After 51 years in radio, starting as an announcer at 7BU Burnie in April 1972, Rod Brice, the current Group Content Director of 92.7 MIX FM and 91.9 SEA FM on the Sunshine Coast and Great Southern Land Media (GSLM), has announced its time to step back and spend more time with family.
Brice was an announcer for 25 years and 30 years a Programme Director. He was Group Programme Director for RG Capital Radio, owned by the late Reg Grundy and Joy Chambers-Grundy, establishing nine regional brands from the ground up. His joined Southern Cross Media as Group Content Director before its merger with Austereo 12 years ago, resulting in the formation of Southern Cross Austereo. Brice also spent two years on the CRA Board, 13 years on the CRA Research Committee and was awarded Best Program Director (Provincial) in the 2021 and 2022 Australian Commercial Radio Awards.
Brice said:
“I will forever appreciate the opportunity to work alongside the exceptional Sunshine Coast team, both on-air and behind the scenes, during the last 8 years. Your collective brilliance has consistently made me look good and, for that, I am deeply thankful.
Former CEO John Williams brought me into this role, and it was a privilege to learn so much from him over the years as well as working daily with my fantastic right-hand teammate, Group Marketing Director, Brooke Papamanolis.
To every member of the team, the impressive results achieved by both stations this year are a testament to your dedication. I’ve cherished the experience of managing two comprehensive local stations with live, local talent and collaborating with incredible teams in Breakfast and Drive, along with two talented Music Directors who generate local music logs tailored to our local market’s needs.
The plan is to keep working for some special clients I have had over the years to help as much as I can in growing their businesses, so watch this space, but it is time to give more time back to my wife Glenda and family, the decade ahead is an important one to embrace with a plan.”
Simon Rub, CEO, GSL Media said:
“Rod’s 51-year career in radio has only resulted in one thing and that is ensuring the radio industry right across this country is in a far better position now than when he began so long ago. For us here on the Sunshine Coast, we have been truly blessed to have had Rod steering the ship in programming for the last 8 years. It’s been his tireless efforts that ensures he leaves us with 92.7 MIX FM and 91.9 SEA FM in incredibly strong positions and for that I thank him.”
Rub further announced the appointment of Content Director at 91.9 SEA FM Ben Erbsland to Head of Content – 91.9 SEA FM and 92.7 MIX FM, saying:
“Ever since Ben joined us in February of this year, he has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance. His passion, initiative, and talent for fostering a highly focused team environment have been truly exceptional. We are excited about the future with Ben in the chair.”
Brice’s last day will be Friday 13th October with Erbsland commencing his new role Monday October 16.