Geelong’s K rock and bay 93.9 will effectively operate as an independent business after Friday’s announcement of ARN’s purchase of Grant Broadcasters’ radio network which will be finalised at the end of the month.
The management team at Geelong’s K rock and bay 93.9 say that although they are tinged with some sadness, the stations are thrilled to be remaining with the Cameron family and will continue to offer exciting, entertaining and informative content tailored to local audiences.
The Geelong stations were excluded from the transaction because their broadcast ‘overlap’ into parts of Melbourne would have placed ARN in breach of current media ownership restrictions.
K rock/bay 93.9 General Manager, Andy Mathers, says the stations would retain ownership ties with the Cameron family, owners of Grant Broadcasters.
He says, “I’ve managed and worked with large and independent stations before, there’s upside for both models. I started my radio career here in Geelong, so I’m very excited to see what the next chapter brings as we continue to grow and expand our footprint locally.
“As a standalone media outlet, we will now be pulling every lever we can find to give Geelong, the Surf Coast, the Bellarine Peninsula and Werribee the absolute best and most compelling locally driven, and locally produced, radio and online content.
“During the pandemic we have seen huge audience growth from listeners craving familiarity, localism, local news and of course fun. We made a commitment from the get go not to become ‘Covid FM’, rather we chose to report the facts and keep our listeners entertained and optimistic.”
The station’s news team will also increase its strong local coverage via its free on-air and free online news services, and he says, “Our team provides the region’s most trusted and up-to-date breaking news coverage, and they’re looking forward to further cementing their position as leaders in local and national news.”
“From the perspective of our listeners, our clients and even our staff, it’s very much business as usual, ‘proudly local’ radio made right here in Geelong!”