Listeners to get more dedicated live programming from 2018.
ABC listeners in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific will get an additional two hours of live morning weekday programming in 2018 with the launch of a new morning news, talk and entertainment show from January 22.
Pacific Mornings will be presented by Seini F. Taumoepeau and Tahlea Aualiitia (pictured below) and incorporate ABC Radio Australia’s long-running news program, Pacific Beat, which returns with new presenter, Catherine Graue.
Manager of ABC Radio Australia, James O’Brien said the extended morning show would allow greater coverage of daily and breaking PNG and Pacific news stories as well as introducing a broader mix of chat, music and entertainment.
“We’re keeping Pacific Beat at the heart of our new morning schedule where it will continue to bring audiences across PNG and the Pacific the leading news stories and interviews with regional newsmakers,” he said. “From next year, listeners will be able to tune in from 6.00 am (AEST) to listen to Pacific Beat followed by Seini and Tahlea to help start their day with a fresh take on what is happening in their region.”
Managing Editor of the ABC’s Asia Pacific newsroom, Kellie Mayo, said Pacific Beat would be a shorter and more focused program broadcast from 6.00 am to 6.30 am and from 7.00 am to 7.30 am (AEST) each weekday. The afternoon edition of Pacific Beat will continue from 3.00 pm to 3.30 pm (AEST) weekdays presented by Bruce Hill.
The remaining ABC Radio Australia schedule will continue to offer its PNG and Pacific listeners a mix of live content from the broader ABC which will include a new music program featuring local and indigenous Australian artists presented by Myf Warhurst and a national Australian Evenings program presented by Indigenous performer and broadcaster, Christine Anu.
ABC RA’s 2018 schedule will also include daily editions of ABC’s leading news and current affairs programs AM, The World Today and PM as well as the best of ABC Radio National including Late Night Live, Big Ideas and RN Drive.