Wednesday 18 February 2009

Radio kaka

Another new thread request:

Can we get a thread going about the 'legal' issues between ENG and Fujairah Radio Network? This is apparently the reason that Coast is just playing music on a loop. Surely that has to be more interesting than 'Taps and Washers Weekly' being suspended by shite-TP.

Anyone got any info..?

214 comments:

1 – 200 of 214   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

ENG - wankers.

Anonymous said...

NEWS JUST IN

Well done Petch - Top Job mate!

ENG's Coast 103.2 - taken over by Channel 4 - all current Coast staff sacked this morning.

A couple of months back - idiot Aussie Jock Don Plenty was " let go" from Coast, then he rejoins his previous employer Channel 4, they take over Coast, put Don Plenty in charge - he fires everyone.

Anyone know what channel 4 plan to do with Coast 103.2?

You gotta feel for Coast staff, some of them haven't been here long and apparently still owed salary payments from ENG - a really nice way to treat people...

Previous posts about ENG have said they are cash rich, yeah maybe but a bunch of tightwad CUNTS.

Anonymous said...

is there anyone that has been paid by ENG? not staff, not freelancers, anyone at all?

Anonymous said...

Nevermind getting paid on time.. I wanna know why I don't get MediaWeek anymore. "Mr Petch, stop laughing to yourself about how funny you are on your palm beach next to Olga, and start doing your fucking paper-round properly" - his mum said..

Anonymous said...

perhaps ENG forgot to pay printers and distributors?

Anonymous said...

Never mind ENG - they are small fish. I was let go by TMF one month ago, and the bastards are refusing to pay me my dues. First they told me I'd get my final pay within one week. Then I was told they were waiting for a signature. Now they tell me they can't raise the figure (and believe me, I was far from well paid there!)
So I'm in serious trouble with rent etc, but feel I can't leave the country or I'll never see the money.
It's not so much the lack of a cheque, but the lies that have followed.
I knew our designers were useless, but the accountants there are pure a***holes!

Anonymous said...

Media Week has folded. They were all laid off last week.
Campaign to follow. Then Communicate I'd imagine. Can't talk about ads that don't exist.

Anonymous said...

Have they taken over coast with immediate effect? For a start the reception is 200 times better and I'm liking the music (even if it just a cd or whatever).

Are these just rumors or is it official? Nobody knows much or they ain't talking!

I hope all the coast boys and girls got a nice payoff today. It's the least they deserve. One benefit of the coast staff being sacked is that we will no longer have to put with that Mark fellow.

Anonymous at 15.46 - I'm hearing don plenty isn't in charge at coast, but channel4fm's current controller Neil Bowden.

Anonymous said...

can anyone confirm if it's true about Media Week closing down?

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the positive comment about the coast music . This is just the beginning . Stay tuned for more updates .

Anonymous said...

dont you mean"comment"? cant wait...yawn.

Anonymous said...

I'm a freelancer who hasn't hadn't been paid by Media Week to the tune of Dhs5,000. I don't think I'm speaking out of turn as it's on here already, but they told me it could be months before I was paid now - because they were winding down the magazine. It may, so I'm told, go monthly - and with no freelancers used.
Apparently it is running/was run at a big loss. Bad time to launch, I guess. Campaign in a similar situation, so they tell me. Maybe that will go monthly too - though it does seem far less editor-heavy.
The irony is that I still freelance for MW's sister titles, and I'm paid on time every 30 days, more or less. Apparently they are making good money, but are run on separate budgets - so can pay us from their profits. Very frustrating. I would have assumed most publishing companies run a single budget. Anyone heard of this business model before?

Anonymous said...

So according to various threads, in the last month, the closures are:
The Buzz (Turquoise Publishing)

Your Business (DIT)
VIVA Girl
 (ITP)
Society Dubai (Motivate)
Education Times (ITP)

Airport
 (ITP)
Medical Times (ITP)

Dentist
 (ITP)
Arabian Insight (no idea)
Media Week (ENG)

ITP certainly leading the pack there, then. Any I've missed?

Anonymous said...

Radio Kaka? I'll leave that to Sheikh Masrour - he certainly needs him!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a better version of Radio 2. How long until it is ruined with crap cringeworthy radio ads?

Anonymous said...

Never mind the ads,if Neil Bowden is in charge that can only mean Yawn Plenty has his own show? thrilling broadcasting.

Anonymous said...

Insight - ITP

Anonymous said...

I really liked Media Week!

Anonymous said...

On the one hand some of you deserve to make a living and Dubai is a good place for that because of its competitive salaries and every-day sunshine. On the other some of you do not deserve to star in your own reality show, but you do, and you don't know it.

Anonymous said...

Mediaweek has not been closed down what a load of rubbish

Anonymous said...

I just overheard some scary comments made in a breakfast meeting this morning at one of Dubai's leading hotels,...which sounded something like ITP were just bought out by Google???!

And that all the ITP staff are to be replaced by robots and drones, which are be built jointly between GM, Chrysler and Ford!?

Anonymous said...

Read the full story here:

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/547272-channel4-fm-operator-adds-rival-to-stable

Or....some quotes from Arabian Business dot com.

"The operator of UAE radio station Channel4 FM revealed on Wednesday that it has taken over the running of rival Coast 103.2 from Emirates Neon Group (ENG), after the station replaced all editorial content with automated music."

"The company will be bringing back live presenters to the station but it is not yet clear whether they will come from Coast FM’s previous team or Channel4’s existing lineup, a spokesperson said."

"ENG told Arabian Business it was unable to comment on the move since it is taking legal action against Fujairah Media, the operator of Fujairah’s media free zone that holds the FM broadcasting license for Coast FM."

"“We have been in dispute discussions with the management and shareholders of Fujairah Media, operators of Creative City over the quality of the signal for Coast FM and are sure that our commercial and legal efforts will be fruitful,” said Gemma McKeown, marketing director of ENG Media."

Gemma...thankfully it would appear you still have a 'paying' job at ENG. (how long that will last nobody knows) Could you please let us know which IDIOT ever told ENG that a transmitter located in FUJEIRAH (cause I'm pretty sure there's a huge market for an English station there) would EVER reach Dubai with a nice crisp clear signal??? I'd like to shake that person's hand and hire him to sell ice cubes to Eskimos.

Mr. Petch, Mr. Merchant...how's it feel gents??? That "karma" thing that's spinning round your heads at the moment. I'm sure you know the old saying.

And what about all you wonderful “haks” out there? What socially responsible story will you be running in your papers about unpaid staff at Coast? What about the personal side of things like, staff defaulting on loans due to non-payment from ENG (some since December), other staff members facing eviction and even jail time, all the broken promises from Misters’ Petch and Merchant, those lovely decked out studios in MOE sat empty and locked (why’s that Mr. Merchant…uhmm Mr. Petch…anything?)

Oh…and if you’re a real hack who is capable of doing some digging….may I suggest a day or two down at the courts reading the publicly displayed dockets that include ENG in the transcripts?

As far as some sort of recourse for the staff at Coast….well, it would appear ENG (if I’m to believe what’s been posted here) has fired you all…with NO notice. I’d go to the papers, the governing labour office, hire a lawyer (as I’m sure you can afford it), whatever you can. Just don’t let these DICKHEADS get away with yet ANOTHER scam.

Anonymous said...

but 12:38, you should know by now that almost everything on this site is pure shite.

Anonymous said...

Coast staff not paid for Jan yet, Coast staff still given no word by Petch the fucking moron!
Coast staff members let down so badly! Feel sorry for them.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant!!! To find out your company has been taken over by another entity via a sudo news website...with no word from the management except lies....hmmm.

Anonymous said...

I feel sorry for anyone who has had to deal with Neil Fletch. He epitomises everything that is crap and wrong with Dubai. Before I moved back to the UK, I had to deal with him when he was Sales Director at ITP. He only got to that position because his daddy bailed out ITP, when they had cash issues. The guy is a complete and utter scrote

Anonymous said...

I suspect his Daddy might be needed again soon...

Anonymous said...

COAST IS DEAD RIP

Anonymous said...

To the person who very kindly refers to ENG Management and owner as 'Dickhead'.

Mate, how on earth can you really comment on the intimate business dealings of a company when you deal in speculation?
My guess is that they have at some time sacked your ar*e for non performance, not knowing what you were doing of for just being a plain pratt!

Your reference to what goes around... mate, watch your back, because it's gonna come to your turn sure enough...

It's all very nice to sit back on your scrawny behind and point finger, but when was the last time you started a company?
When did you ever risk money and time to try and build business?

My guess is never!People like you will never amount to much because you dont have what it takes! You are a follower and not a leader.
You will remain this way forever because you lack balls.

ENG may have over stretched themselves in some areas, but they are by no means alone.
As far as the radio station is concerned, there is far more to what happened than most of you know.
Basically, they were shafted. Given empty promises. It happens in business mate. Something you will never have to worry about as you will always work for the 'man' and will always hide behind him for support for the rest of your life.

To the staff of Coast, I am truly sorry to hear of the sale, although I am now aware of a kind of alternative move by certain independant individuals, to keep you gainfully employed. It is in it's infancy stage at the moment, but I do know first hand of talks going on behind the scenes.

To the 'Dickhead' I was talking to earlier, ENG are still paying salaries. Yes, they are not on time, and are coming in two installments. However, if one approaches a landlord, a headmaster, a creditor and explains the situation, most are sympathetic.

Now, go back to pointing your little bent finger some more. I pitty your present/future employer.

Anonymous said...

wonder if Neil has waived his salary or bonus to allow salaries and freelancers to be paid?

Anonymous said...

well done Petch you gorilla! Count your money and smack Olga's bum!

Anonymous said...

Petch has a small willy

Anonymous said...

Silly comments!

Anonymous said...

anon at 20.47. would you prefer we went back to counting the people owed money by ENG?

Anonymous said...

Apparantly suppliers are not getting paid by ENG as well!

Anonymous said...

We could start with the companies that owe ENG money!

Anonymous said...

Just how bad is ENG going to get...

Anonymous said...

Unfortunately Karma doesnt appear to touch Mr Petch and those like him,they will bounce back with another scam, Dubai will no doubt put them on the pages of the hot 100 and watch them yet again on tv talking about how well they are doing living the dream.

Anonymous said...

I think it is inevitable that people are going to be frustrated with ENG if they are not being paid. However, it's in all of our interests that the company, along with others that are going through similar things, survive.

Otherwise we are going to be back with just one or two players in this market - no doubt one of which will be ITP, which I have no doubt still paying its people on time (and credit to them for that.)

Petch may already be an asshole, but he probably needs to be an even bigger one if he wants to be around long term. Look who is getting back fastest - ITP.

ITP have been through this many times before - and that is in their advantage. They will cut back ahead of the curve to ensure cash flow, and set themselves up to be in a position of strength when this is all over.

ENG needs to sort out its cash position quickly. If this means sacking more people and hacking team sizes to the bone, do it quickly.

Not being able to pay people will destroy morale and distract management time from the bigger picture of how to get through this in as good a shape as possible.

Anonymous said...

Wasn't Fujairah Media another M*kki Abd*ll*h company? First Channel 4,then Capital Radio, then Radio 1 and 2 - Isn't he King Midas in reverse?

Anonymous said...

19 feb 18:27

Have you ever approached a landlord,headmaster,bank because the company you work for have failed to pay your salary?
The bank will hound you endlessly wanting money you cant give them and charge you a ridiculous amount for the earache,I have yet to meet a sympathetic landlord when the date you are supposedly getting paid on never materialises and the schools here are not that charitable either.
What is the purpose of keeping people "gainfully employed" if the company has no money to pay them,but keep stringing them along dangling the promise of eventual salary owed.
Neil Petch is still living his fancy life with his fancy wife while his staff are still not paid.
How does he sleep at night? or do you lose your concience and integrity when you take a risk and build a buisness.

Anonymous said...

Listed to Coast this morning, although it's a CD thats playing I wanted to top myself it was so depressing if this is whats to come there are going to bodies lying along SZR not from road traffic accidents but from people throwing themselves out of their moving cars. What a load of crap.

Anonymous said...

I like the music playing on coast now.Makes a change from all the kiddy pop and r&b that everyone else is now playing (including ch4 which has changed too).

Anonymous said...

Maybe time to publish Petch's home address and pay him a little visit? If the law doesn't protect people from his thievery then lets take it into our own hands - I wonder how much it costs to respray one of his nice cars after a pint of brakefluid has been tossed over it? Another trick is to dump a pint of milk all over the interior - in the heat it will start stinking very quickly.

Anonymous said...

Lets face it anything is better than 92. The station should be on the scrap heap.

Anonymous said...

To Anonymous @12:34

I've worked with Neil and I actually like the guy. Even if I didn't, your post goes too far. I'll tell you what, you publish your personal information and we'll see how tough you are.

anon_mediator said...

obviously we won't be taking the advice of anon @ 12.34, so no need for anyone to get their knickers in a twist.

Anonymous said...

to anon @14.11

Direct action and sabotage have for a long long time been the refuge of a totally shafted workforce. As the UAE forbids unions and the scum who run most of the companies fuck off into the distance without even paying wages then quite rightly there should be payback. This ain't about stupid macho posturing or acting tough it's to let cunts like Petch know that there are consequences to his actions. Of course, he could do the right thing, sell a car and pay everyone's wages. If not, he will deserve anything that comes his way.

Anonymous said...

NEWS as of Today Sunday 22nd FEB

All Current Coast staff fired

I feel sorry for you guys

Nice one ENG!

Anonymous said...

Huh????
According to the post on 18 February, 2009 15:46 they had already been sacked.

Anonymous said...

Its very sad to see this station go & I really feel sorry Coast staff.

Also ARN(AMG) ubsidiary of Dubai Holding, has shut down one of its newest radio stations, Pulse 95.3 FM,hindi station and laid off its staff. Pulse 95.3 was the only channel on the air in UAE to provide productive information and discussions that would help all the Indian subcontinental ex partriates.

I do believe the official line of frequency problem being the reason for closure of the radio station. But not the frequency quoted, but the frequency of ads that they could get in this difficult times. You can imagine how bad the frequency of revenue generation would be if they are not in a position to invest in addressing a basic problem of freqency band-width. It is like saying the car was sold because it did not run properly, when the fuel is not filled, the car definitely cannot run properly.

You see the official line is indeed true, it is a problem of frequency.

Anonymous said...

Confusion reigned on Thursday over the future of UAE radio station Coast FM, with owner Fujairah Media saying it was unaware of any legal action against it by former operator Emirates Neon Group (ENG).

Micky Abdullah, Fujairah Media’s director of radio, told Arabian Business that the contract with ENG’s radio division, which included advertising sales, marketing and day to day management of Coast FM, was terminated in January.

But he said he was unaware of any legal dispute with ENG which said on Wednesday that it had been in dispute discussions with Fujairah Media over the quality of the broadcasting signal of Coast FM and that it was convinced its “commercial and legal efforts” would be fruitful.

“If they have a legal action [against us], it’s the first time I hear about that, because we have a lot of work that we continue to do with ENG, so I’m quite surprised about that,” he said.

“ENG have more than 100 employees in our media free zone here in Fujairah. They are running many magazines for us.”

Abdullah said the reason for terminating the Coast FM contract was “confidential market information”, but added: “Basically, they were unable to fulfill a fundamental part of their contract.”

His comments followed an announcement by Fujairah Media on Wednesday that the Ajman Independent Studios network had taken over the running of the station.

Anonymous said...

Eh... they are running magazines, but not in Fujairah Freezone. Yet they are issuing dodgy FFZ visa's to (most of the) staff - when they eventually get around to it that is. Have heard the visa situation there is almost as timely as the salary transfers! The staff are actually working in downtown burj Dubai offices whilst their MD etc work (if you could call it work) from a location on SZ rd. meanwhile the Human Resources dept. (from the reports i have heard they are more like Inhumane Resources) are based in Sharjah?!
- it's like the company that Jack built, any wonder it is falling to bits.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr Petch
Were you one of the staff that worked so hard on coast,regardless of late pay,broken promises and eventually being made redundant...and still no sign of money.?
With a bumbling old fool like you at the wheel there was only one place were taking it.So when you stroll down the beach sipping your champers with your bought bride,just think it might be your turn soon ,you might then think about all the people and their familys you have stamped on in the past.
Karma

Anonymous said...

Does anyone have Petch's or any other ENG executive's home address or phone number?

Until he coughs he, or any other dodgy non-paying Dubai media exec, should be held to account.

Anonymous said...

New Blog:

City7 Lays off 90 workers and the rest are assured no pay cuts.

is it worth going on with the channel, seriously, can anyone who works there anonomously fill us in?

Anonymous said...

2 words.

"Chapter" and "Eleven".

Applies to ITP too.

Anonymous said...

to 13.42

I doubt petch is worried about a thick cunt like you having his phone number. Not exactly hard to get is it? Fucking moron.

Anonymous said...

to 19:56:

If Mr P is such a good bloke, why does he not pay his staff and suppliers without telling them?

Anonymous said...

this blog truly proves the lunatics have taken over the asylum and the cretins are devouring themselves with cannibalistic glee like crabs and afterwards all that will be left will be an empty shell and lots of sand.

a metaphor for modern dubai.

Anonymous said...

Might not be hard to get but I think we should go after cunts like Petch. Publishing telephone numbers and addresses sends a message out - the best one being we know where you and your expensive cars live.
I particularly like the idea of ripped off staff turning up on his doorstep en-masse and taking goods to the value of what he owes.

Anonymous said...

to anon 19:56

Mensa must be knocking your door down,such an original and witty use of the English language I can only assume you graduated with honors.
Obviously the person asking for his phone number has not been here long enough to know that most ex patrons of the classy establishment that was the cyclone have his number on speed dial,and is too busy with his "special friends"to get down to any real work like paying staff etc etc etc etc

Anonymous said...

to 20:24
He isnt,and he can only have posted that himself.

Anonymous said...

why would he pay them without telling them?
(too many illiterate cocks in here - can we not put a cock on thickos?)

Anonymous said...

If the ENG staff aren't getting paid but still make the magazines every week or month, then fair enough. I'm not surprised if that Neil Petch sit back at his villa on the palm and relax. Losers.

Anonymous said...

Who got sacked in the mass firing from ITP yesterday? I heard 25 people but KT says only 8...

Anonymous said...

Only a tosser would spend hours honing and perfecting a blog posting. And only a cunt would try and point-score off of typos.

Anonymous said...

Time Out could be next on the closure list - apparently all the ads are being pulled as insiders have got wind of their real sales figures.

Anonymous said...

why don't ENG staff stage a walk-out then? i bet their suppliers are considering, and their freelancers too.

Anonymous said...

Call the international media - CNN BBC etc - and then stage a totally peaceful walkout.

Then all go to Petch's house to see where your money has gone - taking cameras with you.

Anonymous said...

Leave Petch alone you idiots, he's a really nice guy. Honest to God. It's ITP you wana go after, they're the real cunts of the industry. Go after Serafin or pornstar Southwell. Then when you're finished, go burn Petch's house down. Easy peasy.

Anonymous said...

Has Petch actually fired anyone? Or not paid anyone? Coast has been bought out - it's up to the owners who they keep/whether they re-launch the station as music only, surely?

Serafin and AdService have both fired lots of people, and closed mags down.

I'd say - as an outsider of the three - I'd more likely go work for Petch if my mag is closed down.

Anonymous said...

to 19.54 you are delusional, mate. Safety in numbers at ITP is your best bet. Petch, no chance.

Anonymous said...

to 20.08: Like I say, I work outside the 'big three' and I can't see that Petch has fired anyone, or let anyone go. ITP, in terms of staff numbers, are obviously bigger. But they are the ones letting people go. As a business model, I'd suggest that indicates ITP were too 'flabby' whereas ENG were not. Time will tell of course. But from afar, I'd imagine ENg has the better business model. On what basis would you disagree?

Anonymous said...

Very strong rumours from well-placed people in London that Time Out in the UK is in big big trouble and is likely to either go bust or be sold off.
No idea yet who will buy but what this might mean for ITP is anyone's guess. Without Time Out it is very clear that ITP's cultural capital will have completely bottomed out.
It is becoming very clear that ITP's business model is now defunct and that they are, in the mid to long term, a bad bet.
I would suggest that ITP staff now consider an exit plan asap. Dubai is not a place to be stuck with large bills and no work.

Anonymous said...

When all is said and done, the sad fact remains that it was ITP who set the "treat your staff like pieces of camel shit" trend that the local media industry is now renowned for.

So, if anyone deserves to get shafted Dubai-style, its the guys at the top of the ITP tree. But of course you do have to feel sorry for the vast majority of the staff who somehow managed to get roped into for them under false pretenses. Including me! But at least I got out at the first available opportunity instead of hanging around with my head in the sand hoping things would get better.

This is just what the Middle East's media industry needs. Time for a fresh start and new thinking. Sack all the good-for-nothing cunts at the top and in the middle - and create a fresh new, vibrant management.

Maybe there's some hope for you guys after all.

Anonymous said...

anon 22.04 one thing you can't accuse ITP of is being flabby. New mags are started with skeleton staff (usually editorial people on another magazine) and cost minimal amounts. The fact that it is known as the sweat shop should give you an indication of how little flab is in the organisation, apart from top management.

Does ENG have a business model for its publishing unit? or was it a case of Petch getting them to sign a blank cheque by promising they could take over the world?

to be honest, I would probably go with Motivate. The company has been around forever.

Anonymous said...

More Time Out London info - Gordon Thomson the editor, walked yesterday. Things are described by an insider as being 'very very bad' and that 'they will only get worse'.
As Time Out London have been one of the worst and latest payers in town then this poster won't be shedding too many tears should they go to the wall.

Anonymous said...

i didn't care for the southwell swipe-- he's a good guy (and no, i haven't worked for him or at itp)

Anonymous said...

Just out of interest - who are the "Big Three"? IMV, Motivate and ?

Anonymous said...

But Motivate have also chopped staff. And they employ two very big wage earners at the top of the editorial side. Why, I don't know.
I'd say ITP is flabby in terms of number of magazines that they could (and soon will) do without.
I'd feel safest working under the ENG or TMF business models, myself.

Anonymous said...

I'd feel safest not working in Dubai - period - it will crash as quickly as it rose.

Seriously guys - plan your exit.

Anonymous said...

Where is Akhtar Khan for Dubai Eye?

Anonymous said...

Why has Ben Whyte been taken off of Dubai 92's online schedule?

Anonymous said...

Akhtar Khan is on a work/travel sojourn in Australia

Anonymous said...

Khan was fired for saying 'ummm' 2,0026 times in one show

Anonymous said...

Big three - ITP, Motivate and... erm...take your pick from ENG/CPI/TMF

Anonymous said...

Business models???
Are you suggesting both ENG and TMF adhere to business models?
If so, what exactly are they!
As someone still awaiting payment from ENG I'd love to hear. Perhaps this is all part of thier masterplan and I will be summoned to Petch's office where all the senior management will be hidding behind a desk. On my arrival they will spring out shouting surprise and stuff thousands of dirhams in my pocket. It will turn out the last few months working conditions were all part of a huge well executed pratical joke and everything at ENG is going according to 'plan'.
TMF has also made redundancies, but I'm sure those still employed - who are forced to clock in and out of the office by a regime that announced they must know your whereabouts at all times, to inspire and empower their staff by treating them like 3 year olds - will be equally delighted they are working according to one genius masterplan.
Lets face it Dubai media is run by a shower of sharletons, and the only plans worthwhile are those that are prefixed with the word exit.

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know what Mr Petch does at ENG? Also who are his sidekicks there?

Anonymous said...

around 200 job cuts at AMG this afternoon - anyone got more info??

Anonymous said...

Could I suggest urgent new thread based on the following letter sent to all AMG staff today - maybe DMO readers can comment on the "unique story of this organisation"


Dear All,



As you are all aware we are all witnessing the dawn of a Change. Markets are shifting and organizations are being called upon to reassess their businesses and drive their activity towards consumer needs.



As a group, we are not immune to the depth and severity of this situation that has been reflected in our daily lives as well as our business in their different shapes and forms. The current Global economic tides have forced us into a careful recalculation of our business decisions.



To address the challenges we face, now more than ever, we need to restructure our business and transform AMG into a results driven organisation, which values quality over quantity and is focused on accelerating its rate of growth. As a result, very difficult decisions, including Staffing, will have to be made today.



We want to remember the unique story of this organisation and how we have shown, within a short time, our innovative roots and strong vision.



To fully realize our potential, we will all need to make adjustments and compromises. I am confident that if we work together, as one team, we will come out of this difficult time in our history even stronger and be well placed to multiply our growth moving forward.



Thanks and regards,

Mohamed Almulla

Group Executive Director

Anonymous said...

You can all bleat and moan as much as you want, but this is an unprecedented global recession. It's not the 1930s – this beast is worldwide.

Now, look at the Gulf, which has, up 'til now, never ever experienced a recession. People are standing there with their dicks in their hand or knickers around their ankles saying "what happened?"

Well, Generation X welcome to the real world. You had your PDA's and Facebooks and iphones and wonderful salaries from PIT or de-Motivate and you all lapped up the cream from Dubai. Wonderful wasn't it?

No point hounding Petch or any other of the idiots of publishing here in Dubai. You all rode the seemingly invincible gravy train but it's derailed at Clapped- Out Junction.

Publishers will do what's prudent and in the best of self interest. They'll fire staff, close mags and sell their houses in Tuscany and Phuket. You are commodities and if you think that loyalty and service will get you anywhere, then you're seriously deluded.

Publishing and the media in Dubai are all part and parcel of commerce. The outrage expressed on this blog is genuine, but I suspect it comes from some people who would have happily gotten pissed in Barasti, blagged a freebie at a five star and ended up in Automatic at 3 in the morning, slurring over a shawarma.

If you were running a business in Dubai at the moment, wouldn't you have done the same thing too?

It's painful for everyone, but don't think of what you had (it's gone forever, trust me) but think of you may be.

Good luck.

Anonymous said...

All media staff in Dubai should start planning their exit strategies now - run before you're made redundant and your stuck with an uncancelled visa and huge debts.

And nick as much as you can from any employer who owes you money on the way out - i'd go for hard-drives, cameras anything you can lay your hands on.

Don't worry - there is NO way they can touch you in the UK...

Anonymous said...

To sack staff and not even provide them with enough money to fly out the country is disgusting,if these companys fold it will be deserved and can only hope it takes the greedy bastards that steal staffs rightful earnings with it.

Anonymous said...

It's a classic case: Spew out excrement (disguised loosely as journalism) year after year and eventually you'll end up in shit but you won't know it's shit coz rather like a farmer in Wales, you don't notice the smell or how deep over your knees it is anymore. Bye fuckers. You deserve everything you get.

Anonymous said...

Please do me one favour and read this.

I wonder about many of the blogs left at this site, and think many of you miss what is right under your noses. I'm not talking to the "management", I'm talking to everyone else,… the bitter & underpaid journos,… the "we pay your wages & I want more money sales people", and everyone else in between.

You do realise that this blog only exists because we as a community like express to ourselves in an open forum. But I’m ashamed to be part of this community when I look at the number negative posts here, many of which are personal and written selfishly against those who you accepted employment from. I realise our community is shrinking, people are being made redundant and losing their jobs, but there wasn't so much of your finger poking and complaining before the global credit crisis.

Would call yourself an intelligent experienced professional? Did you not notice the huge level of overseas investment in the UAE? Didn't you think to yourself, "Who's paying for all this?" whilst you were there ordering another bottle of belvedere that you couldn’t afford but were happy to claim back from the "management"?

No, many of you chose to ignore it and chose instead to ride the wave. So come on guys, take a look in the mirror. Mr ITP and crew didn’t plan the demise of their businesses, they are doing what they think they need to do keep their business running. If it was you, and the banks have shut up shop, revenues are decreasing by the day, people are paying what they owe you, then what would you do. And this isn’t Europe or North America, this is the Middle East.

I’m not and am nowhere near to being the “management” and I’m not a brown noser. Yes I do still have a job here. I’m someone at a media company in the UAE that needs everyone else to be a little a lot less personal, a bit more realistic, and lot more positive. Otherwise if we stay like this and this rant and raving continues, we’re all facing the doom and gloom that some of us are experiencing.

Anonymous said...

10:15 Die.

Anonymous said...

anon @ 10.15 the reason there is so much bitterness in the Dubai media scene is cos of the owners. Sure people have to take personality responsibility but if you do have ethics etc you have to leave Dubai pretty quickly.
The owners have made decisions about creating high-yield unsustainable businesses with zero concern for welfare, employee rights, human resources. The attitude is 'sack em and get someone else' if anyone shows the slightest hint of independence or threat to the party line cos there have always been plenty of bodies getting off the boat.
Everyone knows this and everyone has seen companies like ITP treat people like complete garbage. And most people sit there and say nothing becoming part of the mechanics of this process. Disgusting stuff.
If you do stay then back-biting nastiness and total cunt employers are part of the game.
And people like me, who saw how pathetic and cowardly most people in Dubai were when people were being treated badly - well, don't expect sympathy while Dubai falls into the fucking sea and ITP and AMG and most of the cunts who work there drown with it.
You've made your pact with the devil now stop whining and learn to fucking live with it.

Anonymous said...

okey doke

Leave Dubai and go WHERE?

Do let us know

Anonymous said...

Guantanamo Bay is good this time of year.

No seriously, go fuck off back to the country you came from. It's that simple. If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen. If you can't beat them, join them. It takes two to tangle. Empty vessels make the most noise. Or something.

Anonymous said...

There's also "if you can't beat them, arrange to have them beaten" ;)

and it takes two to tangle? Never heard that one before.

Anonymous said...

Would happily go back to where I came from,one simple problem is the fuckers failed to pay me a fucking penny so maybe somewhere in your smug little brain you would comprehend you cunt and I only hope your name isnt pulled out of the hat next.

Anonymous said...

22:14, And what would that paragraph look like in English?

Anonymous said...

23:57
The same.

Anonymous said...

@2357 - What kind of cunt critiques a blog-posting's English? If you're expecting Pulitzer Prize winning copy on DMO then you're a complete and utter twat. 2214's meaning was very clear. If you didn't get it just fuck off back to the insularity of your pathetic nothing life. Obviously, unlike you, not everyone has the time to spend honing their postings.

Cunt.

Anonymous said...

It's a real shame that this discussion has degenerated to this level. We are all living through difficult times and should try and support each other. I think the media, more than any other business in Dubai is teetering on the brink of obscurity. We are only important in our own minds and not really to the population at large who will live on regardless should we fall.

On another note, I'm sad about the demise of Coast in the form it was, as I enjoyed listening to breakfast and especially Mark with his mad sense of humour. I hope that the take-over by Channel 4 owners will benefit the station and not make it a dumbed down version of Channel 4. Does anyone know if any of the guys will be hired. I'm really hoping that Mark is brought back and the breakfast guys. We all need a bit if cheering up at the beginning and end of the day, and between them they certainly did that.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, I agree. Stop bickering you annoying twats and try and fix your broken lives.

Anonymous said...

anon @1554 My life isn't 'broken' you cretin.

And I am not bickering - I am gloating.

Anonymous said...

i see people are complaining about radio in dubai . here is the challenge . you will have total control of a top english radio station in prime time for one hour . 3 people will get this chance to get their music played . target audience 35 years plus. . 25 songs is simple so i assume it will be good . the ball is in everyones court now!

Anonymous said...

25 songs in one hour? erm wont fit!no wonder the radio is so crap,moron.Can the three people also talk shit all over the 25 songs?

Anonymous said...

Actions really do speak louder than words.

If you have been fucked over by ENG (as i most certainly have) quit moaning on here and get yourself down to the Dept. Residency and Naturalisation, go straight to Monitoring and Investigation. Bring along ANY written correspondence/evidence of any description. File a formal complaint, they will agree to open a case against them. The more people who bring this to the attention of the authorities the better. If they get enough strikes against them, they can be blacklisted this will hopefully force them to clean up their act. Which they seriously need to do, presently, the company at management level is a complete and utter MESS. Dodgy visas',severe lack of visas', not paying staff on a regular basis, the worst HR dept. in the world. They cannot continue to treat people this way. The most ridiculous thing is they are still HIRING (poor naive people from the UK)

SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT IT ASAP!

Anonymous said...

I've said it previously - get the home addresses of ENG directors and lets make them public here.

Should begin to show them that if the wheels of justice don't turn on them maybe something else can arranged.

Anonymous said...

OK, so once you get the addresses, which I'd imagine isn't too difficult - what do you propose to do?

Anonymous said...

what are the UAE labour laws regarding redundancy? Are companies meant to give 3 months notice or can they get away with 1 month?

Anonymous said...

@2145 - Far be it for me to make suggestions about how out of pocket employees should go about getting their money back or revenge in before flying out of the country....

Anonymous said...

I found this following ad on a UK media site and it all seems very strange in the current climate. Not just this ad but another 4 or 5 looking for radio staff from the UK. Is there a new station called Gulf Radio or does anyone know which radio station this could be pertaining to?...

'Tired of the same old …. Same old….? Here’s a chance break out of the mould and join a team of highly motivated and creative radio staff. One of the largest media organisations in the Gulf is recruiting top quality professionals from across the radio industry. You must be experienced, with a minimum of 3 years in a major market position, committed to producing well-crafted creative programming as part of a team and be able to take direction. Fabulous package for the right candidates and a great opportunity for self-development in a great working environment. Absolute confidentiality assured for all that apply.'

To apply:
Send C.V. with short demo, 3 minutes only to

gulfradiolive.com'

Taken from mediauk.com if anyone's interested in applying.

By the way,interesting comments on this forum. Food for thought indeed. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

10:52, Bit of a cop out, really. Surely you must have some ideas in your head, for you to come up with the idea in the first place? Anyway, you don't need the boss' personal addresses. Here's what you do, I'll start you off:

1) Steal the company's database and sell to others who have no morals, aka ITP.

2) Stay late one evening and put as many "small valuables" as you can fit an into a sports holdall. Laptops, phones, cables, modems, calculators, memory sticks, post-it notes, they're all good.

3) Hijack the company's main computer system by installing trojan key loggers on main computers, thus giving you passwords for the all important servers and email accounts. Start by sending out a mass e-mail about what ENG has done to y'all and list the offences. Set the system to send out 1 email per day, for every day the company doesn't resolve the issues, with increasingly damaging mailers. Then, once you have taken control of a few important email accounts, send a personal mail to all addresses in the address book, which can be anything depending on your mood, e.g. notification of the company's closure to all clients, etc. Anything damaging really.

5) If all this fails, burn down their houses and flee the country, change your name by deed poll, use the proceeds from the stolen office items to get cheap back street plastic surgery in Vietnam, fly back to the UK and live the life of a hermit.

Right, enough of this shit, I've said enough and next time, I bill you by the minute. OK, off to rescue the Thiruvananthapuram Times from the local All-Gay-Left-wing-extremist-protect-cows-from-getting-worshipped-untouchables mob, who have picketed outside the front office.

Anonymous said...

As Dubai property bubble has burst, you know the ship is going down ...

Anonymous said...

ok ok anon @ 0435

Sabotage techniques

As advised steal the small stuff - hard-drives, digital cameras, pens etc - anything that can fit down the front of your trousers.

Milk is a great sabotage weapon - pouring it all over the carpet of an office can make the place stink so bad they have to rip-up carpets etc.

It also works well inside a car - imagine the stink it would create in a bentley or lambo if left overnight - the interior would be ruined.

Scratching paintwork is always good while brake fluid is also very useful when poured over the bonnet.

Start copying as many essential files as you possibly can - gmail is great for this and stores them remotely with minimum hassle.

When you're at a safe distant send all these files - especially planning documents, pay spread sheets, budgets, even copy, listings - to your company's competitors.

The UAE allows no lawful expression of dissent so your actions are clearly legitimate.

Don't get caught.

Anonymous said...

Enough of the past and the mess and the sinking ship. Can we now focus on pioneering ways to create a new business model or entrepreurial ventures out of this? There are a lot of talented people in this blog...

Anonymous said...

Why the fuck should all these talented people help you cunts in Dubai?

Fuck Dubai.

Anonymous said...

01:36 - you sound very jealous!

Anonymous said...

10.53 - how possibly could "Why the fuck should all these talented people help you cunts in Dubai? Fuck Dubai." be deduced as jealousy?

And what, per chance, would someone be jealous of?

Dubai's racism, exploitation, lack of human rights, censorship, lack of culture, shit food, shit places to live, unbearable heat, endless droning spivs, religious intolerance, appalling traffic etc etc etc etc?

Anonymous said...

But you're always here, always banging on about "spivs" and ITP, and how bad the food is. Always anonymous, but always with the unmistakable stench of 40-something tragedy wafting around your prose.

Are you going to start in on golf courses next? Accuse people of being management?

Face it. This is the closest you can get to your youth, isn't it? Banging on to an audience of people in their 20s about how the world works.

They won't stand near you in the pub, will they?

Anonymous said...

Oh come on 10:53 - you are incredibly jealous. It's obvious.

Anonymous said...

Does anybody know about the radio jobs @19:19 cos Ive recently lost my job and need to work asap otherwise its bye bye Dubai;-) Ta.

Anonymous said...

@ 1337 - and you're always here defending mediocrity and banality. Attempting to assuage your liberal guilt cos you know that Dubai is all wrong but you lack any kind of conviction or courage so just go along with it so you can 'get on the property ladder.' I mean if you are going to enjoy the benefits of spivdom at least do it properly - at least Petch et al have the guts to live Dubai's nightmare/dream. You? You're sitting waiting on other people's energies yet always torn and knowing, deep down in your thin skinned soul, that you'll never, ever make it if you have to go back home.

As I said earlier - Fuck Dubai. Any CVs I see from there will get shredded and tossed.

Anonymous said...

17:49 - still sound jealous...

Anonymous said...

17:49

I rarely comment on here at all, Granddad. I just know you because you are neither hot nor cold, and frankly, your tragic joy at a downturn in the economic cycle - plus the fact you can't type five words without saying "spiv" - makes me spew.

You want to accuse people of defending mediocrity? Print every word of self-justification you've ever written - anonymously - on this blog. You define the mediocre.

Incidentally, every psychological jab in your response misses me by a country mile. Property ladder? Scared to go home? (Mumbai, actually). Liberal guilt?

Yet - I can't help notice you don't deny the tragic 40-something description. Tell you what - I won't you send you my CV, if you don't send me your suicide note.

Anonymous said...

17:49's a tosser?!?!
hehe

Anonymous said...

Anon @1950 (Is that AM or just PMS?)

It wasn't denied because there's nothing to deny dude... obviously you must be feeling a bit stressed so need to get it all out...

However, I must admit I do take some pleasure at watching the likes of Madoff going to prison and other bankers/crooks running scared. The collapse of the latest form of capitalism was completely inevitable and predictable. As is the collapse of Dubai.

We've lived through one of the most amoral and nihilistic passages of history and I for one am very happy it is over.

Neo-liberalism is dead and its wet dream in Dubai is going with it. You laid money on the wrong horse and nobody anywhere will think you or your work is worth shit. Too bad...

As I said before, at least the spivs (come on, I had to use it at least once) had the guts to just get the car and the girl. The rest of you, particularly those who knew it was fucked but stayed anyway, deserve everything you get.

Anonymous said...

Neil Petch and guts! he is only a puppet!

Anonymous said...

22:05 - yawn...

Anonymous said...

@ 0823 - you keep yawning and I'll keep giggling as another batch of unemployable media ex-pats return whence they came.

You know I'm right.

xx

Anonymous said...

11:56

Oh, get off this blog, you tragic, aging, talentless hack. You blew it in Dubai, and now - years later - you're hanging round a website for UAE journalists, pretending that you'll never employ them for your fictional magazine.

Does that really tell you that your life has worked out as planned? Or does it tell you that you're a pathetic attention-seeker, who's only validation in life is being a dick on this site?

Anonymous said...

ENG have refused to pay us since October 2008, and they haven't been able to afford a token 10% as a gesture of commitment. This is further to continued broken promises. They cannot afford a working voicemail or stable e-mail either by their own account.

They have also left a trail of un-paid debt in the UK after their failed attempt to enter the market, with Ashley Rees now recieving a CCJ for un-paid debts apparently.

The matter has now been passed to the media both in Dubai and London - so that no one else succumbs to their practices.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Mr Anonymous-ENG have left a trail of debt abroad (UK) and just run away promising to pay never delivering on that promise and hiding in UAE.
Rehan Merchant-little sap!

Anonymous said...

In most cases i would probably be on the side of management for sacking people during this time, face it, times are tough and dubai publishers aren't the only ones letting people go, but really, if they weren't such c*cks at ENG (management), then i'm sure people would curse the situation rather than the people, but petch and the rest set themselves up for disaster when they decided to play shop. and i cannot believe that one blogger actually said that they(ENG) do pay salaries but in 2 installments....wtf????and landlords etc are very reasonable when you explain the situation to them wtfx2!!!???? That is hilarious, and who would degrade themselves to actually stay with a company who can't get the basics right?? I suppose those clowns don't know any better. And mind you, followers are as necessary as leaders, someone needs to suck up to the man. In the case of ENG 'the man' did, unfortunately, not bullsh*t well enough!

Anonymous said...

We have just been contacted by one of our competitors in London. Someone is going for the jugular with ENG. You can't piss to many people off.

Anonymous said...

While tuning around today i noticed that Coast is back on air with RJ's, and a decent signal.

Listened while on the move at various times today and was pleasantly surprised.

Good Luck to all at Coast. Hope you can make a go of it.

Anonymous said...

You are joking right, you like the new Coast? The music is crap, just like going back in time to the music 12 months ago - now that's progress!!! Sounds like Don Plenty's ipod. He was sounding as crap as ever today cheese on a stick!

Before Coast got taken off air it was starting to sound really good (apart from the signal), great variety of music to suit all ages.

Yeah good luck guys you are going to need it.

Anonymous said...

the new coast good???....was that Don Plenty that wrote this...it is incredibly bad...the music is terrible...shame Coast became a good product...Im not an ex employee by the way....

Anonymous said...

Don Plenty sucks the sweat from a dead mans balls....



Coast are CUNTS for putting that tosser back on the air...

Anonymous said...

all of your newly found fortunes are over now, so you all are too obvious to be mad and yelling at these companies which realized that you are worth a pile of shit and its time to rethink their foolish moves by getting you in.so now its timeout to go see what you really are worth back to where you hail from..goodluck morons!

Anonymous said...

ENG - laying staff off left right and centre (staff that haven't been paid for over a month, cheeky bastards!)

2 editors among those let go. With more to come next week. Some say this is in preparation for complete wind down by next month.

And the dubai nightmare continues...

Anonymous said...

so who has left then?

or is this another rumour along the lines of Leavy and Johnson leaving Motivate?

Anonymous said...

trust me its true......

Anonymous said...

15:25 Right then,slight problem with that,seeing as ENG havent paid a fucking thing maybe I should start walking.
As for new found fortunes? you are having a laugh right?
Well I will leave you to it and will sleep well at night knowing its tossers like you left rethinking your foolish moves-will no doubt take a very long time.
Good luck to you too MORON ,sure you will need it much more than me.

Anonymous said...

So what is happening at ENG - Media Week is still coming out - I still see IQ. Are people at ENG working for love (or food), or what? Are they closing down (are they going to do an 'exclusive' on another media company going bust and write about themselves in Media Week). Also, what's happening at AMG, ITP, Motivate, CPI. Can we pull all the strings together?

anon_mediator said...

slightly edited comment from anon re ENG:

All Rehan is doing is stringing the remaining staff on a bit longer and wont pay them either!The ones that have been let go already shouldnt pin much hope on getting their wages ..never mind the rest,he STILL hasnt paid money owed to staff made redundant in feb!

He knows once staff are tied to contracts it is near on impossible to move to another company within the same industry so he can do what he wants.
why are they still interviewing if they are in so much financial shit?

Every dog gets its day,and it wont be long till Rehan and Petch get theirs.

Anonymous said...

But surely the fellas (and fella-ettes) from ENG are getting a bit pissed they are eating thin gruel as their one meal for the day [Apart from the management who are having to resort to bringing in lobster thermidor sandwiches for lunch]? Why are they still a) Recruiting; b) Publishing?

Anonymous said...

because this is Dubai & they can get away with it!

Where else in the world could they still be producing mags. despite treating their staff like shit and refusing to pay them their hard earned salary at the end of each month?

The staff are frightened to speak up, as someone mentioned in a previous post they are tied into 1 year/2 year contracts, with threats of abscondee reports to the authorities if they resign/break their contract. FUCKING OUTRAGEOUS! They tried to do it to me when i resigned. In fact they turned it around and refused to pay me what was owed and had a cheek to say I OWED THEM MONEY! and that they would report me to the authorities thinking this would scare me into paying them. UNBELIEVABLE.

Being a British national i had the confidence to go straight to the authorities in Fujairah and report them. They agreed to open a case against them, i produced all correspondence which basically outlined their lies and serious inability to run a company. HR basically ignoring the whole thing as was management who was cc'd in on everything yet refused to get involved. I was left to try to resolve the matter with my line manager who was in her own words..."clueless" - that basically sums the entire company up to me!

DUBAI GOVERNMENT NEED TO STEP IN TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES ASAP.

Otherwise everyone who has been fucked over by ENG should go public (the British press would THRIVE on this, A Piers Morgan follow up, The REAL Dubai!) tell the entire story, even if only to prevent them from hiring anymore innocent souls who will end up miserable, in debt having to live off their credit card in order to survive due to sporadic salary payments.

Anonymous said...

Not long now Rehan, not long. I laugh out loud when I realise what is mounting up against you, I know you haven't even thought about the way they are gonna bring you down pal. Very clever - far too clever for you!!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

Cheers for that 1336. But what about the other publishers and broadcasters? I'd just love to get a decent universal picture on the state of the media in Dubai (and wider UAE) before going into the second quarter of the year. Could the mods pull things together, or start a new thread?

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

I work at ENG and it's the 21st of March today - none of us have been paid for February yet!!! They say we might see Feb's salary tomorrow - but then how long will we wait for March?
Guess I'm stupid for staying there!

Anonymous said...

that doesn't bode well for freelancer payments then.

Anonymous said...

why doesnt everyone go to the ministry of labour? What can they do to you? they are only going to make you all redundant,and they have already made ridiculous wage cuts!...that they still havent paid.

Anonymous said...

Quote of the week from Rehan - I'm an obnoxious prick - Merchant: "Let's work harder together on plugging the holes in this sinking ship" ... need I say anymore?

Anonymous said...

Get out of ENG...you look silly for staying

Anonymous said...

I don't know Rehan, but my interest was piqued by this post.

Here's the last thing I found out about him from his Rising Star entry in the 'Hot 100' from 2007.


Rehan Merchant
THE MAN ON TOP OF DUBAI’S BILLBOARDS

One of Dubai’s most well recognised media figures, as part of outdoor media company, Emirates Neon, Rehan’s lived in the emirate most of his life – in his own words, “Long enough to understand, live and breathe the city.” But despite his passion for his home and his pets (he breeds anacondas), he is a man who looks further afield, especially when it comes to matters of conscience. “In 2006, I attended a charity dinner organised by a group called Saharay,” he explains. “The proceeds went to help earthquake victims in Pakistan. It was a real eye-opener, as often when one is away from such suffering, you don’t realise how much need there really is.” Rehan is eternally upbeat though and admits he “never leaves home without his cheeky smile”, but is determined to spend more time on charity work in the coming months.

It seems at the moment Rehan only needs to poke his nose out of his office door to see the suffering of staff doing all the charity work - for ENG!

Anonymous said...

Nick Pomeroy the circulation bloke has gone from ENG.Also Alex Ritter has been chopped.More senior people to go or have their pay halved.Rehan now has a share in a private jet.

Anonymous said...

When it comes to Coast,the new incarnation is rubbish.ENG will be bust before they can go through the courts to try and get it back!Petch and Rehan should not have let the radio guy Amonier go last summer.

Anonymous said...

Ahhh bless you really don't like ENG do you. It might be worth checking your facts before you go bitching about THE COAST. Just a tip try using Google.... Oh and if you have a problem with the music, maybe it's your music taste thats rubbish and not The Coast. Have a nice day now....

Anonymous said...

Oh dear 14.21, not everyone is going to like the music, that's obviously a question of taste. Might it be better to solicit suggestions from people as to the type of music they might like to hear rather than being so defensive? As for me, I would much prefer to hear the 'personality' again, which is sadly missing. It's going to be very hard to replace Rick in the morning and slightly mad Mark later on..these guys are genuinely funny and sustainable. Mark used to have me forgetting all about the my woes with his nutty sense of humour - I miss him and Rick and that says something about the talents of the guys. Good luck anyway with your endeavours. As for me, I'll probably shop around abit.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous @ 14.21, you obviously work for THE COAST so why not identify yourself? That way it's more personal and people might respond better. I'm not a huge fan so far, but realize that the new station needs time to settle in. I think a mistake has been made by far by not bringing the Rick @ Daniel with you.. These boys are so naturally funny. They need to be back. Good luck anyway and best wishes.

Anonymous said...

I am not the previous poster but before everybody jumps down my throat can I say that I don't have any association with coast, the new owners or Eng.

One thing I will say is that I am actually enjoying the new coast. They are doinga good job. As an outsider that doesn't know tghe inner workings of how a radio station operates I do know what I like. At least coast is doing something different to all the other english outlets. It makes a refreshing change to hear quality music without radio presenters shouting at me like virgin (anybody else find virgin REALLY REALLY annoying?).

Rick and Danny weren't to my liking but I can understand they had a following. Has anybody actually spoken to them? Everybody is saying it's a big loss or big mistake but maybe they dont want to work for new coast?

Anonymous said...

17:39 Jolly good,I would imagine the archers is more your cup of tea.
Out of interest, you dont know anything of ENG, coast-new and old nor the workings of a radio station,but happened to stumble on this site?

Anonymous said...

The Archers are a bloody sight more exiting and entertaining than the likes of Don Plenty etc.The people on this log who obviously work for Coast are in denial.The music overall is harmless but sounds like it'spretending to be a laid back US west coast station from '75
Jingles awful.You are not cool guys.Should have changed name to sleeping pill FM.Dont patronise people cos they think the station is not good,idiot.

Anonymous said...

Nothing wrong with the Archers mate.

Anonymous said...

Rehan's charity work is over.When he looks out of his door he sees........no one.

Anonymous said...

Rick and Dan were not to everyones liking but they did have personality which raised a smile and maybe turned a few stomachs. I work in mags but why do radio stations here think that all we want is music? I have an I pod for that - I want entertaining and I want a good laugh - R&D delivered but have now been cast aside for what is IMHO absolute drivel in the form of the new Coast. The music is so poor and I don't understand who it is aimed at - over 50 ex hippies? People who love to hear Don's soothing (boring) tones talking about nothing? Radio owners need to look harder and see that when fun, personalty radio guys are on - people listen and clients spend money!

Anonymous said...

In my humble opinion, the radio scene in Dubai is now, officially stagnant. We need personalities on the airwaves who will lift us out of the doom and gloom of the recession and what is happening around. There is nobody left who can do that. The best guys have gone. I only hope that some radio station boss/owner has the sense to bring Mark back to the Dubai radio scene. He took radio out of the doldrums and made it fun and interesting again. I also enjoyed listening to Rick and would suggest that these guys stand head and shoulders above the rest. Love them or hate them, Mark and Co brought competition to radio in Dubai and it's now gone. I'm sorry if this sounds dismissive to the rest of the presenters on the radio, but I'm just stating facts. The likes of Don Plenty who has been singled out for some heavy criticism on here is a fine example of this. He is doing his best and he's very enthusiastic but the problem is that everyone is of a level, which is fine but it's just so exciting and so 'Dubai' to want to take it to a higher plane and have 'the best of the best'. With the guys gone, it doen't apply to radio anymore.

Anonymous said...

@14.20

Look around. Best and exciting doesn't apply to Dubai anymore fullstop... if it ever did.

Anonymous said...

Spot on 1420.
the problem lies with most of the owners who are cynical in the extreme.ecause of the lack of accountable research right across the media sector no one really knows which stations are delivering the ratings.Owners dont want research cos it will disrupt their comfortable unaccountable cheap cheap world where broadcasters are regarded no higher than the bog cleaner.

Anonymous said...

To 23:18

I stumbled upon the site a long time ago. Just because I don't know the ins and outs of a radio station doesn't mean I can't find this site. I work in print media with an interest in dubai media.

Anonymous said...

Ooooooo look at the old coast staff ganging up on here!!
Whats the matter?
Bitter?
Word of advice. Move on and take your bitterness elsewhere. You are looking silly now.
Maybe somebody from coast will post to explain the reason behind the changes, which IMHO is a vast improvment.

Anonymous said...

17:30 Extremely funny that you would suggest it is only the x coast members that would find the new set up dull to say the least.

Anonymous said...

ENG is so popular right now..found this http://emirates-neon-group.angelfire.com/index.html

Anonymous said...

You found it?
Funny that, as your IP address matches that given to me through Angel Fire. If you share a computer with the creator of it, I'd imagine you more than found it!

Anonymous said...

as embarrassing as it is to read, this blog does at least serve a cathartic purpose for posters

Anonymous said...

Someone who still has a[unpaid!]job at ENG outdoor ad biz has told me that their outdoor division which holds the whole thing together is down on revenue by over 40%.Most staff aare going to do a runner as soon as they get any meaningful dosh.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anonymous said...

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/551079

anon_mediator said...

slightly edited comment:

Petch fiddles as Rome burns.

http://www.arabianbusiness.com/551079

Nice lies Petch. Of course ENG is absolutely flush with cash, that's why your paying your staff almost a month late now?

Anonymous said...

Can anyone update me on what is happening at ENG and whether Petch is paying his staff yet?

Anonymous said...

Petch has absolutely no power at ENG.All meaningful stuff is decided by Rehan Merchant and in turn his dad Hanif.Just do a google on Hanif and you will find some very odd stuff.

Anonymous said...

I think ENG have been unlucky. they had sone good ideas. but due to the economic climate they will struggle to take them to full term. Good ideas, bad timing. It could have happened to anybody. Good Luck to them and I hope they pull through these tough times.

Anonymous said...

Pull through?

What about the poor staff with families to feed and rent to pay?
Failing STILL to pay many of the staffs February saleries in April is a bloody disgrace!

How will Dubai ever recover from the recession if rogue companies like ENG are allowed to trade in this way?

Anonymous said...

Gulf News and Broadcasting bit also paying non full staff erratically.
This whole place could be in melt down.

Anonymous said...

An intoduction into radio course for 14 yr olds to 17 yr olds

The course will run for three weeks, two hours a day with a morning course between 10am – 12pm and afternoon course between 2pm – 4pm. Possibility of an evening course between 5pm – 7pm.

Each session will be divided into two 45 minute lessons with a twenty minute break. Students will learn how to engage with listeners by developing their voice, creativity, natural personality and their levels of articulation. Everyday disciplines of radio presentation and discovering when they can let their imagination fly will be included.

Places on the course are limited with a maximum of 18 students per class to ensure optimum personal interaction combined with a focus on team work.
The course will incorporate both practical and theory aspects.


Course 1
July 5th - July 23rd
10am - 12pm
Sunday to Thursday

Course 2
July 5th - July 23rd
2pm - 4pm
Sunday to Thursday

Course 3
July 26th - August 13th
10am - 12pm
Sunday to Thursday

Course 4
July 26th - August 13th
2pm - 4pm
Sunday to Thursday



Contact Info
Email: theschoolofradio@live.com
Website: http://www.theschoolofradio.me
Office: +97150 957 8846
Location: Sheik Zayed Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Anonymous said...

Didn't know advertising was allowed on the blog.

Anonymous said...

Maybe this course is being run by Don Plenty and the first pupils will be the team from The Coast.They need a little tuition.Oh I forgot it's only up to age 17.So only half the staff will qualify.

Anonymous said...

Someone sounds bitter, twisted and fucking unemployed...

Good.

Anonymous said...

To Anonymous at 17:21.
You seem to have a problem with Don Plenty and/or Coast fm while hiding behind a 'cloak'.

Why dont you post your real name on here and repeat all of your comments on here? Didn't think you would.

I don't know what he has done to upset you but there is no need for comments directed at individuals while hiding behind an alias.

You are merely adding to a thread which doesn't need adding to.

Anonymous said...

Oh well said Don.

Anonymous said...

Rehan Merchant attempting to impress at the races blowing a fortune on champagne.STILL not paid staff dues!
Such a Cool guy.

Anonymous said...
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Anonymous said...
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