If you though Kyle and Jackie O moving to ARN was surprise, the new 2UE roster for 2014 will astound.

The station has done extensive research on what listeners want and if the first in their series of print ads is any indication then it will be ‘like being able to advertise on the ABC.’

Long time 2UE listeners will no doubt see the changes as a sharp turn to the left, compared what they’ve been used to with Jason Morrison and Paul Murray.

But Chris Parker, General Manager of 2UE 954 said, “This is not about categorising announcers as “left” or “right” but about airing all sides of a particular story or debate. There’ll be a variety of fair and balanced opinions on the station – not hysterical preaching or bile. We’ll be presenting news, current affairs, information and entertainment in a way that’s balanced, fair and uplifting.”
 

Monday-Friday:
Breakfast  0530-0830: John Stanley and Garry Linnell
Mornings  0830-1130: Angela Catterns
Your Business Day  1130-1200: Stuart Bocking
Afternoons  1200-1500: Dicko and Sarah
Drive  1500-1800: Justin Smith
Sports Today  1800-2000: John Gibbs and Greg Alexander
Nights  2000-0000 Clive Robertson
 
Weekends:
0530-0900: Stuart Bocking
0900-1400: George and Paul
1400-1800: Tim Webster

“We have selected a line-up of experienced broadcasters and new voices to 2UE 954, who are talented and credible, who’ll be focussed on content that matters to our audience of greater metropolitan Sydney,” Mr Parker said.

Some programmers will tell you that Breakfast isn’t everything – it’s the only thing. And those following 2UE’s fortunes through 2013 would be tempted to agree. Yet, in a line-up full of twists and turns the Breakfast choice of 2UE stalwart John Stanley could be dimissed as unremarkable (if not uninspired) like vinegar. Except that his pairing with Garry Linnell, who is currently Fairfax Media’s editorial supremo, having been editor of The Daily Telegraph, could be the balsamic that makes the combination deliciously compelling.

Linnell’s appointment also demonstrates Fairfax’s comttment to making 2UE work. Whether he sounds any good on air – we’ll find out early next year. And whether this is the right move for 2UE Breakfast – check back this time next year.

What looks like sheer coincidence but could have been a masterstroke by 2UE’s PR people, today, Crikey published an interview with Linnell, who didn’t let on about his new appointment, but provided an entertaining insight about his character and his career.

Ten years ago, Angela Catterns on ABC 702 held the number one Breakfast spot in Sydney ahead of Alan Jones and Mike Carlton before making a disastrous move to Vega which all but finished her career in commercial radio. Now she’s back, full-time, doing Mornings on 2UE. Much will depend on her and the lead in that she gets from Breakfast.

In acknowledgment that Dicko & Sarah, for all their good points, were simply not pulling the numbers required for Breakfast, they’ve been moved to afternoons where it is hoped the shift will better suit their style.

Drive is another bolt from the blue with Justin Smith being parachuted in from 3AW Melbourne where he’s been the long time EP for Neil Mitchell’s number one rating Morning program.

After 6pm, the only surprise is that things will stay much the same. Sports Today with Greg Alexander and John Gibbs will go to 8PM.

And the hilariously witty veteran Clive Robertson has been confirmed as a permanent on Nights.

Weekends has a ring of stability about it. George and Paul  which has long been 2UE’s best rating shift will return between  9 – 2 pm with Stuart Bocking on Breakfast and Tim Webster in the Afternoon. 

Peter Saxon

For more detail see the station’s media release, below….