Listeners to 4BC on Friday got some insights into the philosophy of the new owners when Tapt Media’s Craig Laundy was drawn to make comparisons between radio and his family’s pub business.
He told Jason Matthews…
“… we see this progression as a very logical one. I mean, this radio station in Brisbane, 4BC, is, is, you know, part of the backbone that makes Brisbane tick, as are the pubs and clubs in, in Queensland.
“And, you know, they, it’s where they listen to you guys in their cars, predominantly, as they drive around during the day. They stop at their local pub and club on the way home for a beer with their mates, family and friends, and they rehash what they’ve heard.
“They espouse the opinion they’ve reached. They may agree with you, Jason, or disagree with you, but they will have an opinion and it will form, you know, the backbone of the discussions around the table as they have a beer, or a, or a glass of wine.”
A few further thoughts about Tapt Media and 4BC:
No pips on the hour! Did these just disappear with the ownership handover, or have I missed missing them earlier? *
The new news theme, which replaces the robust Nine News intro, is brief and easy on the ear.
There has been some disparaging discussion online about the Tapt tagline: “It’s both a verb for connection … and a noun for success.” What exactly does that mean?
And that Tapt logo? While it’s been praised by some as being modern, it’s been suggested it bears some vague similarities to other brands, past and present.
I’m nonplussed about the typography, but I am not a fan of the background colour, which looks like something you’ve spilled and might want to clean up quickly to avoid creating a stain.
Re-spring the fair!
The past few days have seen some nostalgic posts pop up on my Facebook feed about the Spring Hill Fair, which used to be a big thing in Brisbane in the 1970s and 80s.
I weighed in with an anecdote about my encounter with the fair’s founder, Cecilia McNally, who was known as “the Duchess of Spring Hill”.
In 1980, I was helping a friend and fellow University of Queensland journalism student record an interview with the Duchess at her home.
As I remember it, when we wrapped, she went to the fridge and pulled out some tall bottles of Fourex and we enjoyed a beer and a more casual yarn. What a great character she was.
A few people have suggested we bring back the Spring Hill Fair. Was it a creature of its time, or would it work again?
As a heritage buff, advocate for the return of the Warana people’s parade, and supporter of community involvement, I’m in!
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P.S.
The debate about the ticket price for The Last Ship continues on Facebook. Thanks to Julie for weighing in on the “rush pricing”, which meant latecomers got a much lower ticket price than those who really wanted to see the show and booked early. Her comment: “Such poor marketing to disregard the loyal audience and reward the diffident.”
Disclaimer: Brett Debritz used to work at 4BC and used to be younger than he is today, which would explain the nostalgia.
*Update (8am Sunday): I understand that the pips may still be there, but only on AM — which makes sense, since their purpose is to help people set their watches, and the other means of delivery are delayed. I listen online or on the app, so maybe that’s why I’m not hearing them.
Brett, Nostalgia is good... I'm getting old, too.
Given I wasn't able to listen live, I tuned in to the highlights on Friday, hearing a seemingly bouyed, and excited announcer in Jason Matthews on 4BC, and Mark Levy on 2GB introducing some of the family on their first day under new ownership... The Laundy Family, Tapt Media.
Hearing Craig Laundy and his Father, Mr. Arthur Laundy, I feel that if the excitement they've created as the new owners carries through, by conveying a new found energy, and injecting hope, particularly at 4BC, desperately needing that confidence, and renewable, it can only be a positive.
I wish one and all every success.