're handing the reigns to two knobs like us!"

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By the book

debritz — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 19:29:03 -0700

The ABC may have declined to publish Jonestown, the controversial Chris Masters biography of radio star Alan Jones, but the national broadcaster is still making some money from the venture. At the time of writing, the book is featured on the front page of the ABC Shop site.

On the air today

debritz — Thu, 16 Nov 2006 14:33:12 -0700

This morning on 612 ABC, Spencer Howson and I spoke about the things that happen on planes and at airports, what time the theatre should start, changes in the news at Channel 7 and Puss in Boots.

All change at Triple M?

debritz — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 02:22:19 -0700

Is this a hoax, or is it for real? I didn't hear it myself but a reader of this blog has sent me an MP3 file of an ad that was played on Triple M this morning, claiming the station is changing its name on Friday. I will investigate further.
7.27pmAEST update: My station informant says it’s a national promotion and will take effect for one day only. I can say no more except that it’s related to a big band.
PS: If you want to hear the ad, it's on my other blog.

Talking about Borat

debritz — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 14:41:08 -0700

I made a special "appearance" on Spencer Howson's breakfast program on 612 ABC this morning to talk about the new Borat movie and the press conference Sacha Baron Cohen gave, as the Borat character, in Sydney yesterday. There's more about that, including a photo and some audio, on my other blog.

Radio: bad for the planet (sometimes)

debritz — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 02:36:41 -0700

Do you listen to the radio through your digital computer or television set, rather than a radio receiver? Well, doing so apparently pumps more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than need be that case. At least that's what this Media Guardian story says.

George down the line

debritz — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 18:29:50 -0700

There'll be a change at Brisbane's Triple M's The Cage breakfast program next year. George Macencroe tells me she will be moving to Melbourne for family reasons but will still be heard on air in Brisbane. There's more on my other blog.

Radio swap

debritz — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 19:02:30 -0700

The recent on-air changes in breakfast at 4KQ and 97.3FM in Brisbane have raised some comment on my other blog. While it's clear that Marnie Titheradge (who was axed from breakfast on 97.3FM and now "floats" across both stations) has some fans out there, the big question seems to be: why swap anchormen Mark Hine and Bob Gallagher? Given their ages and styles, they would seem to be more suited to the stations they were on. Perhaps it's a forward-thinking move for 4KQ to have a younger host who may appeal to the older female audience, while giving 97.3FM listeners an "avuncular/ voice-of-experience" type to balance young mum Robin Bailey? Just a thought.

ABC ramps up the ratings

debritz — Mon, 30 Oct 2006 18:14:41 -0700

Congratulations to the team at 612ABC who had across-the-board audience increases in the seventh Brisbane radio survey released today - and especially to Spencer Howson who is now No.2 in breakfast, less than a percentage point behind the Nova crew. There's more here.