Resonate Broadcasting have finally sold 3GG Gippsland to Kevin Blyton who owns the Capital Radio network which includes 2CA and 2CC, Canberra.
The sale, says the company, is the first step in a realignment of strategy for the company. Resonate Broadcasting currently holds four licences in Queensland with another four on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Resonate Director Rex Morris said, “It really is like saying goodbye to family a second time, and that aspect alone has made our decision a difficult one. I would like to thank the 3GG team for their loyalty, hard work and enthusiasm for our company.”
The station was under contract to be sold to Dan Bradley’s fledgling Watermark Media in May last year but the sale failed to get off the mark when the purchaser failed to make payment.
“Working through a failed sale process is something nobody in radio should have to experience, but this team never missed a beat, delivering for our listeners and clients, growing the business year on year, while remaining sympathetic to the situation. While not surprised by this, we’ve been humbled by it,” said Mr Morris
Fellow Director Sally Dobson said, “While we’re saddened at ending our seven year association with a wonderful team lead by GM Greg Spencer, we feel certain that they will benefit from the leadership and business acumen of an Australian Radio Industry Hall of Fame member, Kevin Blyton.
We wish everyone at 3GG continued success.”
3GG Gippsland services a licence area of more than 190,000 people and has been an integral part of the Gippsland community since commencing its first broadcast in May 1937. The station broadcasts a mixture of music, competitions, entertainment, news, AFL coverage and general interest programs.
Kevin Blyton said the acquisition is a great addition to his group of companies. “3GG has a proud history of strongly serving the Gippsland area which will continue under my ownership. The station will continue its long standing ties with local communities throughout Gippsland and be managed and operated by local people.”
Although the company would not be drawn on specifics, it has said that, “With the sale of 3GG, Resonate Broadcasting will be looking at a number of growth opportunities.”
Cashed up from the sale of 3GG it lends further credence to speculation that Resonate will go after Macquarie Radio’s Queensland network comprising 4VL, Triple CCC FM, 4HI, 4ZR, 4LM, 4SB and Hot Country.
For further analysis regarding the MRN sale go here.
The question which does not seem to have been asked and needs an answer to is that of the failed sales process, Dobson and Morris told media that they would be pursuing costs against Watermark. Is this action on foot in the courts or has it been settled out of court?