It seems that the heirs to the Super Radio Network, Despina Priala and George Caralis together with newly appointed GM Graham Miles are wasting no time in implementing their plan to put their own stamp on SRN.
Firstly, they want to find a suitable replacement for John Laws who will retire, aged 89, in early November after 70 years on air. What’s more, they intend to instal a fresh, high quality Breakfast show broadcasting to Sydney from 2SM.
We are not sure who is in line to take up either of these opportunities but our spies in Sydney have spotted a number of high-profile personalities coming and going from the 2SM building in Pyrmont. Among them were Erin Molan, Melissa Doyle and Jason Morrison.
A spokesperson would not be drawn on why they happened to be at the station but he was quick to deny rumours that the network was for sale, telling radioinfo, “The new directors are totally focussed on making 2SM and the network a force to be reckoned with and any thoughts of it being for sale are far-fetched!
“You will not see a For Sale sign out for this network”, he added. “There have been plenty of people knocking on the door. The network is very profitable and its future has never looked brighter… which is in total contrast to other major networks who are currently slashing and burning staff to save money.
Peter Saxon
Read more at: https://radioinfo.com.au/news/graham-miles-takes-up-the-gm-role-at-srn/ © RadioInfo
Main Pic: John Laws at 2SM 24 October, 2o23. Supplied by 2SM
Although 2HD was not the highest rating station in the Newcastle market, there was a marked increase when Mr Laws was on air almost doubling to tripling its normal share.
In light of a new breakfast team, I would not be surprised if broadcasters from (the former online station) TNT live will be on other shifts on 2SM.
Source:
https://radioinfo.com.au/news/tnt-news-and-radio-to-wrap-up-on-friday-for-now
If this is true, 2SM could well be a viable competitor to 2GB.
2SM may well be presenting compelling and engaging radio. That is something that 2GB did when it had Alan Jones, Chris Smith, Steve Price and Ross Greenwood.
Nothing wrong with 2GB except their narrative is bland.
Anthony, Strathfield South, in the land of the Wangal and Darug Peoples of the Eora Nation.
I keep hearing rumour that Tim Webster will take over 9-12 on 2SM /Super Radio Network (gee I don’t like that name), but I am of the understanding that no one has approached Tim yet.
If 2SM is really to compete in the Sydney market, it MUST have a local breakfast show ~ not one relayed from 2HD in Newcastle , despite Richard King being a good bloke and an experienced announcer. Maybe 2SM is thinking about Tim doing breakfast.
2SM also need to look at afternoons. Pete Davis, to me, lacks the ability to keep a talk back show moving along and flowing.
Having one sport show following another is also an oddity. Why not have a Sydney based drive show with coverage of the day’s happenings, Sydney based film , theatre, entertainment reports plus traffic reports that actually spend more time on traffic and less on the sponsor’s advertising. At this time, the network could have local drive programs OR a statewide networked drive show mixing music, the day’s newsworthy events and news from the regions.
So the afternoons /nights could be:
• Networked afternoon news and magazine show with some (but not wall to wall) talkback and a quiz or two. 12-4.
• Drive 4-6 (Sydney only and network programs)
• Talkin’ Sport 6-8pm
• Talk Tonight 8-12
• Overnight 12-5
Then
• Local Breakfast shows at each regional station and local Sydney Breakfast on 2SM 5-9
• Morning networked show 9-12
BUT if 2SM (and 2HD for that matter) are to become competitive again, 2SM needs to rejoin the ratings survey system and both 2SM and 2HD need to get stuck into promotions including advertising, social media, OBs, shopping centre and community promotions. But will they spend the necessary money to make that all happen?
BTW, I think Tim Webster could do well on either Breakfast or 9-12. Luke Grant could also run a really slick breakfast show, but convincing him to leave 2GB might be problematic.