The Special Broadcasting Service will farewell Trevor Long in the new year when he steps down as Technology Strategy and Innovation Manager.

Long announced to staff today that he will not renew his SBS contract in 2016.

He began his career in media in 1995, working across program production, presentation and program management into digital innovation with early web, streaming, on demand and podcasting technologies. His role at SBS was to bridge the gap between new and old media.

Trevor Long spoke to radioinfo about his time at SBS and what has changed in the 7 years that he worked for the organisation:

“It’s a completely different place, but for all the right reasons.  I remember telling people I was going to SBS Radio and people in the radio industry basically didn’t know it existed.  In 7 years a lot has changed, under Dirk Anthony and more extensively Mandi Wicks it’s got a whole new focus on the audience, there’s a new level of professionalism and the profile is at a whole new level. 

Of course there were some difficult changes over that time, but also some exciting new things like the launches of SBS PopAsia, SBS Chill, PopAraby and PopDesi and the complete review of the on-air schedule for SBS Radio 1 and 2.

“From an all of SBS perspective there’s obviously the huge shift to OTT (Over the top) services and streaming, and it’s been great to watch the SBS OnDemand service grow to be an industry leader.”

Trevor had a large role in the changes that rolled out across SBS, as Business Manager he worked closely with the team to plan and forecast the changes:

“Off the air we refurbished the entire area to create a modern workspace, and of course the amount of work involved in reviewing the SBS Radio Schedule was enormous and I am immensely proud to have been part of the team to undertake that.

“More recently in my role as Manager, Technology Strategy & Innovation for the organisation I’ve loved working with the various teams offering my advice and insights and in the case of HbbTV leading the push and roll out of yet another innovative new platform for consumers.”

radioinfo asked what the big issues might be for media in the next few years. Trevor said the main issue is Fragmentation of the market:

“Streaming, competition in almost every way shape and form a complete shift in the way every-day people consume content.  In radio it started with podcasting and of course social media has contributed a lot to a new manner of audience engagement, while in TV the competition from streaming and on-demand players is yet another choice for the Aussie eyeballs. It’s hugely exciting, but a very different model for established organisations.”

Trevor continued, being nimble and quick is the most important thing for companies now:

“There are always new things, some will take on, others perhaps not, but it’s almost critical that you’re at least looking at them if not trying them. Audiences are connected to each other and to the media more closely than ever – this had and will continue to build great loyalty and that’s the benefit social media can bring to a show, a station or a brand.

“Being mobile ready – and not just from a website perspective, from the perspective of the audience and content is vital. Making short form the new feature length, so that people can consume and share in just the flick of a finger – that’s where everything is going.

“Radio is here to stay, I’ve always loved the radio business since I started in it in 1995, but it must adapt. No longer can we assume people will be rusted on, so radio has to embrace what’s here and play to its core strengths of reach and responsiveness. Twitter is amazing for real-time information, but nothing beats radio for live and local content – the best broadcasters of tomorrow will have their fingers on the pulse, not just through their contacts and skills on air, but through their ability to be connected via social and trawl through the huge reems of content that is being produced every minute.”  

And what does Trevor have planned for life after SBS?:

“I’ve been fortunate to be able to continue my on-air work at 2UE and a bunch of other radio stations across the country talking consumer technology each week, plus working for over five years with the Nine network on A Current Affair and more recently The Today Show and that’s given me a very unique perspective on media in front of the microphone and camera, behind it and working with companies who are trying to get coverage, build a strategy – so I plan to work with PR companies and Brands where I can on that, plus I’ll be making content for brands for both social and training purposes, corporate speaking on media trends and technology innovation and frankly anything that uses what I know and my experience to help other people and organisations.

“I’ve produced over 530 podcasts, so both Your Tech Life and Two Blokes Talking Tech will continue, as will my website EFTM.com.au – there will be no shortage of things to do!

“I’ve had an amazing seven and a half years at SBS, working with people like Dirk Anthony, Mandi Wicks and Michael Ebied has taught me much more than I could have hoped for, and it’s a great organisation that genuinely does more with every dollar than anyone could imagine possible which is a credit to everyone at SBS.”