The Eclectic Interweb

In 2005, the DMG Radio Network, Australia launched tow new radio stations in Melbourne and Sydney. Both stations were squarely targeted at the ‘baby boomer’ age group (40 – 60) and as such suited me perfectly.

To add to their mix of decent music, they poached from ABC radio *the* number one presenter Angela Catterns whose silky voice, and ‘gurgly’ laugh combined with penetrating comment and high credibility made her a prize catch.

Over time of course things changed. To begin with they moved the evening presenters ‘Tony and Bec into Angela’s morning show. Tony and Bec were and are a riot… they bounce off each other and clearly have a chemistry. However… they clashed dreadfully with Angela’s quieter more ‘adult’ manner and whilst they all got on well the show’s dynamics changed irrevocably.

Now it seems the market research has decided that the largest part of Vega’s listening audience is in fact the 25 – 39 year old group… and so the dynamic has changed yet again. They’ve added Mikey Robbins into the mix diluting Angela’s contribution to virtually nil. Ok, Mikey is *also* very funny and intelligent… no question that Tony, Bec, and Mikey are all good at their jobs.

However… I, and a huge chunk of their original audience tuned in to listen to *Angela* and not them. This means she’s being sidelined… and by extension so are *we* a loyal audience.

I think the time has come for us ‘baby boomers’ to let Vega know how we feel by writing to them complaining about the treatment being meted out to Angela and us and insisting she be given more air time… or better yet her own show again!

I don’t tune into the radio in the mornings for inane chatter and competitions. I want to listen to adult content, some sensible discussion about the local news and a pleasant voice. We got that with Angela and we want it back! I suggest we boycott the Breakfast Show until it sees its rating collapse and it realises it makes sense to listen to the wishes of it audience.