The South African Broadcasting Corporation’s comercial radio division has made a series of new strategic appointments.

Group Executive for Public Commercial Broadcasting Services Pearl Luthuli says: “The media landscape is evolving at an ever-increasing pace, coupled with the fact that we as a public broadcaster have certain responsibilities our competitors do not. With that in mind I believe that now the division has all the people we need to take SABC commercial radio to a more nimble and exciting future.”

Bob Mabena has taken over the general management of the three commercial radio stations in the portfolio – Metro FM, 5FM and Cape Town’s Good Hope FM – in addition to his current role of executive manager of public commercial services. Mabena has been in charge of strategy for the radio division since joining the SABC in April 2005.

5FM programme manager Nick Grubb has been appointed program strategist for the radio portfolio reporting in to Mabena’s office. A newly created position, Grubb will be responsible for developing and implementing programming strategy on the three commercial stations, with particular focus on new media and DJ training.

Replacing Grubb as 5FM programme manager is Carlito Shaik, who will join the hit radio station from Lotus FM and will be responsible for managing the station’s current programming strategy.

The last appointment in the portfolio is Anthony Duke as station manager of Good Hope FM. Having lived and worked in Cape Town, as well being the former station manager of 5FM, Duke is one of the country’s leading radio authorities and will be looking for growth in the Cape Town market.