ARN has announced Barry Drinkwater will be handing over his content director reins at 97.3FM and 4KQ to radio executive, Alisson Longhurst.
Barry has had a career in radio spanning more than four decades, and was acknowledged as one of Australia’s Top 20 Content Directors by Radio Today in 2020.
Barry began his radio career in the late 70s starting as a panel operator. In 1993 he joined 4KQ as the Drive announcer, a position he held for eight years, before moving to the role of assistant program director and music director. In 2001, Barry helped launch the brand new 97.3FM brand in Brisbane in his new role as content director for 97.3FM. In 2007, Barry’s content director role expanded to include 4KQ.
Of his 28 years at ARN Barry said, “Back in 2001 it was amazing to get the chance to launch 97.3FM – a brand-new FM radio station in Brisbane. So many great and talented people came on board and it’s wonderful to share in the incredible successes of 97.3FM with them. To also oversee the 4KQ crew – the station where I got my start at ARN – for the past 14 years has been equally pleasing. But now, as 97.3FM turns 20, the time seems right for me to try something different.
“I’d like to thank everyone at ARN who has worked with me and played a part in both of these amazing stations and wish nothing but great success to all moving forward. There has been a heap of #1s which is a credit to all the gifted and hardworking team members across both stations. I leave knowing that both 97.3FM and 4KQ are in the very capable hands of Alisson going forward.”
ARN’s chief content officer Duncan Campbell said, “Barry’s leadership, attention to detail and his unwavering passion for his job has seen some amazing results under his guidance across the past two decades. We wish nothing but all the very best to Barry for his next endeavours and can’t thank him enough for his drive and dedication.
“We welcome Alisson home to ARN. Her enthusiasm, knowledge and passion for radio will further strengthen the Brisbane market. Alisson has some wonderfully creative ideas and coupled with exceptional leadership skills, we have the very best person for the role.”
Of her new role Alisson Longhurst said, “After five years, I’m very pleased to be returning to ARN as the content director for 97.3 and 4KQ. To be given the opportunity to lead fantastic teams both on-air and off is a career highlight for me and I can’t wait to get started.”
Alisson’s previous ARN roles included senior producer of KIIS 1065’s The Kyle & Jackie O Show in Sydney and executive producer for KIIS 101.1 in Melbourne.
Barry Drinkwater will depart ARN at the end of July with Alisson Longhurst commencing in August.