Jacaranda 94.2 announces new station manager

Fine, formerly a popular radio presenter and latterly the CEO of a successful community station, replaces Alan Khan who relocated to Durban in June this year. He takes the helm of Jacaranda 94.2 on Monday 22 August.

"I believe that Jacaranda 94.2 is a great brand with massive potential to be extraordinary," he says. "It takes the optimum combination of talent, vision and innovation with good solid business savvy to make Life's Greatest happen both on- and off air; to offer a product that is honest, consistent, true to its audience and always maintains a good sense of humour."

Given Jacaranda 94.2's commitment to the various communities it engages, Kevin's passion for community projects and social investment, especially with regards to physical development programmes for children, makes this management-station combination a formidable one:

During the course of 2010 Fine consulted to Electronic Arts (EA) making him responsible for all brand activity on the FIFA franchise, including engaging and working with the FIFA 2010 World Cup Commercial Affiliates, Sponsors and National Supporters. He was also the Program Manager for FIFA's Football For Hope Festival, an official FIFA event that was held in Alexandra township, during the FIFA 2010 World Cup. This two-week festival included a program of cultural celebration between the 32 international delegations of boys and girls, aged between 15 and 18, demonstrating how the beautiful game can be used as a tool for social development and change.

On another front, his "Bury me in books" campaign collected more than 600 000 books for libraries and those in need. The campaign distributed 3 million books throughout South Africa, and also earned Kevin the Paul Harris Fellowship - Rotary International's highest honour.

Fine is best known for his on-air experience - with Voice of Wits, Smart FM (community radio), a 12 year run with 5FM hosting the phenomenally popular "Kevin's Rise 'n Fine" and later another firm crowd favourite with Highveld Stereo.

Kevin took charge of Johannesburg-based 101.9 Chai FM as chief executive officer in October 2010.

"Kevin has a great broadcasting mind, heaps of energy, and an eye for creating great advertiser opportunities. He's the right guy to take this incredibly strong brand into a new era," said Kagiso Media Broadcasting COO Nick Grubb.

"Jacaranda 94.2 has big plans for the next few years to build on the substantial growth we've seen in total listenership and time spent listening to the station. We needed someone who was able to develop our core broadcasting emphasis whilst also creating new and innovative ways to engage with our listeners from beyond their radios."

Kevin Fine is a radio fundi, an accomplished businessman, a doer with a big heart; someone who is passionate about great radio, someone who enjoys good music, sport, road tripping and a healthy dose of PS3. He grew up on "Top 40 music and sexy house" and enjoys Balearic beats, but what does a FiNE view of Jacaranda 94.2's future, and that of its clients, look like?

"It's simple, actually: Greatness, numberONEness and bottom line results," he smiles.