Nova Entertainment has shuffled its programming team, Variety Australia can reveal.
All of the new head of programming roles will report into Paul Jackson.
Jackson had previously been known as Nova Entertainment’s chief programming and marketing officer, however his role no longer includes the marketing function and has instead been rebranded as chief programming and music content officer.
As part of the shake-up, Ben Latimer, previously head of programming for Nova in Melbourne (Nova 100), Adelaide (Nova 919) and Perth (Nova 93.7), is now head of programming for Nova 96.9 in Sydney, Nova 919 in Adelaide and national shows.
The Sydney element of the role was previously conducted by Peter Clay, who was both head of programming at Nova 96.9 and for the Smooth Network. Clay retains his role as head of programming for Smooth and is responsible for the radio brand across all markets and platforms.
Andy Ruzgar has the dual role of executive producer of Nova 919’s breakfast show “Ben and Liam” as well as program manager for Nova Adelaide, reporting into Latimer.
David McClung, formerly head of programming for Nova Perth (Nova 93.7) and Perth market lead, is now also absorbing responsibility for programming of Nova 100 in Melbourne, previously fulfilled by Latimer.
Joel Gelding, until recently the panel operator and producer for Kiis’ national drive show “Will and Woody” at ARN, has now joined Nova Perth to be Nova 93.7 program manager, reporting to McClung.
In Brisbane, Brendan Taylor, the group program operations director, will continue to be responsible for Nova 106.9 programming.
Latimer, McClung and Clay will report into Jackson, as will Scott Baker-Smith, head of music for the Nova Network, and Kate Mason, head of music for the Smooth Network.
In January, Nova Entertainment also appointed Adam Johnson to the newly created role of chief growth officer.
He absorbed the marketing function from Jackson – including all brand marketing and communications efforts – as well as leading the group’s growth in connected audiences through its digital product and content development. He is also charged with driving Nova’s data and distribution strategy.
