Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) today announced a national content team restructure for its Triple M and Hit Networks, in what is being touted as a radio first.
The role of network heads for Gemma Fordham and Mike Fitzpatrick, of Hit and Triple M respectively, will extend to all metro and regional stations.
This will include the management of all shows and on-air talent, expanding their current remit of five metro stations to 42 Hit and 36 Triple M stations, as well as four digital stations each.
Irene Hulme and Mickey Maher have been appointed heads of music for the Hit and Triple M Networks, implementing a sharper focus on music across both networks.
News and current affairs will be headed up by Natasha Jobson, who is currently national head of audio news and information.
Jobson will continue to oversee the execution of news creation across multiple metro and regional newsrooms servicing SCA’s national AM, FM and DAB+ radio network and apps, as well as bespoke news for on-demand services — including Google Home, Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri and other B2B news opportunities.
National events director Jacqui Hoban will now report to chief operating officer, John Kelly, to assist with the development and integration of events nationally.
Head of marketing and communication, Nikki Clarkson, will oversee national marketing of all metro markets as well as an expanded regional remit — including SCA’s TV assets and PodcastOne.
SCA CEO Grant Blackley said: “It is critical that SCA has a strong and diverse group of executives in the right roles with the right skills to meet the challenges and opportunities of our ever improving and vibrant audio sector.
“This structure will further enhance our laser focus on entertainment, music and news & current affairs. In a radio first — our new network heads will have direct oversight and management of an expanded national asset base.
“SCA remains committed to developing and deploying the best entertainment, information and music in the business.
“Combined with our considerable TV assets, PodcastOne and broadening digital presence — SCA is unique in reaching over 95% of Australians each and every week with live and local content like no other”.
