by Thinus Ferreira

The former Idols judge Randall Abrahams has been appointed as the new Primedia CEO and will start in the role today.

Jonathan Proctor, Primedia Group chief executive made the announcement in a press release late on Monday.

Randall Abrahams is known for his role as one of the judges of the singing reality show Idols on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) until last year after he was let go by the production company [SIC] Entertainment, producing the local version of the Fremantle TV format.

Randall Abrahams takes over from Geraint Crwys-Williams who was acting Primedia CEO and who had already left the position.

Primedia owns South African radio stations like Talk Radio 702, Cape Talk, 947, as well as the news division Eyewitness News (EWN).

“I am pleased to return to a swiftly evolving broadcast landscape and I’m very excited to join the Primedia Group,” says Randall Abrahams in the prepared statement.

“Primedia remains at the forefront of both content creation and distribution with a drive for continued innovation.”

“Working under Jonathan Proctor’s leadership alongside a team of experienced marketers and creators is an exhilarating prospect, and l aim to bring my combination of experience and innovative ideas to the table.”

Jonathan Proctor says Randall Abrahams has been instrumental in the turn-around and refocusing of the SABC commercial radio portfolio where he worked under Peter Matlare, and also worked in the complex merging and transformation of Universal and EMI Music Groups, as well as with the turn-around of the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).

Randall Abrahams previously served on various regulatory bodies such as the South African Standards Authority, the NAB and the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) among other public service contributions. 

“I see him not only playing a critical role in entrenching Primedia as a forward-looking, leading-edge media company, but also in helping to accelerate talent development across our prized suite of media offerings.”