5FM station manager to leave

5FM, the SABC platform that recently received Generation Next's Coolest Radio Station award for the fourth year in a row, is poised to find a new leader as station manager Helen Graham departs at the end of August 2009.

Graham has worked within the SABC, predominantly on the 5FM brand, for over 10 years. She began as a producer and then progressed to events coordinator, marketing manager and finally station manager of 5FM. She has held the latter position for almost three years. She also spent two years as station manager of Good Hope FM in Cape Town.

During her time at 5FM, Graham brought in the highest listenership figures the station has experienced in recent history. Today 5FM's listeners are claimed to total 1.8 million nationwide and the station is well known for its strong below-the-line marketing strategy that brings listeners international concerts, including Coca-Cola Zero Fest, integrated campaigns with unique concepts such as the "Hold the Phone" Campaign as well as station properties including the Saturday Surgery Album Tour.

Graham departs from the SABC to take up a place at England's Cambridge University, where she has been accepted to study for an MBA degree, to commence in mid-September.

"It is never easy to see someone who has become a fundamental part of the business go," says acting general manager of PCS Radio, Mandi Titi, "Helen's valuable and energetic input will be missed as one of the champions of radio but we respect and support her desire to advance her studies. This brave step sends a very positive message to the youth targeted by 5FM that education is the key to one's dreams. On behalf of the SABC and our clients we wish her all the best."

5FM's management team consists of Misha Dhupelia (portfolio sales manager), Justine Cullinan (marketing manager), Vukile Zondi (programme manager) and Cornia Smargiasso (digital business development manager).