Welcome to the jungle

To Sydney’s ICC, and a catchup with a few hundred audio-adjacent folk at the annual Heard event.

COC takes a trip to Flamingo Lane

The shindig, organised by Commercial Radio and Audio, featured a foliage-heavy stage, with Gold host Christian O’Connell pointing out: “This screams daytime TV.”

Among those entering the jungle was CRA boss Lizzie Young who kicked things off in the traditional way of upfront-style events – by sledging the competition. “News consumption is down 26%; social has declined 16%; video is back 13%,” she informed the crowd.

Young shares the bad news about screens live from Jungleland

Later it was the turn of 2GB’s Ben Fordham. Like O’Connell, he had stories to tell the audience about how he covered Bondi. However, Fordham may have gone a little too long. Breaking the fourth wall somewhat, Fordham pointed to the autocue, featuring the polite instruction: “PLEASE WRAP UP”

Time for Fordo to stop talking

Unfortunately, the autocue operator was slow off the mark taking Fordo’s hint. Next, Fordham was supposed to be introducing four execs whose names he clearly did not know. And their names were no longer on the autocue. Fortunately a backup cue card saved him from maximum awkwardness.

Meanwhile there were fewer pleases and thank yous from marketing bad boy Mark Ritson. His first words to the audience: “Hello, fuckers.”

Ricki-Lee’s multi-week dream has come true

But the line of the event went to Ricki-Lee Coulter, on stage with Tim Blackwell to talk about their shift to Nova breakfast.

“Breakfast is the dream gig for both of us,” she told the room. “It’s been the dream of the last 25 years for Tim, and mine since November last year.”