Why radio is important to Qld government

The Australian radio industry has gathered for the 2013 National Radio Conference at the Brisbane Royal International Convention Centre.

Following on from the preso by GfK, Queensland Premier Campbell Newman officially opened proceedings.

He gave 3 key points as to why radio is important to the Queensland Government.

Talk back radio

The premier loves radio, cause it reflects the pulse of the community. As a leader he can touch people directly and get instant feedback on his polices. Newman does daily radio spots, ABC, 4BC, 4CA and even on 2GB's Alan Jones.

Having listeners hit you live with questions is democracy at its best. There's nowhere to hide, and he encourages all members to engage in local radio.

Radio disasters

Radio is key to navigating through the number of disasters Qld experiences. Commercial stations have done exceptionally well. Special mention to 4HI in Emerald, who in recent floods stayed on air 24 hours a day, with only two announcers. All stations need an emergency disaster plan that can be activated at any time.

Radio advertising

Radio plays an important part of his political campaigns. He apologised for his Can Do Campbell Jingle that, because of radio, is embedded in Queenslanders heads.

Government radio spend is up 11%.

Government will continue to use radio creativity and while this is the age of new technology Campbell Newman says, "Radio is still the most important form of communication he uses daily, to communicate, and educate"

Campbell Newman definitely sounded like a major radio fan.