The Listener comments: Unitab offers
The Listener
about a largely forgotten radio station - that of the great Brisbane
frequency, AM 1008 4TAB www.radiotab.com
I often pass the big TAB building at 240 Sandgate Rd Albion without
much a thought for their station, but recent developments have got me
thinking and I am worried.
Currently Unitab (ex Qld TAB) have made an offer to merge with newly
listed Victorian gaming company Tattersalls. Unfortunately, the great
corporate radider of Queensland companies, that 'Mexican' Matthew
Slattery of Melbourne's Tabcorp has made a counteroffer for Unitab, a
takeover offer that is not their final offer either.
How does this affect radio you ask? Where Unitab and Tattersalls have
largely complementary assets, Tabcorp own assets that parallel and
dwarf that of Unitab. Tabcorp, via their purchase of NSW TAB, own 2KY,
so if Unitab with 4TAB* was taken over by Tabcorp, unfortunately I
fear, the excellent 4TAB programming would be taken over and the
station wound down to just a relay of 2KY/Sport 927 with just Qld races
thrown in (if that).
Unlike other public company takeover bunfights, this one is more
regulated due to the Queensland Government floating their TAB (which
became Unitab). The Qld Government has to pass legislation allowing any
such takeover.
My request is simple: if you appreciate a quality radio station and
don't want to see it from going under (who does?), then e-mail your
local Queensland MP or e-mail Beattie if you live interstate. Even if
you don't follow racing (as I don't), anything is worth a try as we all
agree good radio is something which should be supported any way
possible.
The Listener
*they call themselves Radio TAB these days with the acquisition of the
SA and NT TAB's
Rock in Stereo
The Sports Wrap (morning commentary) before the races begin is always
worth a listen. Don't forget their ultra high powered FM frequency
either, covering most of Brissy from Beaudesert. The contemporary
post-racing music at night time (albeit in mono & with its nasty, low
bitrate, coding artefacts) is always enjoyable too. I rarely listen to
the races themselves, and most punters would be in the TAB/local
watching Sky TV for that purpose, although there is the occasional race
which isn't covered and you have to pump up the pocket radio. Rest
assured that many rely on it (somewhat unfortunately from what I have
seen) and there would be plenty of people who would be extremely vocal
should changes occur.
Cheers
Leigh