Revealed: The Top 10 radio talent managers right now

Radio Today is shining the spotlight on the managers behind the scenes, looking after the talent that sits in front of the mic every day.

At its core, radio relies on great talent to propel the business. Excellent talent differentiates a station or a network, and great talent is a brand in itself.

But while high-quality talent can often market and speak for itself, competent talent managers are (in most cases) key in helping take great radio personalities to the next level.

Talent managers help with everything from development to media scrutiny, and of course, securing a great gig. Great managers secure lucrative marketing opportunities for their clients and work constantly to raise their profile.

Taking into account the scale of their businesses, the number of radio clients they have and the profile of those clients, here are Radio Today‘s Top 10 radio talent managers.

1. Profile

Managing director of Profile Talent Management, Mark Klemens has been involved in the management of high profile Australian artists and performers for many years and is a highly skilled and experienced negotiator with extensive experience in publishing, television and radio.

He and Melissa Le Gear lead the management of the likes of smoothfm’s David Campbell, Gold104.3’s Christian O’Connell, 2DayFM’s Ed Kavalee, Fox FM’s Fifi Box, former SCA duo Hamish & Andy and Nova 96.9’s Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli, plus Nova 91.9’s Dylan Lewis, Will & Woody, Triple M’s Lawrence Mooney, and Ned & Josh. 

2. Token

Kevin Whyte is the group managing director of Token Group, looking after a strong contingent of comedy and radio stars including Triple M’s Wil Anderson, Hit Network’s Dave Hughes and Tommy Little, as well as former radio personalities Rove McManus and Merrick Watts. Token was founded in 1993, and works with clients on stage, screen, online and print, as well as radio with in-house PR, legal, finance and marketing.

3. Henrie Stride Management

Founded by Henrie Stride and Lena Barridge, Henrie Stride Management (HSM) claims to work outside of the traditional model of talent management. Talent currently working with HSM includes NOVA Entertainment personalities Chrissie Swan and Sam Pang, Hit Network’s Kate Langbroek and Tanya Hennessey, and former KIIS Nights duo Kristie Mercer and Stacey June.

4. Marchmedia

The Sydney-based boutique talent management company is headed up by Brad March, who has 30 years in senior radio roles including managing director and group program director at Austereo (SCA) and ARN. Brad oversees the careers of names such as KIIS’s Jackie ‘O’ Henderson, triple j’s Ben & Liam, Triple M’s Robin Bailey, Hit92.9 Perth’s Ryan Jon, Sea FM’s Daniel ‘Gawndy’ Gawned and Triple M’s The Chaser.

5. Morrissey Management

Mark Morrissey’s Morrissey Management looks after an extensive roster of voiceover artists, actors, and presenters. Its roster of radio talent includes Triple M’s Gus Worland and Mark Geyer, triple j’s Hannah Reilly, NOVA Entertainment’s Kate Ritchie and KIIS FM’s Yumi Stynes.

6. Andrew Hawkins

Andy Hawkins is the business partner and manager of the one and only Kyle Sandilands. Together they own King Kyle Investments alongside a spattering of other ventures. The two met at the 2004 ACRAs when Kyle was in need of a manager and Andy was a 20-year-old record producer… and the rest is history.

7. RGM

Established as Robyn Gardiner Management in 1982, RGM Artists looks after a number of artists across the entertainment industry including actors, writers, directors, voice artists, as well as radio and television hosts. RGM represents names including WSFM’s Brendan ‘Jonesy’ Jones and Amanda Keller, and Triple M’s Roy & HG (John Doyle and Greig Pickhaver), KIIS 106.5’s Zoe Marshall and Mix94.5’s Matt Dyktynski.

8. Mushroom Comedy

Formerly Andrew Taylor Management, its range of clients now fall under the Mushroom Comedy brand as part of the Mushroom Group. Mushroom Comedy represents such names as Hit107’s Amos Gil, triple j’s Ciaran Lyons, Craig ‘Lowie‘ Low, Tommy Dean (TGIF with Richard Glover on ABC), Craig Quartermaine and formerly 2DayFM’s Em Rusciano (now self-managed).

9. CMC Talent Management

Led by Claire Savage and Cathy Baker, CMC Talent is a boutique management agency, working with actors, TV personalities, writers and of course radio talent. CMC clients include Gold104.3’s ‘Cacklin’ Jack Post, triple j’s Veronica Milson, smoothfm’s Cameron Daddo and KIIS FM’s Kate ‘Monty’ Diamond, as well as Hit Network’s Those Two Girls, Hit Hobart’s Jimmy & Nath, and i98FM’s Christie Hayes.

10. Bravo Management

Bravo Management was established by Chris Giannopoulos in 2011 and describes itself as a boutique talent management agency specialising in the representation of media professionals. Its roster of talent includes talkback radio veteran Steve Price, Sea FM’s Ash Pollard, and one half of former Gold FM’s Jo & Lehmo; Jo Stanley.

Honourable Mentions

• SF Celebrity Management: Talent management company SF Celebrity Management represents some of the biggest talent on Australian television and throughout the world of sport, but Sharon Finnigan also looks after leading NOVA Entertainment presenter Tim Blackwell.
• The Fordham Company: A Family owned management business, The Fordham Company represents a number of high profile clients across television, sport and media. Unsurprisingly, 2GB presenter Ben Fordham is a client, as is Darren McMullen.
• 6 Degrees: 6 Degrees offers services and expertise across television, music, sports, radio, print, licensing and more. Within its client ranks lie 2DayFM’s Grant Denyer, and Sophie Monk.
• Marina Paul Talent Management: Marina Paul heads up Marina Paul Talent Management, and looks after Hit Network nights presenter Ash London and Hit107’s Angus O’Loughlin.
• Aran Michael Management (AMM): AMM offers professional representation to performers and creatives, with a hands-on, boutique approach to representation. AMM’s clients include Hit Network’s Carrie Bickmore.