CRA appoints Southern Cross Austereo CEO and managing director Grant Blackley as new chair

Grant Blackley, chief executive officer and managing director of Southern Cross Austereo has been elected as chair of industry body Commercial Radio Australia. The appointment was made at CRA’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Adam Lang, chief executive officer, Macquarie Media Limited stepped down after four years.  Lang has been on the board since 2012 and will remain on the board and retain his role as chair of the CRA Research Committee.

Blackley has worked in the media and entertainment sector for more than 30 years. As chief executive officer and managing director of Southern Cross Austereo, he is responsible for leading the strategic and operational performance of the company.  Blackley has been a director of the CRA Board since 2015 and also serves as a director at Free TV Australia. He has held numerous senior leadership roles including CEO of Ten Network from 2005 – 2012.

Says Blackley: “The commercial radio industry is a dynamic and innovative multiplatform medium and I look forward to working collaboratively as Chair of CRA with all key stakeholders including the networks and station members, industry commentators and observers as well as key political and government agencies.”

Grant Cameron, director of Grant Broadcasters Group and vice-chairman, CRA Regional Committee resigned from the board after 12 years.  Alison Cameron, appointed CEO of the family-owned regional broadcaster in July this year, was elected to the CRA Board and will also serve as the vice-chair, CRA Regional Committee.

Ciaran Davis, managing director and chief executive officer of ARN and HT&E returns to the CRA Board, replacing outgoing ARN CEO Rob Atkinson.

Following the conclusion of the meeting, CRA chief executive officer, Joan Warner thanked outgoing chair Adam Lang for his leadership, support and commitment to the industry body and Grant Cameron for his long service on the board and his leadership of the Regional Committee.

The CRA Board:

Grant Blackley, chief executive officer and managing director of Southern Cross Austereo, Chair of Commercial Radio Australia.

Alison Cameron, chief executive officer of Grant Broadcasters Group, elected as Vice-Chairman Regional.

Adam Lang – Chief Executive Officer – Macquarie Media Ltd

Kevin Blyton – Managing Director, Capital Radio Network

Greg Cupitt – Consultant, Super Radio Network

Michael Harvey – Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Australian Radio Network

Ciaran Davis – Managing Director  & Chief Executive Officer, Australian Radio Network & HT&E

Lisa Young – Chief Financial Officer – Macquarie Media Ltd

Cathy O’Connor – Chief Executive Officer, Nova Entertainment

Tony Hudson – General Counsel & Company Secretary – Southern Cross Austereo

Peter Colosimo – Group General Manager – Nova Entertainment