Listen to your heart – Phil O’Neil joins Nine Radio and 2GB as Overnights host

Phil O’Neil has jumped ship from ARN and Gold 101.7 to fulfil a talk radio dream and join Nine Radio, hosting Overnights on Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC. I don’t think anyone would have included Phil in their thinking when Clinton Maynard left Overnights to take on 2GB Afternoons, as he had been ostensibly lessening Mike Jeffreys workload.

‘Ugly’ Phil joins Nine with mighty credentials; the 2024 ACRA win for Best Music Presenter (metro) and as the only person to have beaten Ray Hadley in the ratings in the Sydney morning spot in 20 years. Below is Radioinfo’s chat with the self-deprecating Phil after the fact:

Several nods to Roxette above too.

His career also includes hosting top-rated shows in Australia like Ugly Phil’s Hot Hits Chart Show and Ugly Phil’s Hot 30 Nightly and in the UK, earning Sony, New York Radio and British Radio awards. Phil worked in talk radio before, with 2UE Sydney and London’s LBC Radio.

Phil said:

“All the roads I’ve travelled have led to this moment. There are no finer radio stations to pursue my talk radio aspirations than at 2GB and 4BC. This really is the most exciting and pivotal moment of my career.”

Nine Radio’s Greg Byrnes, newly in the role of 2GB Station Manager and National Content Manager himself, said:

 “Phil will bring fresh energy to overnights and is an exciting addition to our new lineups in Sydney and Brisbane. He’s engaging, entertaining and has a loyal following. Phil loves talk radio and our early morning listeners are going to love him.”

ARN has also paid tribute with Sue Carter, ARN’s Head of Content – GOLD Network, saying:

 “Phil is one of a kind, I’ve known him for decades and over that time I’ve seen his passion for radio only get stronger. When he told us he had an opportunity to host an overnight program on 2GB, we didn’t hesitate to release him of any contractual obligations. While we’ll miss him on air, we’re excited for him as he embarks on this next adventure. We send him off with our best wishes and a huge thank you for everything he has brought to the station.”

Phil added:

“WSFM GOLD101.7 has been more than just my radio station for the last four years, it’s been my second home. I’ll definitely miss the laughs with my fantastic co-workers and also the listeners who have become such great friends. Heck…I might even miss playing Roxette!!”

O’Neil’s final show will be Friday, February 28, with a replacement for GOLD101.7 Mornings to be announced soon. Overnights with Phil O’Neil will then be heard Tuesday-Friday on Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC, commencing Tuesday March 4, 2025. Phil will mark his first week in his new role by attending Roxette’s concert in Sydney.*

Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster for Radioinfo

* the last bit might be a lie.

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