The Australian commercial radio sector has been in good hands so far this month as it farewells Joan Warner. In addition to the capable executives running the major broadcasters, the sector support organisation CRA has had two chief executives steering the ship for a few days.
Recently appointed Commercial Radio Australia CEO Ford Ennals started work on April 4 while outgoing CEO Joan Warner is expected to finally exit the organisation at Easter. We say finally only because Warner first made her departure plans public back in September 2021.
A festival of Joan Warner has been underway recently celebrating her achievements. Warner, who isn’t a fan of being in the spotlight, is being feted so much because of those achievements.
Warner attended a formal CRA farewell function recently where current and former industry executives expressed their thanks for her two decades of service. Former CRA chairman and eight-year board member Adam Lang was the MC. Also taking turns at the microphone were former Nova Entertainment chief executive Cathy O’Connor and Grant Broadcaster-turned-ARN board member Alison Cameron.
Other farewells for Warner have included a CRA board lunch where she was presented with a special gift by current chairman Grant Blackley, a CRA staff lunch and a trip to Melbourne where she was guest of honour at an ACE Radio dinner.
Keeping the politicians honest: Former Nova Entertainment CEO Cathy O’Connor, Josh Frydenberg and former Macquarie Media CEO Adam Lang
Former Macquarie Radio CEO Lang noted that when Warner joined CRA in 2001 digital radio was still in a trial phase, broadcasters were wondering if they need something newish called websites and Cathy O’Connor had just been poached by Paul Thompson.
Speaking to Mediaweek after hosting the Sydney farewell, Lang said Joan Warner’s achievements included reducing and then convincing the government to abolish radio licence fees – a saving to the industry in the vicinity of $20m annually.
CRA under her leadership also navigated copyright challenges in the long-running Phonographic Performance Company of Australia v Commercial Radio Australia court case and appeal.
(Above) Joan Warner (Top) With SCA’s Grant Blackley
“The achievements made under Warner will be even more appreciated in the years to come, something that is often the case,” explained Lang.
“Joan had important relationships in Canberra where she was a fierce lobbyist for radio. Politicians can be very generous when it comes to making promises. Joan had some very robust conversations with senior politicians about trying to make them follow through on those promises.”
Warner dealt with a number of communications ministers, all of whom either spoke over the years at the annual CRA Conference or attended industry social events. Current Minister Paul Fletcher attended her Cargo Bar Sydney farewell.
When recalling one particular “robust discussion” with a former minister, Lang said: “Joan stood her ground and was always dignified under pressure.”
Ciaran Davis
CRA board welcomes new leader
One of the CRA board members signing off on the new appointment was ARN CEO Ciaran Davis. He hadn’t met Ford Ennals in person prior to his arrival, but had spoken to him at length prior and post the appointment.
“Joan did a terrific job, and Ford brings great experience to the role,” Davis told Mediaweek.
“Some of the great work Joan oversaw was on the digital side with the new GfK measurement system and the importance of our streaming data as we compete more against Spotify and other digital players. Joan did a magnificent job to keep the radio industry under control for 21 years – a pretty good achievement. Ford has very big shoes to fill.”