Ridgway joined 94.5 Kfm, then still part of the SABC, in 1990 as senior programme compiler and was awarded the Disa Award for outstanding achievement in broadcasting three years later. In 1997 he was appointed music director by shareholder BroadCape and in 1999 Ridgway took up the position as programme director under then owners NAIL.
Between 1999 and 2005, the year 94.5 Kfm became part of the Primedia Broadcasting stable, the station's listeners grew from 609 000 to 1 287 000 with Ridgway at the helm of programming decisions. In the same timeframe the station achieved an alleged record market share of 27%.
Over and above his success on the business side of the station, Ridgway says his passion in broadcasting lies with the community. “Kfm's success was built on community engagement and my understanding of this concept evolved over the years in radio. It played a significant role in transforming Kfm from an elitist radio station to one embraced by the Cape community at large. Today the station truly reflects the demographic make-up of the Western Cape and I'm very proud of the part I played in bringing this about,” said Ridgway.
Ridgway championed many 94.5 Kfm community initiatives, including Westgate Mall Voice Search, Red Cross Children's Hospital Radiothon, Kfm Youth Day Xperience and Random Acts of Kindness. “I'm a fan of the notion that doing good, is good for business and the station's community campaigns are an extension of this positive programming philosophy,” Ridgway explained.
“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to steer the sound and programming on 94.5 Kfm, the Cape's No. 1 Hit Music Station. My ambition was to focus the station's efforts on making each and every listener feel better about themselves and their city,” he added.
An avid and experienced songwriter and music producer, Ridgway wants to use his time away from the office to further share his knowledge. He has written a book on songwriting which is about to be published and plans for a music coaching initiative are in place.
“And so I leave with wonderful memories of thousands of hours of authentic radio, great promotional and marketing events and the most talented and generous team anyone could ever wish to work with. It's time for me to continue my work involving communication and passing on positive energy where it is next needed, said Ridgway. “I'll always be grateful for the opportunity I had to be of service to the people of the Western Cape through 94.5 Kfm.”
