Cliffgate

Leading up to the launch of Absolute Radio 60s, we announced that our playlist would be focusing on the really influential bands of the 60s – the ones who changed music forever and inspired today’s artists. These included the likes of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and Aretha Franklin… But not Sir Cliff Richard.

Despite racking up 7 UK number one singles and 34 UK top ten hits in the 1960s, Sir Cliff, who’s sold around 250 million records worldwide during a career spanning over fifty years, just wasn’t an artist we wanted to play. We felt there was a place in the world for Cliff Richard, just not on Absolute Radio 60s.

Of course it’s not the first time a radio station has refused to play his music. In the late 90s, many banned his charity track ‘The Millennium Prayer,’ which actually went on to earn Sir Cliff his fourteenth number one and third highest selling single of his career, following a backlash by furious fans angry about the blackout.

Here’s a little look back at the media storm created by our decision to ban Sir Cliff from the airwaves…

Absolute Radio Launch the Facebook Subscribe Plugin

Subscribe to Christian O’Connell’s updates in one click

We are one of the first to launch the Facebook Subscribe plugin now live now on our website with our very own Christian O’Connell, making it easy for people to subscribe to Christian’s Facebook updates. The Subscribe plugin allows people to get more interesting updates in their News Feed and directly engage in authentic discussions with celebrities, journalists, political figures and more.

Christian has turned on the Subscribe feature on Facebook, alongside household names who are already gaining significant subscriber momentum including the likes of Hollywood actress Jessica Alba, Hip Hop Star Snoop Dogg and boxer
Floyd Mayweather.

Facebook users have always been automatically subscribed to their friends, however enabling the use of the brand new Subscribe plugin allows the user to pick and choose who they receive updates from. Individuals are able to streamline their News Feed further by customising what they see including certain subject matter, such as  just photos, limiting updates to life events and more.

The announcement follows news that Facebook will participate in Absolute Radio’s ‘Redefining Radio’ event to be held for media agencies and advertisers in conjunction with Culture Minister Ed Vaizey, at the Houses of Parliament in January 2012.

Radio Academy Christmas Quiz

It’s that time again, when the radio industry goes head to head in the attempt to win the most coveted of all trophies… Yes, it’s the legendary Radio Academy Christmas Quiz!

There will be the usual mix of music, general knowledge, radio know-how, and even something for the anoraks!

The quiz is being hosted once again by quiz master supreme Paul Coia and, as well as the chance to show your boss that your vast knowledge of radio is the reason you deserve that Christmas bonus, there’ll also be some fab raffle prizes as well.

Bookings are open now for your chance to compete in the Radio Academy’s annual test of brain power, so book your place now!

Registration:

Registration is required for this event. Click here to register.

Cost: £25 per team (inc VAT). Maximum 5 people per team.

Click here to check your membership status or join The Radio Academy.

Details:

Date: Tuesday 13th December

Doors open: 6.30pm

Quiz starts: 7.30pm

Location: The Junction, 2A Corsica Street London N5 1JJ

Playlist: 8th December

The playlist is out now.

The Vaccines move up to our Daytime List with Wetsuit (12/12/11)
‘What Did You Expect From The Vaccines?’ is the 3rd biggest selling debut album of the year – behind Jessie J and Ed Sheeran.

Additions:
The Maccabees – Pelican (02/01/12)
Lead single from the band’s excellent 3rd album ‘Given To The Wild’ (9th Jan)

NEW VACANCY: Absolute Radio’s Sponsorship team are looking for a Sponsorship Account Manager to join the team

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Sponsorship, the Account Manager will be responsible for selling, running and implementing on-air, online and event sponsorships with a particular focus on sporting properties. They will also be responsible for an agency portfolio and will be required to create and maintain a strong working relationship with contacts.

Responsibilities include

  • Sales Duties
  • To drive sponsorship revenue to meet budget criteria set for the team
  • To identify and secure new business opportunities across agency patch
  • To pro-actively develop partnership opportunities for target clients
  • To develop and create sponsorship sales pitches/documents and plans
  • To negotiate confidently with clients and agencies on sponsorship and spotlight campaigns
  • To educate and support the wider sales team on specific properties
  • To support Head of Sponsorship and rest of team with overall sponsorship initiatives internally and externally
  • To build internal relationships with several departments, ensuring the smooth running of sponsorships, inc. programming, production and digital

Skills, Experience and Knowledge

  • Previous success in selling Sports (particularly Football) partnerships or a demonstrable passion in this area
  • Able to present and discuss sporting opportunities at all levels and with sporting bodies
  • Developed agency and client contacts, ideally in sponsorship departments
  • Good working knowledge of Word, Excel and PowerPoint
  • Excellent presentation and negotiation skills
  • Understanding of OFCOM and RACC codes and guidelines
  • High standard of communication skills – oral and written
  • Able to prioritise and manage numerous projects at one time
  • Ideally a minimum of 2 years experience in media or radio sales and previous experience in an S&P team, or alongside creative departments in a sales house
  • Understanding of digital media and other marketing mediums an advantage
  • Passionate and enthusiastic with a good eye for detail
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Creative and pro-active
  • Knowledge of TGI, RAJAR and planning systems and advantage

Personal characteristics

  • Creative and pro-active
  • Strong initiative

If you would like to be considered please send a full CV to:

Caroline Hinton – Head of HR, Absolute Radio

One Golden Square, London, W1F 9 DJ

Or e-mail: caroline.hinton@absoluteradio.co.uk

Closing Date: 12 December 2011

Absolute Radio is committed to equality of opportunity for all.

Please indicate your disability on your application. This information is required

so that all who have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the position

will be invited for interview.