People
Issue No. 18 - August/September 2004
Nine tales
Channel 9’s current promotional campaign belabours the ‘local’ angle, and it’s easy to assume that the high-rating network is using its muscle to score marketing points by keeping production here.
Actually, NWS9, though affiliated with the Australia-wide network, is a local concern that sets great store by its independence.
NWS9 managing director, Mark Colson is a quietly spoken man whose voice is heard all over the state; as well as directing Nine in Adelaide, he also recently assumed responsibility for Spencer Gulf Television and the southeastern concerns that are complex businesses in themselves.
Mark took up the reins at Nine five years ago, and in that time he has overseen major changes at the station, including the multi million dollar transfer to digital and high definition television and a significant technological upgrade.
So when Southern Cross bought Spencer Gulf Telecasters in 2003 to expand its investment in the region, Mark was the obvious choice to manage the joint assets. He subsequently oversaw the installation of the new licence in the area, extending Southern Cross ownership to both of the regional television channels, Southern Cross Ten and Central TV.
The acquisitions made sense: both metropolitan and regional stations are independent and a ‘comfortable fit’ for each other, in Mark’s view, encompassing the television needs of the majority of the state.
“The combining of the stations creates a powerful media asset and voice in South Australia,” Mark says.
“Because we are not owned by one of the TV networks, that strong independent status gives us the leeway to run the station as an intensely local entity, reflecting the real face of SA.
“In other words, what is good for South Australia is good for Adelaide’s Channel Nine and Spencer Gulf Telecasters.”
What this means in practice is reflected in the program relay and news and sport production.
Channel Nine...
