Icasa officials demolished the Mix FM studio on December 10th.
To the untrained ear, the change in leadership at radio station Mix FM would have been relatively smooth.
But presenters and those familiar with the playlist are left dumbfounded by the audible chaos, wondering what happened to their favorite jock.
A months-long battle for control of the station appeared to be over, but veteran guards vow not to give up.
Mix FM: Allegation of broadcast station hijacking
Former director-general Avi Milosevic watched with his morning team as South African Independent Communications Agency (Icasa) staff demolished the studio on December 10.
Icasa staff were accompanied by police officers to enforce the termination order.
The directive was issued by Icasa executives in support of long-time Mix FM employees Kudzayi Tiribabi and Sanny Mlotana. They still broadcast on the 93.8 FM frequency under the Mix FM banner.
Mix FM's Midland home has closed, but the station's new incarnation continues to make ripples across the airwaves.
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Icasa was contacted by phone and email on Wednesday, but had not received any explanation as of press time.
Previous sales contract
Earlier this year, Milosevic agreed to sell the station to Tiribaby, who then paid Milosevic a deposit.
The deal hit a snag and Milosevic tried to retain ownership of the station, but Tiribaby allegedly failed to pay the amount needed to secure full ownership of the station.
In the aftermath, issues related to the company's equipment created deeper tensions and led to arguments in the Gauteng High Court.
Both parties applied to the High Court for an urgent ruling on the issue, but the issue was removed from the table at cost as the judge deemed the issue did not merit urgent status.
“At the heart of this matter are two disputes, one concerning alleged espionage and the other regarding breach of contract,” the High Court's judgment in June said.
“The issues between the parties require an analysis of the major factual disputes, which is not appropriate for an emergency tribunal.”
arbitration agreement
The parties reached an agreement providing for expedited arbitration, leaving the door open to an amicable resolution.
However, the situation further broke down and both parties obtained protective orders against each other.
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Tiribabi made the admission, but had not yet responded to questions sent by the country. The Citizen But Milosevic said the issue has placed a heavy burden on her and officials at the department.
She described Icasa's actions as “disgusting” and said: The Citizen Regulators ignored her attempts to explain.
“The station was taken over by two former employees. We tried to deal with the matter legally, but we felt we could not say anything publicly,” Milosevic explained.
“We did everything by the book and tried to deal with this legally. They put the lives of everyone at the station at risk. They put my livelihood at risk,” she said. continued.
Milosevic said he intended to take back control and would work with his lawyers to take the case to the high court.
Hanging radio host
The much-loved voice switching not only frustrates listeners, but also burdens those who love to interact behind the microphone.
fan favorite Kellyanne Allerston says The Citizen About the importance of radio and the unique connection it has with its audience.
“All I've ever wanted is to use this powerful, beautiful platform for good,” Allerston said.
“I have worked extremely hard on my show, Hangouts, for nearly 13 years to build an important brand and help as many people as possible.
“I'm shocked that everything can be gone in the blink of an eye. I want to talk to the lonely riders, the heartbroken, the party animals and the weirdos who feel like they don't belong. is. [don’t] And it fits everyone in between,” she continued.
“I want to be a shoulder, an ear, and a support for artists, as well as an ambassador and spokesperson.
“Roald Dahl said, 'Those who don't believe in magic will never find magic.' I will never give up, I will never stop believing, and I believe in the power of music, radio, and magic.” Allerston said.
Mr Tiribabi was asked about the acquisition of the station, where it is broadcasting from and what his plans are for the station. His comments will be added as they become available.
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