Nova Entertainment has just released this statement to Perth media:
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Over a week ago, whilst recovering from recent back surgery, Nova 93.7 managing director Gary Roberts took a fall at home and knocked his head. Gary currently remains in hospital under the care of doctors and nurses and is showing positive signs of recovery.
Gary is a very well-known, highly regarded, popular media identity in Perth and his wife Wendy and family sincerely thank everyone for their well wishes, however they have requested that his privacy be respected whilst he is recovering in hospital.
During his absence, Nova 93.7 will be ably led by Daniel Underhill Nova 93.7 program director, Jamie Martinovich Nova 93.7 sales director and Laura Finney Nova 93.7 financial controller. The three highly experienced senior executives will ensure Nova 93.7 does not miss a beat during Gary’s absence.
We wish Gary a speedy recovery and look forward to his return.
Robert’s radio career
In the late 60s Gary Roberts started his career at 3AW in Melbourne. He spent nine years on air with various stations including 5AD Adelaide, 2UW Sydney and 6KY Perth before moving into programming where he found success, taking four different stations to the top in different markets.
After successfully programming 96FM he was later appointed general manager from 1984 to 1992 before moving to the role of GM at 94·5FM in Perth.
In August 1993, 94·5FM purchased PMFM (now 92.9) from Kerry Packer, and Gary Roberts was appointed to run both stations. Both stations subsequently lifted in the ratings.
After managing the Perth stations for Austereo, Roberts accepted the role as the launch managing director of the new Perth Nova licence purchased at auction by Nova founder Paul Thompson. The station launched on December 5, 2002.
Roberts is a past chairman of Commercial Radio Australia.