What's New December 15, 2020

David Wiltshire becomes GM of River 94.9 Ipswich

Former Editor & Content Director

Grant Broadcasters has appointed a permanent general manager for River 94.9 Ipswich. David Wiltshire will join the team in early 2021.

His most recent role was at the company formerly known as Bauer Media, where he was state sales manager for Queensland and Western Australia, and then from the start of this year for Queensland and New South Wales. Bauer Media, like many media companies, had a tumultuous 2020, attempting to acquire Seven West Media’s Pacific Magazines – a deal which was delayed by both the consumer watchdog and the pandemic – and then being sold by its German parent company to private equity.

A number of staff either left or were let go throughout the merger and new ownership structure, and the company now goes by the name of Are Media in Australia.

Wiltshire also spent time as a senior media buyer at Proud Media, and back in 2010 was a sales manager at Australian Radio Network’s (ARN) 97.3 in Brisbane. He was also a sales manager at Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) brands B105 and Triple M in Brisbane.

He steps into the Grant Broadcasters’ role which has been filled in an acting capacity by Justine Cooke since April. Cooke is also the retail sales manager for the station. Shane O’Brien was in the role earlier this year.

Grant Broadcasters’ state manager for Queensland and the Northern Territory, Matt Chapman, said he was very impressed with his new recruit’s background and knowledge of the industry.

“I am really looking forward to working with David in 2021, and no doubt he will bring a wealth of experience and expertise to this exceptional team,” he said.

Wiltshire added: “I’m excited to be given the opportunity to lead the passionate, professional team at River 94.9 and looking forward to continuing the great work they have achieved for clients, listeners and Ipswich’s growing market. I love the station’s commitment to local content, local sales and the community. The talented staff are really showing the way by being the leaders in local content for the region.”