702 ABC Sydney has confirmed its summer schedule, which will begin on Monday 23 December 2002 and run through until Monday 27 January 2003. The summer line up will feature regular 702 ABC Sydney presenters as well as prominent personalities, including Ellen Fanning, Dr. Kerryn Phelps and Richard Fidler.

Summer scheduling has “long been an opportunity for ABC Local Radio to source outside talent not normally heard on the local radio network, as well as showcase regional presenters nationally.”

“We are very happy with the networked summer line-up which features some prominent personalities as well as our own 702 ABC Sydney and regional talent,” said Roger Summerill – ABC Local Radio Manager New South Wales.

Phelps will present SUNDAY EVENINGS (7pm to 9pm) and Fanning will host SUNDAY NIGHT TALK (10pm to 2am). Popular evening host Tony Delroy will pass over his headphones to Fidler for NIGHTLIFE (10pm to 2am weeknights).

Queensland’s Jason Hagen will be taking his successful FISHTALK to a national audience every Saturday morning. Townsville-based John Nutting will continue with his national program SATURDAY NIGHT COUNTRY during the summer break.

Brisbane-based Karen Dorante will also remain in the chair of national show SPEAKING OUT during summer.

Meanwhile, 702 ABC SYDNEY’s summer programming will feature presenters Simon Marnie and James Valentine on BREAKFASTS, Carol Duncan on MORNINGS, Ian Rogerson on AFTERNOONS, James O’Brien on DRIVE, Tim Cox on EVENINGS and James O’Loghlin on WEEKENDS.

The ABC’s comprehensive coverage of the cricket and of the Australian Open Tennis tournament will also feature heavily throughout the summer.

All presenters will return to their regular broadcasting positions on Tuesday 28 January 2003.