Musical Chairs: Gazzo returns from UK for Triple M; Ricky Martin to exec produce Latin boy band comp; Sat Bisla’s Passport Approved comes to Triple M; Sonia Kruger co-hosting The Voice

Jane Gazzo returns from UK for Triple M

Jane Gazzo returns from a stint in the UK to take over as morning presenter on Triple M from April 7. Gazzo, who began at Triple R at 16 went on to triple j, ABC-TV Recovery, Channel [V] and MAX. In 1999 she moved to the UK, landing at X-FM and then BBC TV. 

Ricky Martin to exec produce Latin boy band competition

The Voice Australia judge Ricky Martin also takes on extra duties as judge and Executive Producer for La Banda, the reality show to find the next Latin boy band. It was developed by American Spanish-language TV network Univision with Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment and Saban Brands.

The winner gets a deal with Sony Music Latin and will be managed by Martin. Martin himself emerged in the boy band Menudo in 1984 when he was 13-years-old. La Banda will be co-produced by Australian/UK company Fremantle Media and is set to premiere in September on Univision. An Australian broadcast date has not been confirmed.

Sat Bisla’s Passport Approved comes to Triple M

Triple M picked up Los Angeles-based Sat Bisla’s global pre-discovery music program Passport Approved for its Alternative Digital network.

The two-hour program runs three times a week showcasing undiscovered music from alternative music artists spanning the globe. Bisla, who is MD and host of the show, said “Australian music and artists have always been near and dear to my heart and that of Passport Approved” citing Sheppard, Gotye, Missy Higgins, Wolfmother, Airbourne and The Temper Trap among acts it provided a global launching pad for. The show is broadcast in six continents.

Dan Cassin moves to 96.9

Former 2DAY FM Sydney’s Dan Cassin is now at Nova 96.9 as Sydney Operations Manager and announcer. At 2DAY, he also served as Operations Manager and Music Director along with on-air shifts for seven years.

Sonia Kruger co-hosting The Voice

Sonia Kruger of Big Brother and Mornings fame, joins the fourth season of Nine’s The Voice alongside Darren McMullen as co-host.

ASCAP promotes Lynne Lummel to lead new office

The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) promoted Lynne Lummel to EVP of its new transformation management office. It will provide innovative tools and services for its songwriter, composer and publisher members.

Brad Wood makes a move

FOX Melbourne’s Social Media Producer Brad Woods gets behind the mic doing the noon to 4pm sessions on Sea FM on the NSW Central Coast.

Australia’s PS News network adds music section

The Australian Public Services News Network’ PS News added entertainment content, with musician and now-retired public servant, Ian Phillips providing music review and recommendations for its Record Shop which stocks CDs and music DVDs for members.

Tasmusica show ends 12-year run

After 12 years, Tasmanian music show Tasmusica on the University of Tasmania’s Edge Radio 99.3FM has finished. It was presented by Mel Page, covering everything from the island’s death metal to classical.

New names at Pandora

Pandora’s US operations has brought in Lizzie Windhelm as SVP, Ad Product Sales & Strategy and David Reiley as Principal Scientist. Doug Sterne was promoted to VP, Audio Development and Industry Relations.

Manager for Shania Twain

Sandbox Entertainment hired Nashville-based Aaron Kinssies as day-to-day manager for Shania Twain.

New festival for regional Victoria

The inaugural circus, theatre and music World Sideshow Festival, staged in Ballarat May 21 to 23, is produced by Shep Huntly. He performed in Ballarat before touring internationally for 20 years including 17 Edinburgh Festivals.

Robbie Smith departing 3AW/Magic

Robbie Smith, Content Solutions Manager at Melbourne’s 3AW/Magic 1278, has resigned after 6 ½ years, with his last day on Friday March 13.

Michael Brissenden made permanent at AM

ABC Radio made Michael Brissenden permanent host of its flagship AM show. The Walkley winning journalist, who was handling Defence, was filling-in after Chris Uhlmann became the network’s ABC Political Editor.

Two new faces at Riedel Australia exec team

Riedel Australia, which works on live events and productions, added two new names to its executive team. Ian Hamilton is new GM, replacing Cameron O’Neill who moved to Tokyo to run Asia Pacific operations. Hamilton helmed his own design and technical production firm. Julian Hewitt is Technical Operations Manager. He worked on arts and music festivals and broadcasts, most recently technical support technician at the Sydney Opera House.

Jazz singer Jade Leonard creates, hosts, TV show

Channel 31(or Digital 44) has a new Monday show from 7.30pm called The Musician Speaks. Vowing March 2, the six-part series is created, produced and hosted by jazz singer Jade Leonard. It showcases acts in a lounge room situation. The first season featuring jazz pianist Joe Chindamo, guitarist Doug DeVries, electro groove Cocoa Noire, award-winning soprano Kathryn Radcliffe, folk pop band Forest Falls and jazz soul singer songwriter Arowe.

Blake Danilczak expands to 2CC

Yassfm's 19-year-old presenter of the weekly Thursday Afternoon Live will also do part time work at 2CC Canberra producing local shows and source information. He’s studying journalism at the University of Canberra.

Caitlin McCormack lands Hobart gig

Another 2014 AFTRS graduate landed a job: Caitlin McCormack is now hosting afternoons at SEA FM Hobart.

Justin Thomson show on Spirit Radio

WA-based Justin Thomson’s World Tour of Country, launched on the Spirit Radio Network across Western Australia. It showcases Australian and international global country music, both major names and newcomers. It is expected the show will expand to other states down the track.

Three additions to Hyland Media

Latest additions to media agency Hyland Media are eighty ks founder Melanie Kay as Client Lead, and Ikon Communications’ Tegan Emmerson and Sarah Finney as Communication Directors.

Award winning animation director at Sixty40

Sydney animation house Sixty40 appointed British award-winning animation director Simon Robson as Creative Director following a year directing with MPC Creative and Not to Scale in the UK.

Jason Wolfgram back in Queensland

After seven years on Tasmanian radio, Jason Wolfgram starts March 30 as PD and breakfast host at Grant Broadcasters’ 4CC Gladstone.