Dobson replaces Allis as Austereo Group PD

Austereo has announced the return of Guy Dobson, replacing Jeff Allis as Group Program Director for the Today and Triple M networks.

Jeff Allis has decided not to renew his contract in order to begin a consulting business. Guy Dobson will be responsible for determining and executing the on air strategy for the Austereo Group.

Austereo Chief Executive Officer, Michael Anderson, says: “Guy is an extremely creative and experienced programmer and he brings a fresh approach to the Today and Triple M networks.

“Guy was our Sydney based Triple M network programmer for seven years and, for the past three years, has been consulting with ESP, including for Austereo, so he knows our brand values extremely well.

“Jeff Allis has been with Austereo across a 20 year period and has been Group Program Director for the past seven years. We are sorry to see him go, but Jeff will still be involved with Austereo on a consulting basis.

“During the past 12 months, he has overseen the relaunch of both networks, which has led to Austereo’s recent ratings successes, including Triple M’s amazing comeback in the eastern states and the turnaround of 2Day FM in Sydney.”

Guy Dobson has told radioinfo he will hit the ground running:

“This is an incredibly exciting time to rejoin Austereo as the Triple M and Today networks are the strongest radio brands in the country. I’m looking forward to maintaining our leadership momentum.”

Allis thinks the move will “ensure a very smooth transition” because he and Dobson have worked closely together for many years.

The changes will be effective from 1 June.