Year in Review 2009: January to April

Part 3 of our Year in Review story covers January to April 2009.

April

The opportunities and possibilities for digital radio were being discussed during April as Australia headed towards the official launch and various cities switched on in test mode. Also this month, the ABC announced its annual radio awards, with Tim Cox winning broadcaster of the year, Austereo launched its Pink digital radio channel and DMG launched Koffee and Novanation. 2LT was put up for sale, Sean Dorney was deported from Fiji and the Fijian military shut down Radio Australia broadcasts as part of the coup, regional community station 5TCB went off air as a result of debts, and John Vincent and Suzanne Irvine passed away. In Survey 2 talk stations 3AW and 5AA both lost their tops spots, but later in the year regained them again. All the stories covered this month are linked below.


Lessons of history inform ACMA thinking today: RadComms Conference

[30 Apr 2009]


DRM still on the table for Australian remote areas

[30 Apr 2009]


Digital a once in a generation opportunity: Stephen Conroy

[30 Apr 2009]


Tim Cox ABC Local Radio Broadcaster of the Year: full winners listing

[30 Apr 2009]


Clock ticking for Perth’s digital switch on next week

[30 Apr 2009]


Clear Channel cuts more staff

[30 Apr 2009]


No gloom at GOOM for ex ARN producer as online radio start-up raises $US16 mil

[30 Apr 2009]


Paula Masselos resigns as Director of SBS Radio

[29 Apr 2009]


From B Cup To DD. We show what Sea-FM couldn’t on air

[28 Apr 2009]


Underbelly Star to speak at Sirens Masterclass in Sydney

[28 Apr 2009]


Austereo’s new digital station comes in any colour you like as long as it’s Pink

[28 Apr 2009]


Old Pirate Boys Club at The Boat that Rocked Launch

[26 Apr 2009]


42 million Americans listen to online radio

[25 Apr 2009]


Radioinfo got it wrong say receivers. 2LT in good shape

[24 Apr 2009]


ABC surges while commercials slip in Newcastle

[24 Apr 2009]


ABC wants extra kids, sports and health digital radio channels

[23 Apr 2009]


2UE’s Ray Chesterton high court appeal dismissed

[23 Apr 2009]


Cairns Post accuses 4CA of cash for mayor’s comments

[23 Apr 2009]


Cliched copy scripts in seconds

[23 Apr 2009]


The big digital campaign has started with not a radio to be bought – yet

[22 Apr 2009]


Sea FM gives free ad space to employers to boost jobs

[22 Apr 2009]


Bill Caralis reckons Singo could be “short of cash”

[21 Apr 2009]


Class war erupts between Media Watch and 2GB

[21 Apr 2009]


4TO breakfast presenter on air and on tv at breakfast

[20 Apr 2009]


NAB Show 2009 begins in America

[20 Apr 2009]


Austereo signs with RCS for new software

[20 Apr 2009]


Alan Jones still off air at 2GB

[20 Apr 2009]

[19 Apr 2009]


Have Koffee with Nova Nation: DMG’s digital radio brands revealed

[16 Apr 2009]


Fiji military shuts down Radio Australia transmitters

[16 Apr 2009]


Rob Carlton to front Sirens Masterclass

[16 Apr 2009]


Nielsen Wollongong survey re-issued after problems spotted

[16 Apr 2009]


Keith Urban wants a radio career for little Sunday Rose

[16 Apr 2009]


Upcoming conferences: Radcomms Sydney, CommunicAsia Singapore, RadioAsia Delhi

[16 Apr 2009]


More nostalgia: 1960s Melbourne ratings

[16 Apr 2009]


Sultry Sally marketer eats his words about AM radio advertising

[16 Apr 2009]


PM gets behind Triple M’s Footy Jumper Friday

[16 Apr 2009]


Vale Suzanne Irvine

[15 Apr 2009]


5TCB goes dark after overstretching itself

[14 Apr 2009]


Broadband rollout will give radio a run for its money in regions

[14 Apr 2009]


Digital Radio ads went to air Monday. DMG digital channel launch Wednesday

[13 Apr 2009]


The Boat That Rocked is a work of fiction says non-fictitious former jock

[13 Apr 2009]


Jones celebrates his 66th birthday in sick bed

[13 Apr 2009]


ABC reporter Sean Dorney to be deported from Fiji

[13 Apr 2009]


Vega ups the Idol age limit

[13 Apr 2009]


Triple M Brisbane trades on Tradies

[13 Apr 2009]


Nielsen surveys released for both the Canberra and Wollongong markets

[09 Apr 2009]


2009 ABC Local Radio Awards finalists announced: full listing

[09 Apr 2009]


AFTRS students launch Show Radio 2009

[09 Apr 2009]


UK Parliament report calls for more non-BBC public service funding

[09 Apr 2009]


Turning the clock back 30 years on Clive Robertson: Video

[08 Apr 2009]


Turning the clock back 45 years on Melbourne Radio: Video

[08 Apr 2009]


Talk to our troops on ANZAC Day

[08 Apr 2009]


Hollywood’s hottest, Hugh Jackman, co-hosts Nova’s breakfast

[08 Apr 2009]


Radio ad revenue down in first quarter

[07 Apr 2009]


Jones on the sick list – again: Audio

[06 Apr 2009]


Molly gets tired and emotional on the wireless: Audio

[05 Apr 2009]


Mix101.1 dumps McEncroe from breakfast

[03 Apr 2009]


ABC891 thanks Adelaide staff and listeners. No Panic at FIVEaa

[03 Apr 2009]


Educational radio stations facing licence changes

[03 Apr 2009]


Radio revenue steady in tough times: CEASA figures

[03 Apr 2009]


Radio the loser as stars die without their work recorded at NFSA

[03 Apr 2009]


Nova takes the cake as it turns eight

[03 Apr 2009]


Vale John Vincent: Funeral Details: Audio Tribute

[02 Apr 2009]


Spectrum priorities outlined for coming five years: Chris Chapman

[02 Apr 2009]


Convergence continuing and more IP video to come: Media Trends report

[02 Apr 2009]


NAB Show on this month in USA: Las Vegas from 18 April

[02 Apr 2009]


Survey 2 results: 3AW and 5AA lose top spots to ABC

[01 Apr 2009]


APN revenue down, no bonus for CEO: final report released

[01 Apr 2009]


Canadian bid for Macquarie Communications Infrastructure Group

[01 Apr 2009]


Anti triple j campaign on Facebook

[01 Apr 2009]


Stations gag on April’s Fool

[01 Apr 2009]

March

In March Nielsen Media moved to sort out problems with the new survey methodology it introduced in Survey 1, which was thought to under-represent young listeners. This problem persisted for several surveys and was sorted out towards mid year. Also this month, the ACCC had problems with the digital radio multiplex sharing arrangements and sent the parties back to the drawing board to renegotiate. Regional broadcasters called on the Government to commit to digital for the bush, community broadcasters sought $14 million form the budget, and Stripe radio, which folded mid-year, was happy to sign up Telstra as a sponsor. An ABU conference in KL was urged to think beyond radio and India chose DRM as its digital radio system. Greg Henricks passed away. All the stories covered this month are linked below.


DMG Australian jobs not at risk: Cathy O’Connor

[31 Mar 2009]


New survey sampling trial to address concerns with young demographics data

[31 Mar 2009]


Merrick’s no small part in Underbelly

[30 Mar 2009]


Jono & Dano gang up on little old lady and get thrashed

[29 Mar 2009]


Bucketts Radio accuses ACMA of dragging its heels

[29 Mar 2009]


Early adopter segments the key to digital radio success

[27 Mar 2009]


Veteran jock, John Bond receives CMA International Award from Taylor Swift

[26 Mar 2009]


Kate Dundas appointed ABC Director of Radio

[26 Mar 2009]


Entries open for 2009 Sydney ACRAs: entry details

[26 Mar 2009]


ABC to shut down emergency transmitter as fire Vic threat subsides

[26 Mar 2009]


ACCC rejects digital multiplex sharing proposals, goes back to drawing board

[26 Mar 2009]


B105’s Stav takes the road less grumpy

[26 Mar 2009]


Nova breaks format for Farnham

[26 Mar 2009]


Prime cuts Macquarie umbilical cord and makes its own programs

[25 Mar 2009]


Regional broadcasters call on Government to commit to digital for the bush

[25 Mar 2009]


Hamish and Andy Launch iPhone App

[24 Mar 2009]


Community station manager takes battering at OB

[23 Mar 2009]


Ben Cousins almost late for first report on Nova 100: Audio

[23 Mar 2009]


Alan Jones’ favourite Money Guy lands Mon-Fri slot on 2GB

[22 Mar 2009]


Kyle, Jackie O and 2Day listeners raise $150,000 for a Sydney family

[22 Mar 2009]


Stripe me lucky! Wheatley signs up Telstra

[20 Mar 2009]


Triple M’s Mascot Stakes

[20 Mar 2009]


Good time to buy shares in Austereo: Expert analysis

[19 Mar 2009]


National broadcasters keep lobbying as tight budget looms

[19 Mar 2009]


Attorney General introduces bill to protect journalist sources

[19 Mar 2009]


ABC content gets more mobile

[19 Mar 2009]


RadComms09 conference agenda released

[19 Mar 2009]


Mix 101.1’s Brigitte Duclos in one night stand

[19 Mar 2009]


Grant Cameron pedals for autistic kids

[19 Mar 2009]


ABC 891 tunes up men’s health

[19 Mar 2009]


India is going digital with DRM

[19 Mar 2009]


Nova’s all ears about bullying

[19 Mar 2009]


Bandidos invite B105 to barbeque. They better like meat

[18 Mar 2009]


Over half of all radio ads on TV are for ARN stations

[18 Mar 2009]


Give ABC more money, but not the Chaser!

[17 Mar 2009]


Sydney Uni seminar questions future of public broadcasting

[17 Mar 2009]


ABU broadcasters urged to think beyond radio

[16 Mar 2009]


vega’s Dave O’Neil turns 21, lots of kidding

[16 Mar 2009]


Digital radio promotion begins next month

[16 Mar 2009]


DAB and DRM move closer together, new digital radio profiles announced at ABU

[13 Mar 2009]


David Day blogs for radioinfo

[13 Mar 2009]


FOX in trouble with ACMA over non-consensual broadcast

[13 Mar 2009]


triple j to provide Sound Relief broadcast feed to commercials

[12 Mar 2009]


Ballarat stations want a local AFL team

[12 Mar 2009]


Nova’s Fitzy talking sport on 5AA

[12 Mar 2009]


Bendigo community station has its wings clipped over advertising

[12 Mar 2009]


The ABC is a national treasure says Stephen Conroy

[12 Mar 2009]


“The act of a desperate man,” Mott says of Singo

[11 Mar 2009]


Regional stations express interest in digital conversion

[10 Mar 2009]


Community sector asks Government for $14 million

[10 Mar 2009]


Rivalries set aside at Hendo’s wake

[09 Mar 2009]


“I’m Greg Henricks, but everyone calls me Hendo,” a eulogy by David Rogerson

[09 Mar 2009]


Millar makes hay in ratings sunshine

[08 Mar 2009]


Bart Simpson lends voice to Victorian Bushfire Victims

[08 Mar 2009]


Official digital launch pushed back to August 1

[08 Mar 2009]


Greg Henricks loses his battle with cancer: funeral details: Audio Tribute

[06 Mar 2009]


Financial crisis a time to invest in community broadcasting: Greens Senator

[06 Mar 2009]


Singo dumps on Radio rivals

[06 Mar 2009]


Survey 1 results for 2009: new method introduced successfully

[05 Mar 2009]


Transmission changes for 6PR and other Perth stations

[05 Mar 2009]


Internet usage up but radio consumption down: Online study

[05 Mar 2009]


Macquarie Media Group announces share buy back plan

[05 Mar 2009]


The ABC shelves digital launch until July

[04 Mar 2009]


Massive Ad campaign to sell Digital radios begins in April

[03 Mar 2009]


Nova research shows more tune out during long ad breaks

[02 Mar 2009]


“I don’t listen to radio – never did,” says John Laws

[02 Mar 2009]


Fairfax Media shares resume trading after capital raising announced

[02 Mar 2009]

February

A year of bad financial results for media companies began in February as various companies announced their first profit forecasts for the year, and the Victorian bushfires devastated vast areas of land and damaged stations in the path of the fire. Also this month, survey 1 results was delayed because of the new methodology and bad weather, and Ian Major passed away. All the stories covered this month are linked below.


Mix gets its Kix on 106 as it celebrates FM’s 21st birthday in Canberra

[27 Feb 2009]


The 10,000 pound Gorilla: why the BBC is so dominant in UK radio

[26 Feb 2009]


Fairfax halts its share trading before market announcement next week

[26 Feb 2009]


Campaign trail gets HOT for QLD politician as he hits the FM airways: AUDIO

[26 Feb 2009]


ARN revenue down 7.5%, TRN revenue drops 6.9%: APN Annual Results

[26 Feb 2009]


Fairfax Radio revenue weaker but no talk of sale

[24 Feb 2009]


If only all of Macquarie Media’s assets were as profitable as radio

[24 Feb 2009]


MRN profit down 83% but Alan Jones is there for the long haul

[24 Feb 2009]


Here’s one for the bloopers reel

[24 Feb 2009]


Radiowest reaches out to the South

[24 Feb 2009]


2RE and MAX FM put Taree kids into orbit

[23 Feb 2009]


Aussies help make world class Radio in India

[22 Feb 2009]


mcm posts a small loss

[20 Feb 2009]


Fairfax launches News app for iPhone

[20 Feb 2009]


Commercial radio industry runs free digital radio creative workshops

[19 Feb 2009]


US radio stations reach agreement on internet radio royalty rates

[19 Feb 2009]


Latest touchy-feely DAB technology is cheaper and greener

[19 Feb 2009]


Ikea ad wins Round 4 of 2009 Siren Awards

[19 Feb 2009]


ABU Digital Broadcasting Symposium in KL next month

[19 Feb 2009]


Improved reception on the cards for Rebel stations

[18 Feb 2009]


Survey One Delayed

[18 Feb 2009]


Triple J gets Scholarship-Wrecked at O Week

[18 Feb 2009]


Home & Hosed: on your radio and online

[18 Feb 2009]


2009 AFTRS professional development course applications now open

[17 Feb 2009]


Kyle and Jackie O break the news on Jeff Fenech

[17 Feb 2009]


Are you man enough to ride a girls’ bike

[17 Feb 2009]


Revenue down but profit steady for Austereo

[16 Feb 2009]


Triple M goes in search of unsigned rockers

[16 Feb 2009]


Google fails to penetrate Radio

[15 Feb 2009]


2HD’s Luke Grant crosses the floor for Fireys

[15 Feb 2009]


Love is in the air at Mixx FM

[13 Feb 2009]


More stations across Australia pitch in

[12 Feb 2009]


ASX asks APN to please explain trading spike

[12 Feb 2009]


XM Sirius subscription satellite radio bankruptcy rumours

[12 Feb 2009]


John Laws comments abusive but not defamatory argues 2UE

[12 Feb 2009]


Ballarat stations’ appeal goes to the dogs

[11 Feb 2009]


Fox FM and Triple M Unite and Raise $2 million for Bush Fire Victims

[10 Feb 2009]


National Film and Sound Archive needs your broadcasts of Fire and Flood

[10 Feb 2009]


ARN, Fairfax, MRR and Grant Broadcasters combine to raise funds for victims

[10 Feb 2009]


Radio swings into action on Central Victorian fires

[09 Feb 2009]


Radio rallies Wollongong to give generously

[09 Feb 2009]


Merrick and Rosso and Kate Ritchie get messy with paint balls: New TVC

[07 Feb 2009]


Vale sports broadcaster Ian Major

[07 Feb 2009]


Stephen Crittenden returns to work at RN after investigation

[06 Feb 2009]


ABC774’s Jon Faine wiser and less cynical after 40,000 km trip

[05 Feb 2009]


Radio’s advice to advertisers: trade through tough times

[05 Feb 2009]


Rookie gets airtime on Fiji’s Viti FM

[05 Feb 2009]


NZ Radio offers free translation for Aussie advertisers

[05 Feb 2009]


APN sells New Zealand online business

[05 Feb 2009]


February may bring bad news as radio companies report results

[05 Feb 2009]


Fairfax Radio Syndication’s satellite feed down

[05 Feb 2009]


Nova 969 breakfast show is up for three Logie Awards

[04 Feb 2009]


Nova 100’s Hughesy and Kate get on The Living End band wagon and vice versa

[04 Feb 2009]


Melbourne and SBS listeners will drive early digital radio sales: Graeme Redman

[03 Feb 2009]


High ranking exec departs Macquarie Southern Cross

[03 Feb 2009]


2CH.com gets hip to iTunes and On-line Entertainment

[03 Feb 2009]


Serials make a comeback to Sydney prime-time radio

[03 Feb 2009]


Boxing with the stars on Perth’s Big Couch

[03 Feb 2009]


ARN joins in hunt for listeners with TVC launch

[02 Feb 2009]


i98 crowns local girl “Miss Bikini Illawarra”

[02 Feb 2009]


Triple M’s Pete & Myf launch their new TVC campaign this Sunday: see it here

[01 Feb 2009]


Gippsland station staff sweat it out to deliver bushfire updates

[01 Feb 2009]

January

In January John Fairfax, Reg Grundy and 5 other radio people received Australia Day awards, Angela Clarke stepped down as CEO Macquarie Radio Network, Kate Mac left 2Day and Steve Ahern left AFTRS. All the stories covered this month are linked below.


As Melbourne sizzles, Jon Faine grills rail boss

[29 Jan 2009]


Skyworks attracts 350,000+ in Perth

[29 Jan 2009]


Results are in for Stephanie Rice’s duel with the fool in the pool

[29 Jan 2009]


NA2R winners release CD singles as radio airplay begins

[29 Jan 2009]


John Fairfax, Reg Grundy and 5 other radio people receive Australia Day awards

[28 Jan 2009]


ABC submission proposes 12 digital radio channels and no SBS facilities sharing

[27 Jan 2009]


Kyle and Jackie O fall for phone prank

[27 Jan 2009]


Exclusive Audio: Australian of the Year Awards
[27 Jan 2009]


APN hangs on to ARN in tough market

[27 Jan 2009]


Content and sponsor clash

[26 Jan 2009]


Community program is country’s most popular

[26 Jan 2009]


Angela Clark steps down from MRN

[22 Jan 2009]


25 year old Slim Dusty tape unearthed for Australia Day

[22 Jan 2009]


Sunshine Coast presenter challenges Stephanie Rice to a duel in the pool

[22 Jan 2009]


triple j hottest 100 broadcast on Australia Day

[22 Jan 2009]


Seth Clancy joins Nova Brisbane

[20 Jan 2009]


Clear Channel CEO predicts ‘deep, sustained’ recession

[20 Jan 2009]


2009 ratings surveys have begun

[19 Jan 2009]


MacMedia off the hook with ACMA for now

[19 Jan 2009]


Kate Mac leaving Today FM

[15 Jan 2009]


2GLF breaches sponsorship guidelines, again

[15 Jan 2009]


Digital Media Leaders Forum: 26-27 March. Discount registrations

[14 Jan 2009]


Switch to digital needs money: Brisbane radiothon hopes to raise it

[14 Jan 2009]


Family Feud on Brisbane radio airwaves

[14 Jan 2009]


Steve Ahern leaves AFTRS

[12 Jan 2009]


2008 metro radio ad revenue down in Sydney, steady overall

[11 Jan 2009]


Radio One network expands to Kolkuta India

[10 Jan 2009]


Phone home for Livenews

[08 Jan 2009]


2017 is UK digital radio transition date: Working Group Report

[08 Jan 2009]


ACCC does not accept access agreements for digital radio

[08 Jan 2009]


New SBS Radio station for Cooma

[06 Jan 2009]


2008: Year in Review part 1

[04 Jan 2009]


2008: Year in Review part 2

[04 Jan 2009]


Matt Hale completes a year of crap Elvis impersonations

[02 Jan 2009]