After more than three decades on GOLD 104.3, Craig ‘Huggy’ Huggins is leaving Mornings, and moving to Breakfast on Cruise 1323 in Adelaide.
Huggy is no stranger to Adelaide, having hosted Afternoons on Cruise since 2005.
In addition to his new breakfast role in Adelaide, Huggy will continue to be heard in Perth on 96FM’s Afternoon Drive.
As Huggy moves into his new role, the GOLD Network will introduce a revamped daytime lineup across GOLD 101.7 Sydney and GOLD 104.3 Melbourne from April 14.
Dave ‘Higgo’ Higgins will take over Mornings from 9am to 12pm, followed by Toni Tenaglia hosting Afternoons from 12pm to 3pm, and Steve Fitton leading Drive from 3pm to 6pm.
Huggy’s remarkable career in radio began at just 16 years of age when he joined Melbourne’s 3XY while still in high school.
He became a part of the GOLD 104.3 family (then KZ FM) on May 6, 1991, and for 34 years, has been a familiar and much-loved presence for listeners across Melbourne.
Huggy said “It’s been an incredible privilege to be part of this station for so many years. I’ve been lucky enough to work with some incredibly talented people both on-air and behind the scenes, play great music, and speak with the most passionate listeners.”
“We’ve shared a lot – the birth of my kids, the death of my parents, my mum when I was live on-air. Fabulous times, sad stories, amazing guests, and a lot of fun. While I’ll miss being part of Melbourne’s daily routine, GOLD is a special place to me, I’ve spent more than half my life here, and I look forward to filling in from time to time. I’m proud to be the last OG from when we became GOLD104.3 in October 1991.”
“Melbourne is my city, it always will be, but I’m ready to begin the next chapter. The listeners on Cruise 1323 have always been welcoming, and I’m eager to connect with them each morning while also entertaining Perth in the Afternoons.”
Head of GOLD Network Sue Carter said “Huggy has been an integral part of GOLD for more than three decades, and we are incredibly grateful for his dedication, passion, and the connection he has built with listeners over the years. His contributions have left a lasting impact on the station, and we sincerely thank him for everything he has given to GOLD 104.3. While we will miss him as a regular part of the team, we are pleased he remains part of the ARN family. His passion, talent, and ability to connect with listeners make him a great fit for Cruise 1323 Breakfast.”
Huggy’s final show on GOLD 104.3 will be on Friday, April 11.
He begins his new role at Cruise on Monday, April 28, but will continue to be heard on GOLD from time to time as a standby announcer.