The Radio Today stories that resonated with you in 2023

The Radio Today stories that resonated most with you this year were a mix of movements, milestones and, of course, survey results.

Probably unsurprisingly Kyle and Jackie O’s new contract with ARN and confirmed move into Melbourne was one of the most read and commented on ranging from Paul’s:

Are the bean counters in Sydney stupid? Networked radio from Sydney into Melbourne does not work. Ask 3AW.

Reggie’s:

This show will 100% be ARN network wide in the very near future. ARN need an ROI on the 200mill so they will throwing this out to the spares as soon as they can.

To Steve’s:

Good on you KJ!

Been listening in from Melbourne on tune in and IHeart since 2014. 6 o’clocker and listen until 11am each day. DO NOT change a thing. Local traffic would be good so I know when the Monash is stuffed, but keep news and everything else the same.

You will be beating both Nova and fox by this time next year.

Jon Blake’s surprise departure from South Australia’s FIVEaa also received plenty of chat:

Grahame said:

5AA don’t know what an asset they have in John Blake. One of the most original, comedic radio personalities in the country. His self composed impersonations are genius.

Just get him back 5AA, pay the man well, very well and retain him.

Brendan:

Jon Blake is a genius.

Why show him the door?

Doesn’t make sense as I only listen to AA in the morning for his bits.

Now I’ve got to find another breakfast show.

Daryl:

Just read Blakey’s gone, wow.
That like no butter with Vegemite

Blakey all the best you are going to be missed big time.

To David’s:

No loss, making fun of other people and colleagues shortcomings, sometimes tantamount to bullying.

Clever but mostly not funny.

But the most comments on a story in 2023 were in response to Bill McDonald replacing Ray Hadley on 4BC Mornings in September.

Rajesh said:

Let’s go with the change and see what Bill McDonald has to offer, hope he is authentic, respectful and has honesty, integrity, public accountability and fairness.

Paul said:

I can’t believe that you would replace Ray. He says it how it is. That is why you have such high ratings. I think that you will be disappointed.

And Mojo said:

Thank God for that. No more car fires in Surry hills. Radio is local and gets you where you live. Well, once upon a time.

Also receiving lots of comments was Greg Henry, PD of Moree’s NOW FM, lamenting how hard it is to attract radio talent to the country, with the amount of pay being part of most responses.

Top of the list of most read articles was Survey 7 results released just last month and also just after the announcement about Kyle and Jackie O’s contract and move into Melbourne. While most metro talent have headed off on holidays, a reminder that GfK Radio 360 Survey 8 is out at 9:30 am tomorrow morning.

The Next three most read, after survey results, were all about departures. Josh Szeps from ABC Sydney, Jon Blake from FIVEaa and Dave Rabbetts from the NSW Central Coast’s Star 104.5.

On a much brighter note, the most liked social media posts were all about positive movements and milestones.

Chris Holland becoming music director and workday announcer at Geelong’s K Rock has had 137 likes and 40 deserving comments. Staying in Geelong, Lisa ‘Milly’ Millard, co-host of 93.9 Bay FM’s Morning Crew, 35 anniversary in radio got 150 likes. Doubling that though was 2UE breakfast host Trevor Sinclair, still doing what he loves and up to 47 years in the industry. It has had 360 likes. Congrats Trevor!

If you’ve got suggestions for features and stories you’d like to see on Radio Today in 2024 please get in touch.