I’ve walked past the nondescript building with the 2SM sign on the corner of Pirrama and Jones Bay Road in Pyrmont, Sydney hundreds of times. Going up in the elevator reminded me of my dentist. Then the doors opened, and I don’t think my brain functioned properly for the next hour.

I profoundly wanted to go around and touch everything. Read the inscriptions on the pictures. Open every door.

That will have to wait for my next visit, but WOW, the story and interests of the founders of the Super Radio Network, Bill and Pam Caralis, were everywhere, and I am so sad that I didn’t ask for the opportunity to hear it from them before they died within days of each other in July this year.

But, perhaps I did.

I am a product of the Super Radio Network. It was my first full time job, in Gunnedah NSW, with 2MO. I have also passed through the doors of Real FM and 2MG Mudgee, 4GY Gympie and 4AK Toowoomba. I got married surrounded by my radio family, My 4AK boss employed me despite me telling him I was pregnant (I can still hear my hubby saying – Jen, having a baby is not a disease!). I finished up on breakfast on a Friday and had that baby the following Monday right before Christmas. I care deeply for friends who still work for the network, and there are many who have several decades under their belts now.

I had a vested interest in what would happen to the 42 Super Radio Network stations and was surprised and delighted when Despina Priala (nee Caralis) and George Caralis (pictured) announced they would become joint owners and managing directors, a statement made as we were reading and writing about their parents’ deaths.

While taking in the 2SM surroundings, before I sat down or said anything to Des and George, I wanted to acknowledge that loss. I doubted they had had time to sit with it themselves. Bill and Pam had worked harder than most ever do, to leave this legacy for their beloved family, and that mattered more than any questions about succession planning.

It became clear quickly that George is like his father, there’s a sense of fun and even adventure in amongst the hard work and change during this transition period.

Des is like her mum. She can rein in over exuberance, holds everything together and is lifted up by the support of her own husband and children. She is also continuing her law practice.

On the subject of which, and a moment which best demonstrates how much the pair are the ying to each other’s yang, I asked Des if she would be continuing her law program she aired on Radio 97 on the Gold Coast? I don’t think Des will mind me saying that she told me no, but not without some regret for no longer having time for it. George piped up to say how talented Des was, how much positive listener feedback she would get and what a loss it would be for the community.

While they will challenge each other going forward, they definitely have each other’s backs.

The local shows for 2SM Sydney breakfast and mornings next year weren’t shared with me that day, but we’ll know by the end of the year. As I had hoped, Richard King in Newcastle on 2HD, will be able to focus on that market, where he is gaining traction. Orange, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour will also get local breakfast shows. There will be a new website very soon. That was the first priority, aside from hiring Graham Miles. Changes for the Gold Coast will blow all of our minds.

But sudden and radical money spends on new directions are absolutely not happening.

These are the children of a couple who negotiated fiercely. George is a salesman. Despina a lawyer. They are investing in staff and a digital presence to get the ball rolling and the rest will happen in stages from there. Not with a bang and then fizzle.

As I sat in the boardroom that I desperately wanted to open every cupboard in. I felt a sense that, in five year’s time, when we talk about the broadcast industry, the Super Radio Network might just feature in headlines.

Much has been made of Despina’s quote to the media that “the days of ridiculous money are gone.”

The Super Radio Network, with its 42 stations and 200+ staff, did not retrench, lay off, or not renew the contract of a single person before, during or post COVID. They are actively recruiting. If you want job security in radio, this is your place and they will look after you. Without a seven-figure salary though.

A million-dollar person will not be working for the Caralis family anytime soon. Des and George told me that Rowly and Judy Paterson, owners of the ACE Radio Network, one of the few other major family radio organisations, rang them and offered them their best wishes and condolences, which had meant a lot.

Stations that do support their staff, honour their listeners and adhere to a different set of values, will find that resonates with people, young and older, in coming years.

We might see 2SM featured in surveys too in time to come, but again, that’s a low priority.

Right now it’s about getting the balance right in Sydney on 2SM next year. George is bursting with excitement. Des is smiling. Both are realistic about the amount of work ahead and have been led by example about how to go about it.

Radioinfo will have more to share about 2SM in the coming days. I’ve another meeting at the station next year. This time though I’m going to explore the fortress as John Laws called it. That building has some major new adventures in store.

Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster for Radioinfo.