Dispute over ownership of Mix FM radio station dents airwaves

Note: This article was edited on 8 January 2025 in order to provide more detail regarding the Mix FM ownership dispute, and to include comment from attorney Saney Mbatha.

To the untrained ear, the switch of leadership at radio station Mix FM would have been relatively seamless.

Those familiar with the presenters and the playlist, however, have been in a daze of audible confusion wondering what happened to their favourite jocks.

The reason for the sudden switch was that, on 10 December, Icasa officials dismantled the Mix FM broadcasting studio. Former station manager Abi Milosevic and the station’s morning team watched with horror as the officials, accompanied by police and former Kudsayi Tiribabi, took hold of the studio’s assets.

‘Mix FM has been hijacked’, claims former station manager

A months-long battle for control of the station has been raging between Milosevic’s companies, and Mix Media Corporation Pty Ltd of which Tiribabi and Thato Noel Segoale are directors. Despite the dispute being subjected to arbitration, Tiribabi and fellow ex-employee Sanny Mlotana secured an Icasa directive which led to the dismantling of the studio on 10 December.

Tiribabi and Mlotana are still broadcasting on the 93.8 FM frequency under the Mix FM banner.

The Citizen  spoke to former station manager Abi Milosevic, about the events of 10 December when Icasa officials dismantled their studios.

Mix FM’s Midrand home was shut and the lineup replaced, while the station’s new incarnation continues to ripple through the airwaves.

ALSO READ: Jacaranda FM’s Danny Painter could be Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s dream come true in how she champions local music

Icasa was contacted via telephone and email on Wednesday but no explanation from them had been received at the time of publication.

Previous sale agreement

According to Milosevic, she and Tiribabi had, via their companies, agreed that the station would be sold to Mix Media Corporation (Pty) Ltd. Milosevic said a deposit was paid for the sale but the deal went sour afterwards.

Tiribabi’s attorney, Saney Mbatha, says that Mix Media Corporation (Pty) Ltd has claimed more than R3 million damages and a repayment of the deposit from Milosevic’s companies, which are in the process of liquidation.

As a result of the deal souring, Milosevic and Tiribabi’s companies became embroiled in a station ownership dispute. In June this year, the latter approached the Gauteng High Court seeking an urgent interdict declaring its ownership of the station and all assets. The applicants wanted the court to interdict Milosevic and her companies from controlling the station.

Judge Mahalelo, however, struck the application from the roll and said that the nature of the dispute between the parties would require careful consideration by a regular court or arbitrator.

“The issues between the parties will require an analysis of major factual disputes, which is unsuited for urgent court,” it continued.

Arbitration agreed

Both parties reached an agreement that made provision for expediated arbitration, leaving the door open for an amicable settlement.

However, the situation disintegrated further, with both parties obtaining protection orders against one another.

ALSO READ: Former war correspondent Slier in spat at media firm

Post-publication comment from Tiribabi’s attorney

After Tiribabi initially failed to comment, Mbatha said: “In so far as the assets which are subject to an agreement between Mix 93.8 FM (Pty) Ltd, Bambanani Media (Pty) Ltd & Mediabright (Pty) Ltd/Mix Media Corporation (Pty) Ltd, our client has no knowledge of their whereabouts. It is factually incorrect to say that our client is in control of the assets, or is in possession thereof as you allege. These assets should have been in the possession of Mix 93.8 FM (Pty) Ltd, Bambanani Media (Pty) Ltd & Mediabright (Pty) Ltd.”

Mbatha labelled Milosevic’s version as “an attack on his (Tiribabi’s) dignitas,” adding that “at this point, since the matter is subjudice, we therefore cannot comment any further on the matter other than its full of false accusation and misrepresent the facts in relation to the station.”

Milosevic label’s Icasa’s conduct as ‘disgusting’

Milosevic said the matter has taken great strain on her and those at the station.

She described the conduct of Icasa as “disgusting”, telling The Citizen that the regulator had ignored her attempts for an explanation.

“The station has been hijacked by two former employees. We tried to face this legally but I felt I couldn’t say anything publicly,” Milosevic explained.

“We have followed everything by the book, we tried to face this legally. They have put the livelihoods of everyone at the station in jeopardy. They have put my livelihood in jeopardy,” she continued.

Milosevic has stated that she intends to regain control and is working with attorneys to approach the high court in order to so.

Radio presenters in limbo

The switching of the much-loved voices has left listeners frustrated, but it has also taken a toll on those who love interacting from behind the mic. 

Fan-favourite Kerry-anne Allerston spoke to The Citizen about the importance of radio and the medium’s unparalleled connection with audiences.

“All I’ve ever wanted to do is use this powerful, beautiful platform for good,” Allerston said.

“I have worked extremely hard on my show — The Hangout — for nearly 13 years to build a brand that matters and to help as many people as I possibly can.

“I’m devastated that it can all be taken away in the blink of an eye. I want to speak to the lone riders, the broken hearts, the party animals and the weirdos that feel like they don’t belong or [don’t] fit in and everyone in between,” she continued.

“I want to be a shoulder, an ear and a helping hand as well as an ambassador and voice for our artists.

“Roald Dahl said ‘Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it’. I won’t give up, I won’t stop believing and I believe in the power of music, radio and magic,” Allerston said.

Tiribabi was asked about his acquisition of the station, where he is broadcasting from and what his plans for the station are. His comments will be added when available.

ALSO READ: Glen Lewis bids farewell to Radio 2000 as DJ Sbu returns to mainstream radio