Whinge, whinge, whinge

The latest radio ratings were released today. Predictably, talk station 3AW once again won the AM radio breakfast slot, with a 19.3 per cent audience share. They were well ahead of their nearest rival, ABC Radio Melbourne, on 12.9 per cent.

Melbourne radio listeners are obviously creatures of habit. The 3AW breakfast show has consistently topped the ratings for almost all of the 27 years it has been on the air. I stopped listening to it because I no longer find it fresh and funny. The hosts seem to be phoning it in these days. Their shtick seems to revolve around British comedy references, the legal world, and talking about food and wine.

Their ratings lead seems unassailable. When they finally retire, it will give some fresh radio talent the chance to find an audience.

https://mumbrella.com.au/melbourne-radio-ratings-fox-fm-falls-sixth-place-triple-m-wins-breakfast-battle-440815

Vale Ken Sparkes

I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of legendary Australian radio presenter, Ken Sparkes. I don't remember hearing any of his radio work, but in recent years I regularly watched his cable television program, Jukebox Saturday Night, which he hosted. It screened classic hits music video clips from the 1950s to the 1980s.

He seemed to be a warm and decent man. At time of writing, nothing has been announced about the show continuing with a new host. Commercial radio stations seem to be playing less music from that era, so shows like Jukebox Saturday Night kept it alive, and remind younger generations of a time when music was written on manuscript paper, and played using instruments.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ken_Sparkes

http://www.jukeboxsaturday.com