891 ABC Adelaide has announced journalist Michael Smyth will join the 891 team in 2012 to present the Drive program. Incumbent Drive presenter Sonya Feldhoff will move to the Afternoon slot vacated by Carole Whitelock who has announced her retirement.

Michael Smyth returns to the ABC after a three year stint as senior journalist and news presenter with Channel 9. Before that he worked for 12 years at the ABC including radio and TV news presentation, TV current affairs reporting and fill-in shifts on Local Radio.

“I’m really excited about returning to the ABC. I love the immediacy and interactivity of radio and can’t wait to get behind the wheel of Drive on 891,” says Smyth.

ABC Local Content Manager Graeme Bennett has told radioinfo: “We’re delighted to welcome Michael back to the ABC after three years where he confirmed his credentials as one of South Australia’s best loved broadcasters. His passion for news and issues that South Australians care about, and his ability to appreciate the lighter side will no doubt resonate with Adelaide audiences.”

“Sonya Feldhoff has done a great job in Drive, and is very much looking forward to the challenge left by the recent departure of Carole Whitelock. Sonya will build a new tradition for 891 Afternoons, ensuring listeners are as well informed and entertained as ever, and the program explores new ways of starting the conversations that matter to South Australia.”

891 ABC Adelaide’s full line up for 2012 will begin on January 16, 2012:

Monday to Friday

6am – 9am Breakfast with Matthew Abraham and David Bevan

9am – 11am Mornings with Ian Henschke

11am – 12pm Conversations with Richard Fidler

12pm – 1pm The World Today

1pm – 4pm Afternoons with Sonya Feldhoff

4pm – 6pm Drive with Michael Smyth

6pm – 7pm PM

7pm – 10pm Evenings with Peter Goers

Weekends

Saturdays 6am – 11am and Sundays 10am – 12pm: Weekends with Ashley Walsh

Saturday 11am – 12pm: SA Grandstand with Peter Walsh and Matt Clinch