Grant Broadcasters recruits Ryan Khay, Keith Fowler & Billy McFerran as content directors

Former Editor & Content Director

Grant Broadcasters has announced a string of content director appointments for its regional radio stations.

Ryan Khay, Keith Fowler and Billy McFerran have all joined the business in the top content roles, reporting to group content director, Ryan Rathbone.

Khay is a previous group content director across the likes of 92.7 Mix FM and SEA FM and returns to radio to lead the Northern Territory team at Hot 100 and Mix 104.9.

The Mix 104.9 on-air lineup has recently undergone a shake-up, with Andrew Thain and Sarah Passalick moving into Breakfast, and Ali Burton shifting to Drive.

Khay starts on June 24 and said there are a number of reasons he’s looking forward to the move.

“I’m absolutely thrilled to be working with a company that has such a strong focus on live and local radio and fostering and growing talent,” he said. “I am also looking forward to throwing off the sub-zero degree Gippsland mornings for the climate that the Top End offers this time of year.”

Fowler, meanwhile, was the group creative director of Austereo in the mid 1980s and ’90s, and was has also worked in numerous high-profile programming and operations roles across Asia.

He will be taking the reins as content director for Star 106.3 and Power FM in Townsville from July 5.

He said he’s ready to get started.

“I am absolutely looking forward to getting to know the staff and immersing myself in the evolving content for Star 106.3 and Power100 while maintaining and enhancing the fiercely local focus already in place,” he said. “Roll on July.”

And finally, Billy McFerran takes the role at Bundaberg’s Hitz 939 and 4BU.

McFerran has been SCA’s content director in Shepparton as well as NEW FM and 2HD in Newcastle. He’s currently assistant group content and music director for ACE Radio, based in regional Victoria.

Grant Broadcasters said he has a proven track record of developing talent and has worked in some of the country’s biggest markets.

McFerran said it was like coming home.

“It seems like I’m heading back home to the family after having worked with so many people within the Grants team over the years,” he said. “Hitz and 4BU are absolute leaders here in local radio and I can’t wait to make Bundaberg my home.”

Of his new recruits, Rathbone added: “The addition of three such talented Content Directors to the group is just another example of the company’s commitment to growth and our staff. I can’t wait to see the improvements in each market under their direction in the coming months and years.”

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Leaders
16 Jun 2021 - 1:04 pm

Commitment to grow more staff… interesting that most of the content directors for Grant are men. Would love to see Grant add more females to their leadership team.

Great to have local content directors though.

WK
16 Jun 2021 - 1:11 pm

For a dollar, name a woman. Unbelievable.

Radiobuzz
16 Jun 2021 - 1:26 pm

@leaders – Ever consider Grant are just awarding the right person for the job, not appointment based on gender? As all good businesses should do.

Radio Land
16 Jun 2021 - 1:47 pm

@leaders – Grant Broadcasters Digital Heads, NSW Regional General Manager, Founding Director and The CEO – All female examples

Simone
16 Jun 2021 - 1:50 pm

Hopefully someone else is controlling ANZAC Day programming in the top end, wouldn’t want that stuffed up again.

Unsurprised
16 Jun 2021 - 2:32 pm

Loving the diversity with all types of white men represented, well done Grant!!

Blabbermouth
16 Jun 2021 - 4:03 pm

Choooooooookeeeeee

Mix listener
16 Jun 2021 - 4:23 pm

@ Simone there was nothing wrong with the Darwin coverage last year.

Paul Barrett
16 Jun 2021 - 5:42 pm

@simone I’ve known Ryno since our days at Radio Lollipop in Brisbane, and I know he was devastated that both he and another senior programming team member missed a command in the log that meant the minutes silence on Gold1242 went for a bit over two minutes and not one minute as intended. Not the worst mistake but I’m sure he’s not the only PD to have an error on Anzac Day or Remembrance Day. He’s a great operator and I know the team in the NT will enjoy working with him.

Old Mate
16 Jun 2021 - 6:11 pm

Way to go Billy! Very well deserved. You’ll be a great asset to the team. Good luck with the new challenge.

Indi
16 Jun 2021 - 6:16 pm

Such great news for Bundy, Billy is an exceptional CD and mentor. A great asset to the team!

Tim Lee
16 Jun 2021 - 6:20 pm

Billy is as kind hearted & talented as he is bald: considerably.

Congrats!!

Jenny
16 Jun 2021 - 7:41 pm

Billy!!!!!!!!!! What an absolute legend!!
Congratulations!!
He supported me with guidance on air and when things were really tough – I owe this man A LOT! – thank you!
Can’t wait to see what comes next for you! Good luck! 🙂

Neil
16 Jun 2021 - 7:49 pm

Keith Fowler… there’s a name. Takes me back to 3XY circa 1984 doing Aussie Rules on a Sunday evening. Great talent.

Adam Thompson
16 Jun 2021 - 7:57 pm

Grant Broadcasters, a great decision on recruiting Billy McFerran to his new role.

I’ve known Billy for many years (since his early days in Newcastle) and his ability to break and support new content (especially Australian) is excellent.

As a heritage act with Chocolate Starfish, it’s blokes like Billy who listen without prejudice, and make a heart call on your song. Whether you’ve been in the game 20 years or 20 minutes, that is all any band can ask for in todays climate.

Enjoy QLD.

Jess Eva
16 Jun 2021 - 8:10 pm

So glad Ryan Khay is back radio. What an outstanding contribution to the industry. I worked with Ryno in Cairns and Sunshine Coast. I remember Ryno working 20 hours straight during cyclone Yasi, the qld floods and during numerous charity events. What an absolute credit to him and Grant Broadcasters. Darwin is an incredibly lucky market to have such an experienced and passionate leader.
Go Ryno!! X

Old Mate Mk2
16 Jun 2021 - 9:27 pm

3 great gets for Grants. They seem to be picking up some very good talent maltreated by other networks. Billy will be brilliant for them especially.

Frank Varrasso
17 Jun 2021 - 10:48 am

Billy, we’re gonna miss you mate, you’ve been stellar to work with. Best of luck up North…sure you’ll love it up there.

Jac Bowie
17 Jun 2021 - 12:31 pm

Great news re Billy McFerran – incredible asset. I nearly walked away from radio all together after my first horrid experience, and this CD reminded me I did have potential I just needed support and guidance.

I think anyone acquiring him as a CD is very lucky, you’ll be supported, guided and backed by someone who actually WANTS you to grow and succeed as an announcer. Wonderful guy and massive asset to any radio network.

Higgo
18 Jun 2021 - 1:09 pm

ahhh Billy me old china, great to see you kickin arse mate. Good work tickle.

SEQ radio listener
10 Mar 2022 - 4:18 pm

Ryan is now the CD at star & Power in Townsville

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