BayFM manager resigns in surprise move
THE general manager of Port Elizabeth community radio station BayFM has resigned.
Tony Venturini’s last day was on Friday but his departure left many staff members surprised as his resignation was kept secret.
“I resigned some time ago and it was only communicated to staff last week,” Venturini said.
Asked why he had decided to leave, he said: “As people we need change . . . Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality has a new mayor [Danny Jordaan], which shows that change is needed everywhere. So these things happen . . . I did not leave the station because I am do- ing something else, but it was time for me to leave.”
Venturini, 37, joined the station in 2008.
“I have been the chairman of the board and also worked in sales and marketing before I became the general manager in 2013.
“I have enjoyed my time at BayFM because community media is very exciting as it mostly deals with people from a grassroots level.”
Venturini said BayFM had developed a vast number of commercial radio presenters.
“I loved developing new talent and leading such a dynamite group of people, but it is time for me to move on,” he said.
A presenter, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “His resignation came as a surprise because two weeks back staff members including him all had fun in Tsitsikamma.
“He even shared some ideas that he had for the station.”
An e-mail sent to the staff from the acting station manager, Angelique Graaf, stated: “I regret to advise you of Antonio Venturini’s resignation as BayFM station manager.
“We bear no knowledge of the reasons for his departure and will encourage all staff and presenters not to engage in any malicious or unsubstantiated speculation as to the reasons . . . all we know is that Tony has served BayFM selflessly until his last day.”
Graaf failed to respond to media queries.