After GfK Survey 8 at the end of 2023 showed just how much KIIS 101.1’s Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips were being heard in Melbourne, it seemed only a matter of time before someone else picked the duo up, before Kyle and Jackie O‘s hotly anticipated start date. The answer to who is Nova 100, with their current breakfast team of Ben, Liam and Belle moving with the network to a newly created Late Drive Show.

And the NOVA Network are providing more commitment to local shows with new live workday programs for each of the metros from 9am-2pm. Mel Tracina hosts in Melbourne, Adam Price in Sydney, Daniel Cassin in Adelaide, Maddy Rowe in Brisbane and Ross Wallman in Perth.

Brendan Taylor, Group Programming Director for the Nova Network, said of the new lineups:

“Lauren and Jase are world-class radio broadcasters and their track record speaks for itself. As hosts of the second-highest rating show in Melbourne, we knew their blend of humour, honesty and chemistry would feel right at home on the Nova network. We had to pursue this opportunity and not let a great team disappear from the airways. The timing was right and they’re such a natural fit for us. We can’t wait to welcome them to the Nova family.”

“Ben, Liam and Belle are an incredibly talented hosting team and we knew they had great potential when they joined the Nova Network straight from Triple J‘s national breakfast show back in 2020. They’ve since delivered some outstanding results and have developed a great connection to their audience during their time with the network. We’re excited they’ll be at the helm of this newly created Late Drive show and taking their unique content back to a national audience.”

With the changes outlined above it means that Nova 100 will no longer take the hour of Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Richie highlights from Sydney between 6-7pm and Smallzy’s Surgery will either go to just two hours beginning at 8pm, or push Aaron Rich‘s 10pm start back an hour. Jamie Row‘s 9am-12noon local show however appears to go.

I’ll leave the last words (for now) with Hawkins:

“I’m wrapped to have a job again. I’m even more over the moon that we get to join Nova. My whole career, I have always wanted to be a part of this network, it’s the perfect fit for Loz and I. So, I’m sorry Nova, we’re never leaving. Melbourne, we’re back! So join us and come over to Nova.”

Nova 100 photo of Jase and Lauren by Hugh Davies.