The new ruling kicks in with the new programming year of April 2008 through March 2009.
YFM CEO Kanthan Pillay says the practice of restraints for deejays is outmoded, anticompetitive, and based on a misconception that the presenter is bigger than the brand.
“Broadcasters have had this crazy idea that when DJs leave a radio station, they will take their audience with them,” says Pillay. “Our experience is that this is not the case. In spite of having said goodbye to some of the big names in broadcasting a year ago, we have grown our audience share year on year.”
YFM has poured a half-million rand over the past six months into the Y Academy, an ongoing training programme producing a new generation of broadcasting talent. The station expects most of its talent to be sourced from the Y Academy going forward.
“When DJs leave YFM, it's generally going to be because they no longer appeal to our core market. Restraining them against working elsewhere is against our core philosophy of developing talent and allowing it to blossom,” says Pillay.
He says breakfast show hosts “Rudeboy” Paul Mnisi and Sandile “Sanza da Fanatik” Tshabalala, former breakfast hosts Pabi Moloi and Thato “Mr T” Mataboge, early morning host Lusindiso “Lusi Tan” Tantsi, late night host Amon Mokoena, and weekend evening host Tumisang “Tumi” Mochekele are leaving the YFM fold at the end of this month.
“YFM will not be enforcing restraints in their contracts that would have prevented their working for other broadcasters for up to four months after leaving us. They go with our blessings and with best wishes for the future,” he said.
