You've reached our premium or archival content
To access this page, and more great content just like it, you need to become a paid subscriber.
If you already have an account, please login.
Otherwise, registration is quick and you'll have access instantly after payment.

Replacing Peter Dick will be the most important decision made at 4BC in years. They not only have to choose well, they have to be prepared to put a lot of faith, money and marketing behind that person. Commercial talk radio is a major force elsewhere in Australia, but not in Brisbane -- and there's no reason why that is the case other than not having the right person behind the mic. While 4BC doesn't necessarily have to find "Brisbane's Alan Jones" -- in fact, right-wing shock jock tactics haven't been a huge success in the Brisbane market -- it does need somebody old enough to connect with the audience, but young enough to be able to hold down the job for many years to come. They must also be in touch with everyday issues in Brisbane -- i.e. if they don't actually live the listeners' life, they must understand it. They have to be fearless, funny and not afraid to step outside of the box. They must also have the support of a highly competent producing staff with lots of contacts, commonsense and social media skills. If I were making the decisions at Cannon Hill, I'd be having a look at who's hot at South Bank and who's got the goods on Mt Coot-tha.