Chairman’s Report 30th September 1989
I am delighted to report that the financial year to September 30th 1989 has been the most successful in DevonAir’s history.
Our turnover showed a very credible increase of 13 percent and our profit at £112,110 showed an increase of 60 percent on the previous years trading. The increase we have shown is entirely due to our own local efforts. Our local turnover increased by £175,000, some 22 percent.
The national advertising market place however is a different story. We experienced a sharp decline in national revenue from the previous year and we can see that the problems are likely to continue into the next financial year.
We were delighted that the Home Office granted approval for our new relay transmitter on Stockland Hill. This came into service on 4th July enabling us to broadcast separate output and other name South West 103 to East Devon, West Dorset and parts of South Somerset. We have opened an office in Honiton to create local awareness and the first indications are that the station will meet its revenue forecasts.
The most recent JICRAR survey showed a further audience increase for DevonAir to a weekly reach of 39 percent, confirming DevonAir’s firmly established audience in the area.
The company continued to hold its annual charitable on air appeal. I am delighted to report that £48,000 was raised through the generosity of our listeners. We have now entered into a partnership with Devon County Council to provide transport for disabled groups within our transmitter area. Mrs Angela Devonport, Chairman of the appeal, presented Devon County Council with a cheque for £40,000 which they will match to provide buses in four different locations.
We have, once again, had great success with our events organised by St. David’s Promotions. The Devon Motor Show was attended by nearly 15,000 people over the June weekend, helped by the presence of television celebrity, Noel Edmonds. The Exeter Air Show, held on August bank holiday weekend, attracted a staggering 45,000 people. However this brought about problems of traffic congestion which must be faced before we proceed next year.
Our music events continued to promote awareness of DevonAir. Our Country Music Festival in February was very well received indeed and our first Blues Festival, held on the hottest day of the year had the audience dancing in the aisles.
Perhaps the most prestigious event we promoted was our conference ‘1992 Threat or Promise?’ held in November at Powderham Castle. Lord Plumb made be opening address to leading figures from the business community in Devon who unanimously praised DevonAir for our foresight in taking the initiative in examining our role in the United Kingdom’s integration with Europe.
I look forward with interest to next year and the governments long promised deregulation of broadcasting industry, although I am at this moment uncertain whether this represents a threat or promise! Which ever it is, I can assure you that the directors, management and staff of DevonAir will look to maximise the opportunities that lie ahead.
None of this happens, of course, without a great deal of commitment and hard work. I would like to thank all the staff most sincerely for all the effort that they have expended, under the very enthusiastic direction and leadership overall of David Cousins, with Dave Smith assisting admirably with sales.
It is unlikely to be any easier next year, but I am confident and our ability to fight hard for our proper share of the market.
Ian Amory