Looking through the list of ACRA finalists released last week, among the many awards up for grabs in October is one for Most Popular Station Manager – one each for Country, Provincial and Metro. Somehow this Award seems strangely out of place. Not that there’s anything intrinsically wrong with being popular with staff, but it is the only Award that doesn’t directly recognise excellence in the nominee’s ability to effectively perform their actual job description. By contrast, while on-air staff are expected to be popular with listeners, it is of little consequence to their career whether they get on with their colleagues or not. We have yet to see any station managers’ contract or job description that stipulates ‘popularity.’ ‘Respect’, maybe. ‘Productivity’, definitely. And ‘Results,’ absolutely. But popularity isn’t necessarily going to get you far in this business. Is it?

Ask David Borean, the affable former general manager of DMG’s Sydney operation. Here he is listed (below) as one of the three metro finalists, nominated by adoring staff – we never met anyone, even his competitors, with a bad word to say about him – yet it was announced almost a month ago that his contract with the network will not be renewed.

So, what makes a good General Manager. If it isn’t popularity, then why give an award for it and not for what it is?

MOST POPULAR STATION MANAGER – Finalists ACRAs 2011

Jason McCarthy; Spirit 98.1, Geraldton WA, Redwave Media C

Cheryl Lardner; Magic 93.1 & Classic Hits, Riverland SA, Fairfax Radio Network C

Paul O’Connor; Sea FM & Hot FM, Mackay QLD, Southern Cross Austereo P

Sylvia Sayers; Sea FM 107.7, Devonport TAS, Grant Broadcasters P

Paul Moltzen; Star 104.5, Gosford NSW, DMG Radio Australia P

David Borean; Nova 96.9 & Classic Rock, Sydney NSW, DMG Radio Australia M

Tim McDermott; 2UE, Sydney NSW, Fairfax Radio Network M

Gary Roberts; Nova 93.7, Perth WA, DMG Radio Australia M