Local radio “dear” to new station manager

THERE’S a new face attached to Ballarat’s Voice.

Working in sound production and management all his life, John Rowland is stepping into a new part-time role as station manager at 99.9 Voice FM.

A lover of radio that serves, it will be the fourth community station Mr Rowland has been involved with, but the veteran media operator was also employed by 3AW, ABC Radio, the BBC and more.

He’s ready to lead Voice as it grows its audience, broadens programs, increases its engagement with young people and offers more leadership opportunities.

“Voice are trying to reidentify their audience and engage more with community, working more toward a viable model to sustain it for the future,” Mr Rowland said.

“This I’ve done on three previous occasions so I’m really excited about working with Ballarat.

“I’m very impressed with the goals of the new board of the station. These guys are really committed to making it work and run into the future.”

A central Victorian, local radio is very dear to Mr Rowland.

“Commercial radio is having a great demise at the moment due to falling audiences with podcasts, Spotify and other things, particularly in the young,” he said.

“The beauty of community radio is it’s not driven by big business or government, it’s truly local and services the community. This has great appeal for me.”

Voice chairman, Ron Egeberg said the board is enthusiastic about the new role and who’s in it.

“In line with our vision, John will oversee the renewal of the station and its commitment to the community we serve,” he said.