'Cracking result': Greg Byrnes on the last ratings before Tapt Media takeover
'We will have a new corporate identity, but are committed to giving the audience what they want.'
It feels like Groundhog Day when you check Nine Radio's performance during each and every radio ratings survey; you're not alone.
In the latest results, the network, and both its Sydney and Melbourne stations, 2GB and 3AW respectively, have continued their dominance across the airwaves despite the broader radio landscape ensuring its biggest Breakfast show shake-up in more than 20 years.
Nine Radio's content boss, Greg Byrnes, spoke to Mediaweek about how they keep the ship steady, even in choppy waters.
Mediaweek: Another incredible result for Melbourne and Sydney. How are you feeling?
Greg Byrnes: Good day, right across the board, four stations and with 2GB, a cracking result.
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The network's Breakfast offering, Ben Fordham Live, recorded a 16.8% share, up from the last survey's 16.6%.
Greg Byrnes: 3AW is also maintaining a wonderfully dominant result in Melbourne, with Breakfast staying steady at 18.9%.
Mediaweek: Big changes are on the way now that Nine Radio has been sold to the Laundy family. How long until Tapt Media takes over?
Greg Byrnes: May 1 is the official date.
Mediaweek: Are there celebrations being planned?
Greg Byrnes: There will be a little bit of activity at each station, and then we will all join Managing Director Tom Malone for a company-wide Town Hall.
The strength of our brand is our stations, so the audience will see next to no change in programming, but there will be a big change at the backend in terms of corporate structure.
We are excited to have owners who are excited about talk radio. We've got to know them personally, and they've visited the stations.
Personally, I've known Craig [Laundy] for more than a decade through his work as a federal politician. The Laundys are good, genuine people. They're genuinely interested in learning about the business.
Mediaweek: Will the entire talent register be coming along?
Greg Byrnes: It's business as usual. There has already been a major change to the line-up in Brisbane this year.
Look, we will have a new corporate identity, but we are committed to giving the audience what they want.
