The human connection: Brisbane radio rivals unite

Radio hasn’t exactly been enjoying its finest hour, with the volatile nature of the industry laid bare in recent months.

From continuing job cuts to scandals sending PR teams into damage control, we work in a fast-paced, often unpredictable environment.

Driven by ratings, the competition between networks is fierce. Which is what makes the following story all the more extraordinary.

This week, something unusual happened. Six of Brisbane‘s radio Content Directors all got together for dinner.

4BH and ACE Radio’s Scott Menz, KIIS 97.3 and ARN’s Ali Longhurst, 4BC and Nine Radio’s Siobhain McDonnell, Nova 106.9’s Chris Bezzina, the ABC’s Scott McDonald and B105 and SCA’s Jack Ball all happily swapped notes, not just about radio life, but life in general.

There was no rivalry. No intelligence gathering. No agenda.

Just human connection.

For Ball, it was a timely reminder of why they all fell in love with radio in the first place.

In a LinkedIn post, Ball said “We shared stories about leading through change, celebrated each other’s wins and teams, discussed our learnings and spoke honestly about balancing family and life beyond the studio walls.”

“In an industry often defined by ratings and results, it was a very real reminder: We are not our ratings.  We are parents, partners, friends, professionals, and too often this industry can confuse ratings and rankings with value or worthiness.”

“Stepping outside our competitive mindsets and connecting as humans makes us all become better leaders, better creators and better versions of ourselves.”

Media leader and former radio executive Mickey Maher believes a big contributor to the future health of the industry is people coming together like this, working collaboratively on ways to ensure radio remains relevant and resistant to the challenges it continues to face.

Maher commented “Bonding over dinner, with some healthy banter and talk other than work stuff is a great way to foster the kind of relationships needed. I bet it was worth every moment.”

“Brisbane radio is in good hands.”

Ball says he’s already looking forward to the next catch-up later this year, and maybe even seeing more of these ‘unusual’ gatherings across different markets and functions.