FBi’s founding General Manager Christina Alvarez is moving on from her role to pursue new opportunities.
Communications Manager Stuart Buchanan will step into the GM’s role on Alvarez’s departure, and will continue to work closely with Program Manager Meagan Loader.
Station President Cassandra Wilkinson has praised Alvarez for her contribution in getting the station up and running: “Christina has transformed FBi from a great idea into a major force in broadcasting.
“With an
estimated 200,000 listeners, FBi is now a genuine force in Sydney’s
broadcast environment, driving a very real grass roots renaissance in Sydney
music.
“FBi has been blessed to have Christina – especially at the critical start
up phase. She will be keenly missed by board, volunteers and staff but it’s
a testament to her management that the right person is ready to step into
her shoes and that she leaves the station strong with a bright future.
Wilkinson says Alvarez has “spun straw into gold,” building the studios, sorting out transmission, assembling staff and volunteers, and guiding the business through its critical first year.
Alvarez has told radioinfo: “FBi has been both the hardest and the most
exciting thing I’ve worked on.
“When I came on board in 2002 there was
$50,000 in the bank, a borrowed desk and a licence to broadcast. With a
passionate membership, great staff and a focussed board of management FBi
has established itself as a meaningful advocate for music, arts and culture
in Sydney.
Alvarez says her immediate plans are to spend more time with her 6 year old son in his crucial growing years.
Prior to her departure, Alvarez has prepared the station for new challenges
in its second year.
Alvarez acknowledges that although the station is a non-profit community
radio station, “FBi is essentially a medium sized business, and as a result
faces enormous challenges in this continuing start-up phase. The time has
come to review our operations, especially in the area of staffing, to
maintain FBi’s ongoing viability.”
Stuart Buchanan says he is “excited” about the challenge ahead and that Alvarez has been a “great mentor.”
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be stepping
into this role and looking forward to working with our 200 volunteers to
build on the high standard of broadcasting we’ve achieved in the first
year” says Buchanan.
Buchanan joined FBi as Communications Manager prior to its launch last
year and has a strong record of delivering successful marketing and
partnership outcomes to FBi.
He previously held roles as Marketing
Manager for the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and for London’s Royal
Court Theatre, as well as establishing his own web development business,
working with artists such as Goldfrapp and Depeche Mode.