‘We’re delighted to welcome Irene back to Nova’: Paul Jackson
![](https://radiotoday.com.au/wp-content/uploads/Irene-Headshots-Take-206-crop.jpg)
It’s been less than two weeks since Irene Hulme departed Southern Cross Austereo, but she’s already landed a flash new gig.
Hulme will return to NOVA Entertainment in January as music director for the Nova Network, working alongside head of music, Scott Baker-Smith.
“We’re delighted to welcome Irene back to Nova,” said chief programming and marketing officer, Paul Jackson.
“Her vast experience, musical knowledge and programming skills are renowned in the industry. Along with Scott, we have two of the most respected music programmers in the country working for Nova.”
Hulme was responsible for music across the SCA-owned Hit Network and is thought to be the most senior departure as the company cut up to 90 jobs last week.
“What an absolute honour it is to once again work for NOVA Entertainment,” said Hulme.
“Paul Jackson is an exceptional leader, and a bold programmer, who I have respected for many years.
“He has put together a dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate content team, who like me share a relentless desire to create incredible moments executed with energy, creativity and mutual respect.
“If home is where the heart is, I’m certainly home in 2020.”
Touted by many in the radio biz as a “true stalwart”, Hulme has a long history in programming, talent and music. She is also widely respected among music industry circles.
She was promoted to a new position within SCA in November last year, assuming the role of head of music for Hit & Triple M networks.
Four months later, her role was reduced to Hit’s 42 metro, regional and DAB+ stations after Mickey Maher moved from regional content boss to oversee music on the Triple M Network.
Like SCA and Australian Radio Network, NOVA was also forced to tighten its purse strings last week, with about 15 staffers losing their jobs, including Melbourne program director, Rohan Brown.
Hulme officially starts on January 6, based at NOVA’s Melbourne headquarters.
Irene is a very good Music Director, she’ll do very well under Scott’s direction. Best of luck Reenie
Paul Jackson what a great move!!!
While most at SCA and within the industry are truly perplexed by SCA’s initial decision, Paul has seen an opportunity to swoop in and grab one of the best, Irene Hulme.
Congrats Paul and Irene.
Has Irene replaced Georgina Marckwald?
Questionable to let go of someone with the success and reputation of Georgina, right before she goes on maternity leave too.
Paul let Irene go years’ ago which cost the NOVA Network all the success of RnB Fridays. Little late Jacko.
Irene didn’t come up with RNB Fridays, a street teamer did.
If you have PJ, Irene and SB in the same music team, surely they’re going to stop targeting under 40 and use their age and experience to take down Gold?