Billy Anderson to do something ‘radically different’ with Rock Radio
Billy Anderson, who announced last week that he will leave his role as managing director of GMG Radio in order to buy out the Glasgow-based Rock Radio brand, has told The Drum that he plans on doing something ‘radically different’ after he buys out the station.
Speaking in an interview for The Drum's Scottish Media Podcast, Anderson said: “I’m looking to do something radically different with it. In truth I can’t divulge what the plans are, we are at a stage where we are in the process of concluding the deal and I expect to make an announcement soon.
“Once that happens there will be further announcements, and I’d probably like to speak to you thereafter because I’m not going to give too much away just now.
“I’m keen to develop media in Scotland, I’m keen to develop this great creative industry we have in Scotland and showcase in other parts.”
Anderson also discussed his views on social media in the radio medium, stating that some traditional media has put too much investment into social media, at the ‘detrimental’ expense of content.
He added: “It’s got its part to play but I still bring it back to content. If there is content that is worthwhile, you might use it once but if it doesn’t make any difference to you, you won’t use it again.
“So it’s a mechanism to let people know about the content you create. And it is a mechanism to develop communities, but ultimately they will only stay together if they are getting what they want.”
As well as interviewing Billy Anderson in the latest episode of the Scottish Media Podcast, presenter John Collins chats to NUJ Scottish organiser Paul Holleran, Peach Digital’s social media manager Jessica Knowlton Bell and journalist and broadcaster Neil Henderson about bad language on Radio 4, death threats directed at sports journalists and using social media responsibly.
Listen to the podcast here.
Scottish Media Podcast Episode Three by Scottish Media Podcast