Cinder-fella Drives His Way To The Top
The Age
Thursday July 27, 2000
HERE'S a story to hearten those tireless radio folk who drive Black Thunders or other types of promotional wheels.
It may, indeed, be a road to stardom.
At least that's how Fox's new recruit, Kyle Sandilands, tells it after signing an iron-clad two-year contract to partner Jackie O on the nationally networked Hot 30 Dot Com evening slot.
Sandilands, who is based in Sydney and had been trialled in the slot for several weeks, says his first real break in radio was actually off-air - nine years ago as a driver of a promotional vehicle in Townsville. ``I got about $7 an hour."
Now Sandilands has become a Cinder-fella of the airwaves, having been transplanted from Brisbane's Triple M to help reposition the slot formerly occupied by Phil (``Ugly Phil") O'Neil, something of a Peter Pan of FM.
Sandilands - or Kyle as he is better known to the legion of teenage and twentysomething (mostly) girl listeners - says he brings a different approach compared to his well-travelled predecessor.
``I wouldn't say I was more in touch with the audience," said Sandilands, who is 28. ``But I'm 10 years younger than Phil was."
Ouch.
THERE is a view gaining sway among some optimists that the Jonathan Shier/Sue Howard radio duumvirate may restore the good name of the radio station formerly known as 3LO, as well as the original titles of its interstate cousins. Many months after the official name change to 774 ABC Melbourne, traditional branding remains proudly emblazoned around the station.
THE manager of TT FM, David McDonald, has been interviewing contenders for the breakfast position soon to be vacated by pregnant Deb Clarke.
A few former game-show hostesses have figured in his equation but an early favorite, Nicky Buckley, has ruled herself out on account of pay TV commitments. Former Perfect Match helpmate Tiffany Lamb is believed to be interested, however. Other names being bandied about include TV home renovator Suzie Wilks. McDonald says he is in no hurry to make a decision, even after Clarke's exit, slotted in for early September. ``In theory we can have a rolling cast of people," he said.
IT looks like popular 3AW Breakfast show co-host Ross Stevenson will be moving from behind the scenes on The Games to a position in front of the cameras for Monday night's show (ABC, 8pm). Judging from the show's promos this week, Stevenson, who co-writes the satire with John Clarke, will appear as a medal-winning foreign athlete seeking asylum in Australia. Just one more tricky little problem for John, Gina and Bryan to contend with.
THE next ratings survey is out in early August, but the Olympics may prove something of a more pressing ratings hurdle for ABC Radio and 3AW, which are both offering comprehensive coverage. With TV coverage occurring in real-time and in glorious technicolor, will listeners stay loyal to radio?
The Fox monolith is planning its own take on the Olympics: a show nationally networked out of Sydney for the duration of the Games, which will take the form of a late and sporty breakfast show.
ffarouque@theage.fairfax.com.au
Drive: Doug Aiton, 3AK (1503), Friday, after 4.30pm
Doug Takes on City Hall: Lord Mayor Peter Costigan pops in for his weekly chat. ``It's amazing radio," proclaimed the Lord Mayor's spin doctor in recent correspondence with this column.
The Bach Anniversary, Classic FM (105.9) Friday, 8.45pm
Composer Johann Sebastian Bach died peacefully at this very hour 250 years ago. To mark the anniversary, a live performance from St Patrick's Cathedral of the Mass in B minor. More Bach, this time performed with solo instruments, follows at 11pm.
Limelight, Radio National (621), Sunday, 5pm
Author John Birmingham (He Died with a Felafel in his Hand) discusses his life and his former incarnation as a spy in this newish weekly series of talk programs.
Anarchist World this Week, 3CR (855), Wednesday, 10am
Melbourne's most media-friendly anarchist, Dr Jo Toscano, offers his unique world view - and casts a cynical eye - on matters such as the Olympics.
© 2000 The Age
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