triple j has appointed Chris Scaddan as its new Manager. Scadden was previously triple j’s Program Director and replaces Linda Bracken who moved to the role of Head Multi-Platform and Content Development for ABC Radio in September last year.

Since Bracken left an acting manager has been in place until the final selection process was completed. Scadden’s appointment will now create a vacancy in the PD job.

For the past six years Scadden has guided triple j’s program teams and developed a raft of initiatives including the recent triple j Unearthed digital radio station, triple j’s national high school band competition Unearthed High, the expanded Hottest 100 music poll, the Impossible Music Festival and multiplatform broadcasts from music festivals around the country.

Chris Scadden has also focused on developing talent for the network over the years including presenters such as Scott Dooley, Zan Rowe, Jay and The Doctor and triple j’s new breakfast team Tom and Alex.

triple j’s audience has grown significantly in the past seven years and is currently enjoying the best average weekly audience reach for the past eight years. The station’s five city share is at its highest point of the past seven years according to the Neilson Ratings for 2009.

Explaining his vision for triple j Scadden says: “We have always produced innovative content for young Australians which we will keep sharing via radio, video, online and on mobiles. triple j’s intelligent and inquisitive audience is our greatest asset, we’ll keep them involved in everything we do.

“2010 is already off to a good start with the Hottest 100, Big Day Out live broadcast and our One Night Stand concert. Our new breakfast and drive shows are gearing up to be really special, we will be giving them lots of space to grow and experiment this year. Plus our ongoing commitment to Australian music is something I’m particularly passionate about, we will continue to be the biggest supporter of new Australian music on any medium. In fact, we will keep finding and playing new music of all kinds before anyone else gets it on air.”