SCA restructures roles with Dobson running metro and Lenarcic running regional operations
Dobson
Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) has today announced a reshuffle in its management structure that sees chief content office Guy Dobson promoted to the new role of executive director of metropolitan operations, and Rick Lenarcic take the position of executive director of regional operations.
According to the announcement the restructure of roles is a recognition of the differences between the metropolitan and regional businesses. However, it also comes less than three months after the challenged radio and TV group made a $392m write down on its regional assets and reported adjusted earnings were down 5.4 per cent for the year to $187.8m.
Guy Dobson, the new executive director of metropolitan operations said the move would help SCA “reinvigorate” its metropolitan operations, which include the struggling 2DayFM radio station which has languished in the ratings since the defection of breakfast hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O.
“I’m so looking forward to leading a dynamic reinvigorated metro business structure into 2015,” said Dobson.
“We have the most talented people in Australia on our team, with this new structure, a dedicated team focusing on metro solutions and similarly a specialist team focusing on our regional assets, SCA is going to power into the new year. There are some exciting moves in play that we can’t wait to unleash upon the business.”
The move comes as speculation continues over whether SCA may seek bring back popular comedy pairing Hamish and Andy in a national drive or breakfast program. Yesterday it was also announced head of digital Clive Dickens is leaving the company to take up a similar role with Seven West Media next year.
Dobson has over 30 years’ experience heading up media operations and was previously CEO of Austereo, prior to the merger with Southern Cross Media in 2011.
Rick Lenarcic, executive director of regional operations said the change would also produce results for its TV and radio assets in regional areas.
“We have a wealth of experienced managers and team members that cover a huge part of Australia,” said Lenarcic. “To be directing this energetic team is exciting and I look forward to managing the further building of our TV, radio and digital assets across regional Australia.
“The added advantage of metro content, experience and knowledge further enhances our position as one of Australia’s largest media companies.”
Nic Christensen
