What's New
BY Sarah Patterson April 17, 2024
What's New June 21, 2019
ARN launches new “industry-leading” Brisbane studios
Bob Gallagher, Mike Van Acker, Premier of QLD Annastacia Palaszczuk and Bianca Dye
It’s been a massive week for Brisbane radio, with ARN following Southern Cross Austereo in opening a brand new set of studios.
The new 97.3FM and 4KQ headquarters was officially launched on Thursday (June 20), with an exclusive party attended by 120 guests.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk was on hand to formally open the studios, while local muso Steven Childs entertained guests with a live performance.
The new studios are based in the Kings Row precinct within inner Brisbane suburb of Milto, with ARN having relocated 70 staff from previous home at Stones Corner in May.
They include an Australian industry first of Dante digital audio integrated with Broadcast Livewire.
In addition, ARN is also the first commercial radio network in the country to integrate new Axia Audio Over Internet Protocol (AOIP) technology across all of its on-air and production radio systems.
“ARN is dedicated to delivering its Brisbane audiences industry-leading audio experiences through our broadcast radio and on-demand content,” said HT&E CEO and managing director Ciaran Davis.
“We are proud to celebrate this milestone for 97.3FM and 4KQ in particular, and it’s been an honour to have the support of the Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to help launch our new Brisbane studios.
“ARN is focussed on being the leader in audio in Australia, and a critical driver for us with the move of the Brisbane office was to develop contemporary, technologically-advanced broadcast studios that deliver a premium listening and entertainment experience for our audiences.”
On-air talent in attendance included 97.3FM breakfast’s Bianca Dye, Mike Van Acker and Bob Gallagher, 4KQ breakfast hosts Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare and Mark Hine, 4KQ breakfast newsreader Jo Hayes, 97.3FM breakfast newsreader Monique Dews, 97.3FM afternoons presenter Daniel Tomas.
ARN executives included HT&E CEO Ciaran Davis, ARN national content director Duncan Campbell, ARN chief commercial officer Pete Whitehead, ARN chief operating officer Michael Harvey, ARN national people & culture director Marissa Daras, and 97.3FM and 4KQ content director, Barry Drinkwater.
“We are the first commercial radio network in the country to integrate the cutting-edge new AOIP technology across all on-air and production radio systems – which allows flexibility, ease and productivity for our producers – who can now focus more of their time on developing the best quality, engaging content for our listeners,” said Davis.
“These new capabilities will also ensure our audiences enjoy even more visual content across our digital and social networks. It was important to us to build studios that demonstrate the strength of 97.3FM and 4KQ’s connection with our Brisbane audiences and offers a range of entertainment options on site for our clients, guests and listeners.
“Everything from the Queensland-inspired design elements, to the panoramic views we now have to showcase the best of Brisbane to our guests, to the fact our staff are now literally looking out upon our listeners from the central new CBD location – reflects how embedded 97.3FM and 4KQ are in Brisbane’s culture.”
The new Brisbane ARN broadcast studios are located at Kings Row, Building 4, Level 3, 40 McDougall Street, Milton.
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What's New
BY Sarah Patterson April 17, 2024
Those studios look nice, now they just need to get some talent on 97.3 breakfast to make that high quality audio listenable! Closer change of address than ever for Those Two Girls.
The whole thing is just a bit sad
I’m surprised they spent so much money on those on air studios. A zoom recorder would have done the job fine for brekky?
Maybe now ARN could create a better TVC and jingle or 97.3 to match the new studios. Something tasteful and with a bit of bang. The current TVC/jingle is just ……………………… bland
Funny all flash studios n the like John Goodall told me years ago when 3uz moved in the late 70s then an exec paid huge amount money advertising the buildings had changed lol its radio what ever the crap happens it’s the stick to the listener that matters
Why all the negative comments? Having once worked in radio I know that a great place to work was important to the staff and made you feel good. From what I hear the whole fit out at 97.3/4KQ is impressive and the staff love it. Sorry ‘R’ but the only thing that’s sad are the comments on here.
Spend more money on on air talent rather than a new building. Who cares ?
973 breakfast is still going to sound the way it sounds. The studios won’t help.
Is Bob STILL on 973? What the…
To those complaining – why do you care? Was 973 your favorite station? Maybe you can’t handle the fact that Robin isn’t there anymore? Maybe you have no life of your own and this is just how you lash out. But your comments are sad. Yes the station changed. Yes Brisbane is a competitive market. But just deal with it because your obsession with kicking the 973 staff is more than a bit gross and weird.
Yet the Sydney office is still in that sad old building in North Ryde.
Wonder when their Sydney staff will move to a location worthy of a modern media company with the #1 and #2 breakfast shows.