Oh happy day that would have been. If ACE had of bought 2SM they would have treated it far better and likely built it up to be a real network figurehead in Australia’s largest city. Instead these days 2SM under Bill is really just withering away and almost treated like a relay of 2HD …
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Is this Nigel Ross on Magic 1278 now the same one that used to be on 3TT/TTFM in the 90’s? Does anyone know
I think it’s only a matter of time, SEN would be logical buyer assuming NOVA doesn’t want it. They will most likely move 4KQ to DAB+ just like they have done in Sydney with 2CH.
I could really see ACE being the buyer. Given their ratings and format success it’d be silly for ARN to allow for SEN to butcher it and make 4KQ DAB+ only like 2CH.
Share a playlist and lineup with Magic1278 and watch it’s ratings maintain strength (that’s dependent if they keep the brekkie team or not as well).
Then again, maybe ARN would want SEN to buy 4KQ so they can implode and leave the Pure Gold/Classic Hits format to River94.9 and Zinc96.1.
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I can’t help but wonder if the change of branding to KIIS 97.3 is at least in part to signal to potential buyers that 97.3 won’t go after the 4KQ audience. River and Zinc can only so much damage to 4KQ as they don’t have complete coverage of Brisbane, even if it is good is some parts.
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I’m sure ACE will be in the mix to buy it, but the price might be a stumbling block, considering they have just leased Nine’s music stations, whereas SEN may have more resources to buy it.
It all comes down to money and who is able to buy it. SEN would be in pole position.
NOVA would most likely keep hold of their 50% stake in 973 as it’s more profitable. NOVA may instead choose to look at buying 6IX in Perth once the FM conversion is approved, and launch Smooth on FM in Perth.
ACE may decide it’s better off negotiating with Nine for 128 KBS of DAB spectrum in the 3 markets where they have leased the music stations, to launch Magic on DAB in Sydney and Brisbane.
Agree 100%. SEN buying 4KQ would be the kiss of death for that station just like I think it will be ultimately unfortunately for our previously beloved 2CH here in Sydney. SEN is a sports network with nil expertise or passion for music radio. ACE is the natural buyer for 4KQ … fingers x. ACE is doing a brilliant job with the leased 9Radio music stations imho so let’s hope ARN make the right call for KQ.
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I just hope SEN won’t have the money. It is hard to understand their income stream when they have next to no listeners.
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Even with SENQ launching on DAB+ in Brisbane.
Its a shame they can’t use the 3XY brand. Imagine if Ace relaunched 2SM & 3XY and maybe 4IP playing 70s and 80s music. Could have been awesome.
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Perhaps Super Radio Network will buy 4KQ? Bill is on a spending spree and I’m sure he’d love to have Laws blasting into Brisbane.
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He might love to. But there’ll be next to no listeners.
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Well yes that would be a given.
When your over 80, why would he bother
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The Money shall be used for Upgrading the Websites and Audio.
Yes, the same Nigel Ross
Don’t under estimate ACE’s financial ability and I don’t mean a handout from Uncle Rupert. If they have thrown their hat into the ring for 4KQ, they will give it their very best shot.
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I hope you’re right.
4KQ would certainly be the jewel in their network if they could get it. A No.2 station in a metro market.
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It would be good for ACE absolutely, if they can afford it. Ditto SEN.
If ACE were to buy it, they would most likely rename it Magic 693 and it will be interesting how they would use the remainder of the 256kbs of DAB spectrum that comes with the license.
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Sorry that would be utter madness to rename 4KQ! This is the number 2 station in Brisbane with brand recognition people would kill for. It would be insane to re-brand it to anything.
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