4 minute read
Leaders in local: Rod Winner shares the 91.1 Hot FM ethos of localism
As we take another turn around the sun, the new year brings with it a sense of renewal and fresh opportunity. For Rod Winner, General Manager of 91.1 Hot FM, this annual reset is not just a personal ritual, but a significant influencer of business strategies as well. Indeed, the arrival of January prompts individuals and organisations alike to reevaluate their goals, recalibrate their plans, and embark on new ventures with renewed vigour. At 91.1 Hot FM, this annual reset sets the stage for a year of growth and innovation.
Their meticulous planning ensures that the team at 91.1 Hot FM is wellprepared to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. From refining content strategies to coordinating staffing, every aspect is carefully orchestrated to lay the foundation for success.
One significant aspect of 91.1 Hot FM’s approach is its unwavering commitment to what Rod calls localism. “We are leaders in local,” Rod proudly declares. “Our focus is here and nowhere else.” This emphasis on serving and uplifting the local community is at the core of the station’s ethos. Through strategic partnerships, engaging content, and impactful advertising campaigns, 91.1 Hot FM amplifies the voices of local businesses and fosters meaningful connections within the Sunshine Coast region.
“We have local people doing local radio shows, talking about local things,” Rod emphasises. With everyone back on deck in February, it felt like a new beginning for the station family. “Sam and Ash are back together for breakfast again after Ash’s seven-month maternity leave, and that has just raised the vibe at the station and also on the airwaves through her infectious laughter and banter with Sam,” Rod says.
“We have a full book of shows across the entire day with Mikey and Dana during the workday, and Nugget and Al to drive you home. We are live and local from five o’clock in the morning until seven o’clock at night - all done from our Maroochydore studios.
“We are proud that our team are all local people. They went to school here, their kids go to school here, they coach and play sport here, they have an endless list of contacts. It is just a fantastic book of knowledge of everything that has happened and is happening on the Coast. Our localism ethos is what connects us to the community on a deeper level.”
This commitment to localism extends beyond the airwaves and into the fabric of everyday life on the Sunshine Coast. Whether it is supporting local events, charities, or businesses, 91.1 Hot FM is there as a trusted ally and a partner of the community.
“Radio is a broad medium, and it’s always there. Radio's ability to deliver messages quickly and adapt them in real-time makes it an indispensable asset for businesses looking to stay agile and responsive in today’s fast-paced world,” Rod says.
“Radio can bring a strong form of credibility. It’s comforting for people to listen to, and it gives businesses a sense of authority.” By sharing the stage with trusted voices like those of 91.1 Hot FM, businesses can enhance their credibility and reach a broad audience.
“When businesses choose to advertise with us, we take the time to learn a lot about them. We find out what their challenges are and use all the resources available to us to work on solutions with them. Our clients feel like they are part of our business, and we want the client to feel like we are a trusted part of their business as well,” Rod says.
As 91.1 Hot FM looks ahead to 2024, Rod expresses optimism and excitement about the opportunities that lie ahead. “From a whole of station perspective, we’re super excited about what 2024 is going to bring for us, our listeners and our clients. We have consistency across many years now, and we're proud to be leaders in local.”
