It seems fitting that Survey 7 is released around this time of year when the nation stops for The Melbourne Cup. It’s intriguing how during the race, one of the longest in the world, the runners jockey for position. For most of it, not much seems to be going on. The lead rarely changes until they round the last bend. It is then, in the last few hundred metres that the real contenders burst from the pack, invariably overtaking those who’d lead early on.
For radio, it has always been this time of the year when stations and presenters review their contracts, if they have them, and assess where they’re at and what they’ll be doing in the coming 12 months.
With shocks aplenty, this year is quite extraordinary with more jockeying by stations and presenters that we can recall in the 15 years of radioinfo’s existence.
As we move closer to the end of the Survey year and Summer break a lot of well established big names are either leaving or being moved on. Change is most definitely in the air.
If you thought that 2013 was a tumultuous year, wait till 2014!!!
Sydney
- ABC 702’s Adam Spencer is leaving Breakfast. There has been no confirmation of a replacement as yet, but rumour has it that Angela Catterns and/or Wendy Harmer could be in the mix.
- At 2UE, Jason Morrison has not had his contract for the Drive show renewed for 2014. No replacement details have been announced.
- In a move that will shake up the Sydney market, Kyle & Jackie O have not been able to come to an agreement with SCA for a new contract, so they are leaving the 2Day breakfast show.
- There have been no announced changes, but ARN have reportedly been in discussions with Kyle & Jackie about moving in to breakfast on MIX 106.5. This would obviously mean Sami Lukas & Yumi Stynes moving on.
- The Triple M network Merrick & the Highway Patrol Drive show will not be heard in 2014 leaving Merrick Watts, Rachel Corbett and Julian Schiller without a gig. It will be replaced with a new look national networked show next year.
Melbourne:
- Matt Tilley & Jo Stanley are leaving breakfast at Fox . No replacement has been announced.
- Ironically, now they have hit Number one again, Dave Hughes and Kate Langbroek are leaving breakfast on NOVA 100 at the end of the year. Tommy Little and Meshel Laurie have been announced as the new show hosts.
- Former Chrissie & Jane anchor, Jamie Rowe will leave MIX 101.1 at the end of the year.
Brisbane:
- A lot of change at 4BC heading in to 2014..
No replacement for him has been announced.
- At 4BH, Content Director and floating announcer, Geoff Harrison, has been made redundant.
Adelaide:
- Keith Conlon has retired from the FIVEaa Breakfast show.
Perth:
- Lisa, Paul & Baz have left breakfast on 92.9
- Plenty of changes at Fairfax Radio in Perth, with Basil Zempilas (ex 92.9 breakfast) rumoured to be joining Steve Mills on 6PR breakfast
- On MIX 94.5, The Bunch Breakfast show has been replaced with Clairsy Shane & Kymba.
Canberra
- Mike Welsh is leaving 2CC Drive due to disagreement with management. No word on who will be taking over.
- Carla (Biggzy) Bignasca is leaving the MIX 106.3 Breakfast program to follow husband Matty White to Newcastle.
- 666 ABC Breakfast host Ross Solly, is leaving the station to move to Bangkok with his wife ABC correspondent Samantha Hawley.
Newcastle
- The long running David & Tanya breakfast show on KO FM is breaking up. Tanya Wilks will stay on breakfast with David Collins to take up another role within the station. A new co-host is currently being sought.
If we’ve missed something, please let us know: [email protected]