IN the fast-paced world of radio and media, the team at Radio 531 has gone from celebrating its 25-years on air to entering a new era as CRUZE FM 93.5.
One of the biggest changes that comes with the transformation is the introduction of the station’s very first local breakfast show hosted by Dave Sutherland.
Dave makes the move to Port Macquarie radio after commuting weekly to Newcastle to present talkback shows across the Super Radio Network.
Wrapping around the excitement of the station’s new morning slot with Dave, are a number of other changes.
“We’re now live and local longer with six hours of local shows each weekday”, sales Manager Nik Lipovac told News Of The Area.
“[With] breakfast with Dave from 6-9am and afternoons with John from 12-3pm, that’s more interviews, more details on community events, more local news, sport, and weather information than ever before”, he said.
And Nik said there are even more changes to come.
Radio 531 had its humble beginnings broadcasting from Short Street in the Port Macquarie CBD, before moving to its current location on the corner of Lord and Hill Streets in 2006.
The station has changed formats over the last 25 years from “easy listening” music to predominantly talk-back radio.
As CRUZE FM, listeners will also hear coverage of the NRL and AFL as well as the greatest songs from the 60s and beyond.
At 15 years, the station also has the region’s longest running local sports show on commercial radio.
Station Manager John O’Callaghan even hit his own impressive milestone last year, celebrating 50 years in radio.
The station has picked up numerous awards over the years and its staff have been rich in talent and experience.
In the modern era of CRUZE FM, John, Dave and Nik represent a combined 110 years in the radio industry.
By Rikki WALLER
