While the future ownership of the Triple M brand is uncertain, the SCA continues to refresh the brand with staff changes.
As the board of SCA ponders a takeover bid for the whole company from ARN and Anchorage Capital, a number of staff continue to exit the radio business. The changes come as breakfast host Marty Sheargold continues to take a break from the airwaves.
In a memo to staff on Friday, head of Triple M metro content Matthew O’Reilly explained a number of changes.
Triple M’s Matt O’Reilly
Triple M staff depart
O’Reilly explained Chris Holland, Sarah Maree Cameron and Whitney Plowman were leaving the company immediately.
“[They] have been valued members of the Melbourne team and I want to thank them for their contribution to the network,” said O’Reilly.
SCA shared farewells from each of the staff as they exited:
Chris Holland (Music director, Triple M Music Hub)
“I’ve fulfilled some life-long dreams working in this place. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this radio station’s fabled history. Thanks to everyone who’s helped me feel welcome. Destiny is calling me. Open up my eager eyes, ‘cause I’m Mr Brightside.”
Sarah Maree Cameron (Triple M presenter and comedian)
“The last four years have been a blast. To work alongside the Triple M and SCA team, chatting with listeners throughout the day and then all the extra fun stuff – summer brekky shows, broadcasting from the Brownlow and AFL Grand Final, comedy festival podcasts… I walk away with many fond memories. I’m excited to do more comedy shows around Australia and excited for some new adventures.”
Whitney Plowman (Executive producer The Rush Hour)
“I have worked under many producers who have told me ‘One day, you will need a break from the madness that is radio’ and that time has finally hit me. It was time to be honest with myself and realise I just need a break from this industry that I love so dearly, to ignite the spark and hopefully return one day with the love that fuelled me to fight to my way into this crazy world to begin with. This decision, as painful as it is, has allowed me to reflect on my time in radio working with some incredible talent and, of course, executive producers and producers – and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the teams that have been the providers of fun times across the past five years at SCA. As with everyone that tries to run from radio … I’ll be back.”
New appointments at Triple M
A continuation of recent alterations to the leadership structure of the Triple M network that saw Jay Mueller return to the business, O’Reilly also confirmed new appointments.
Matt Thomson becomes assistant content director/breakfast content manager and Lucy Kerr becomes assistant content director/brand experience director.
O’Reilly said: “They both demonstrate a passion for all things Triple M, fresh thinking, and a willingness to push doors open. Matt and Lucy’s strengths complement each other, and the two leaders will ensure a strong future of content leadership across Triple M Melbourne.
“Shaun Gough [former content manager Triple M Melbourne] will continue to champion and drive key projects across the network including No Talk Day and will take the lead on music strategy across Triple M Melbourne.”
More airtime for Dangerous Dave and Rosie
Dangerous Dave Williams
A final announcement saw the network boss give two of Triple M’s best announcers more time on air. “Dangerous” Dave Williams will now be on air for an extra hour – from 9am until 1pm.
Rosie Walton will be taking over the afternoon shift which will now run from 1pm until 3pm.
See also: Axed radio stars Bianca Dye and Ben Hannant farewell fans as SCA shutters Sea FM show