What's New March 2, 2021

SCA brings back head of content – regions role

Former Editor & Content Director

Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has restructured in the wake of the launch of its all-encompassing digital audio platform LiSTNR.

LiSTNR, which includes podcasts, radio catch-up, streaming, new digital music stations, news and hyper-local content, now sits at the ‘centre’ of the SCA business, CEO Grant Blackley has said, enabling a new executive to come on board.

Mickey Maher was previously SCA’s head of content for the regions between 2014 and 2019 before he was elevated to head of music for the Triple M Network, and subsequently the Hit Network as well.

SCA’s chief content officer, Dave Cameron, told Radio Today that when Maher moved into the music role, a different structure was put in place, with Dan Bradley leading the regions for Triple M and Adrian Brine for the Hit Network so each was aligned with the overall network content strategy.

With Brine since departed, and LiSTNR now the driving force for SCA, Cameron said the new structure makes sense.

“With LiSTNR now at the centre of our business, being powered with local content from every one of our markets right across the country, and with Adrian leaving late last year, it was a good chance to relook at the structure again in order to keep our heads of network (Gemma – Hit Network / Fitzy – Triple M Network) focussed on the performance of our top seven metro markets with a new head of content – regions focussed on the growth and new content generation for all of our regional stations across the country,” he added.

The new role will report to Cameron and will lead a team across 55 regional offices. The appointee will have to oversee the distribution of national content, as well as creating engaging and topical local content for listeners. It includes responsibilities for radio networks, digital and on-demand audio content.

Last year, SCA axed 19 regional Breakfast shows in favour of state-based syndicated offerings. Much of the focus of LiSTNR, however, is localised content, including hyper-local news and event / location guides.