Sir Bob Geldof and US radio talkshow king, G Gordon Liddy will be the keynote speakers at the commercial radio industry’s annual seminar in Melbourne in October, culminating with a charity business luncheon.
In what will be the pair’s only major speaking engagements in Australia, Geldof and Liddy will address the power and significance of commercial radio as an instrument of social change and as a key influencer in communities.
Musician, father, hero, collector, entrepreneur … Bob Geldof is an enigma. Geldof’s history includes two world wide Number Ones with the Boom Town Rats, raising One Hundred and Fifty Million Pound through his efforts with Live Aid, and as a partner in the world wide TV success of Emmy Award winning format Survivor. His tour of Australia is his first trip since 1995.
Commercial Radio Australia CEO, Joan Warner, says it is “a major coup” to secure Geldof as a keynote speaker for its industry think tank. “Sir Bob obviously has extensive experience internationally with radio, so his comments and thoughts should provide interesting discussion for radio and its key stakeholders.”
Gordon Liddy, is one of America’s most intriguing characters. He hosts The G Gordon Liddy Show, a radio program broadcast in over 260 markets in the US, and is also well-known for his role in Watergate. He is one of the most sought after speakers in the US.
and his experience as a radio host would provide a great insight into the largest commercial radio industry in the world, its similarities and differences to the Australian industry.
The Commercial Radio Seminar 2002 : Myths, Legends and Trends, will be held on October 18 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Center and will also feature other international and national speakers including:
Walter Sabo, chief executive officer (CEO) of Sabo Media, a New York based management consultancy, specialising in brand turnarounds, who will talk about the latest listening trends for radio;
Australia’s Sony Records CEO, Denis Handlin and chairman of the Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA), who will speak about radio’s role in building the career of music artists, both at home and overseas.
And there will also be a demonstration on the latest electronic measurement devices used overseas in collecting radio ratings including the Personal People Meter and the Swiss–made watch.
Other events being held by Commercial Radio Australia that weekend in Melbourne include CRA’s Annual General Meeting; The Commercial Radio Awards on Saturday night; a Copywriting workshop on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th October; and a charity lunch where Geldof and Liddy will speak about their broader life experiences.