Big ambition as 96FM celebrates new branding and joining the KIIS FM national network

Australian Radio Network celebrated the new branding of 96FM under a marquee at the Perth Concert Hall last night, to officially mark the station joining the national KIIS FM Network.

Perth Commercial Director, Rick Dalton, led off the formalities by declaring that their ambition in 2016 is to be the #1 FM station in this market.

National Content Director Duncan Campbell then recalled his long association with radio in Perth, having been first brought to Perth by Murray Korff to programme PMFM in the early 90s, which he did with great success. Campbell also did stints with 94.5 & 92.9, as well as 96fm under Southern Cross ownership.

As well as Campbell, ARN’s Chief Operating Officer Michael Harvey and National Marketing Director Anthony Xydis were in town for the event.

Special guests included Perth’s local 96FM Breakfast presenters Carmen Braidwood and Brad ‘Fitzi’ Fitzgerald and national Drive hosts Dave ‘Hughesy’ Hughes and Kate Langbroek, with a performance by Reigan Derry, finalist from the 2014 series of X Factor. Perth-raised Derry has a recording deal with Sony Music and recently released her brand new single, Feels Like Heaven.

Hughesy and Kate will broadcast their Drive show from the 96FM studios today, with Hughesy performing two comedy shows at Crown Theatre tomorrow before he and Langbroek appear on the midnight shift for Telethon.

Although it’s her first trip to Perth, Langbroek knew how to win the crowd over saying “We’re excited to be part of a brilliant station, in a brilliant city, in a brilliant country.” Nice line!