Pollie Power: Radio execs in Canberra for conversations and cocktails

Staff Writer

An election year provides the perfect opportunity for industry and interest groups to get in front of Australia’s politicians, and to hopefully get a bit of love from both sides of politics.

The Commercial Radio Australia Board with new chair Grant Blackley and CEO Joan Warner seized their opportunity last night at the annual cocktail function in Canberra.

Attendees included Communications Minister Mitch Fifield, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg, Opposition Communications Minister Michelle Rowland, and Senators Pauline Hanson and Derryn Hinch.

Triple M’s Eddie McGuire hosted the event and reminded the gathered politicians of the reach of commercial radio throughout Australia.

He explained that more than 80 per cent of Australia listens to commercial radio and that despite increased competition, young people are listening to radio too.

The Hot Breakfast host also pointed out that in an all-important election year, all sides of politics could reach voters through their local commercial radio station.

He quoted the power of radio that “speaks to millions, but retains its intimacy”.

Fifield also spoke at the event and noted it was “finally good” to have a Melbourne host for the event, following on from previous years where Ray Hadley, Alan Jones and Ben Fordham held the duties.

He also said he thought Eddie would gain a lot more listeners in Melbourne if he wasn’t the chairman of the Collingwood Football Club.

The political landscape may change over the coming months, but the power and reach of radio will remain the same.

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Don Draper
13 Feb 2019 - 1:18 pm

Does the federal govt really need to be reminded of the reach of radio? I mean they issue and govern the licenses… i think they would know…?
I reckon Frydo would have left the room with his eyes rolling after mingling with that lot.
Could of texted Howard to compare notes since the room would have hardly changed since he was in office.

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