From November 1st, the Paterson family-owned ACE Radio Broadcasters will become the major shareholders and operators of Edge FM and 3NE in Wangaratta, and Edge FM and 2QN in Deniliquin.
Both broadcasting networks are excited about the aquisition by ACE Radio.
This move will mean ACE will now operate a total of 17 regional radio stations (eight on the FM band and nine on the AM band) in Victoria and Southern NSW and a newspaper in Western Victoria employing over 200 staff.
ACE also own the Radio Training Institute (RTI) in South Melbourne.
Rowly Paterson ACE Owner/Chairman said:
“The purchase of these stations is a great for our existing network. It gives our National advertisers, through our representation company The Radio Sales Network (TRSN), greater ‘ACE Network’ coverage. It also allows further opportunities for promotion of staff within our network, and indeed for the existing staff of the new stations into positions at other ACE stations.
“We are pleased to have the current major shareholder of North East Broadcasters and Rich Rivers Radio, Dave Robertson, join ACE as our new 2QN/Edge FM General Manager in Deniliquin.”
Dave Robertson North East Broadcasters/Rich Rivers Radio major shareholder added:
“The new ACE coverage in Regional Victoria and Southern NSW is now very comprehensive. All of our stations enjoy heavy involvement in their communities and are extremely popular with locals.
“We have had a good association with ACE Radio over the years with 2AY the ACE Albury/Wodonga station having provided live, local Ovens and Murray football coverage, local news and commercial voice-overs to 3NE/Edge FM for sometime. I’m looking forward to being a part of the ACE group and working with the Chairman Rowly Paterson, CEO Mark Taylor and the ACE team.”
In staffing changes associated with the acquisition, Dave Robertson will become General Manager of 2QN/Edge FM in Deniliquin.
Owen Godenzi Sales Manager at TRFM/GOLD 1242 will become the General Manager of 3NE and Edge FM in Wangaratta.
Lui Zacher at 3WM/Mixx will take on the Content Director role for 3NE/Edge Wangaratta and 2QN/Edge in Deniliquin.
Angela Frino Promotions Manager at 2AY will become the Assistant General Manager of 2QN/Edge and will also assist Lui Zacher as Assistant Content Director of all four stations.