2GB officially began broadcasting from its new studios in the Sydney suburb of Pyrmont at 9am Friday 24 January). 2CH will move over from the old Sussex Street studios one week later.
The Macquarie Radio Network moved its sales, office and administrative functions to the new location during the Christmas holiday period, and cut-over after several weeks of testing.
Terry Willesee did the last 2GB breakfast shift from Sussex Street, listing all the main presenters who had done shows fromthat studio over the past 30 years. Then Ray Hadley was the first on air from the new studios at 9am. Macquarie maintained dual leases on the two buildings and two sets of program links to ensure a smooth transition.
“It is different from the old place. It feels a bit strange to move because there is 30 years of history back there,” General Manager George Buschman told radioinfo. “The new Macquarie Network was born there six years ago when we brought in 2CH. But this place is fantastic. The airconditioning works and the equipment is brilliant!”
radioinfo: What sort of equipment?
Buschman:We have Klotz Digital Desks. We are set up with extra studios, news booths, syndication, the lot. We started from square one and built with an eye to the future.
radioinfo: Does that mean there is going to be some more competition in the program syndication market?
Buschman:Maybe. When we were over at Sussex Street people were always asking us about taking relays of our programs and we couldn’t do it. We have no immediate plans, but now we will be ready if we need to be.”
radioinfo: You are now in the same building as Nova. What do you think the conversation will be like if Alan Jones and Merrick & Rosso meet each other in the lifts?
Buschman:I think Alan gets in a lot earlier than they do – talk radio takes a lot more preparation. But it will be an interesting conversation if it happens. Seriously, Pyrmont is really becoming a media hub. It is great to be here.
radioinfo: Will you be wanting naming rights to the building or a prominent sign. Nova already has some pretty prominent signage on one side.
Buschman:We are on the first floor. Of course we will want prominent signage. When I first saw this building I knew it was going to be the right place for us, so we will want to let people know we are here. We are very cooperative with DMG, so I’m sure there won’t be any problems sorting something out.”
radioinfo: Do you have any special promotions happening for the first survey?
Buschman:We have a television campaign going with Alan Jones and our car giveaway.
radioinfo: Oh yes, the car giveaway. Who was really first with that one – 2GB or 2UE?
Buschman:We had our ads on TV from the 1st of January, they had their ads on from the 13th. It is hard to believe that our competitors came up with an identical campaign as us at exactly the same time by chance. It is an old tactic. If they want to play at that game so can we.
If this is going to be their modus operandi then they can save themselves some money. They could just cut their Promotions Department and ask me to fax over a list of all our promotions so they know what to do next.
radioinfo: Will Stan Zemanek be a threat?
Buschman:Everyone’s a potential threat. Phil O’Neil doing talk at night at Triple M could also be a threat to our early night show. I think there is enough room for everyone in the market though.