Brisbane Triple M’s Greg ‘Fat Cat’ Ritchie, is quitting breakfast after almost three years with the station.
Ritchie, a former Australian test cricketer, finishes up this Friday.
He says he needs more time and flexibility to concentrate on private business interests including his Gulliver’s Sports Travel agency and his role as Ambassador for the Wesley Corporate Health Centre and Weight Management Clinic. He is also involved in promotional activities for CUB and Jaguar.
Triple M General Manager, Richard Barker, says Greg will be missed by listeners and colleagues:
“Greg and his alter ego, Mahatma Coat, have been very popular personalities on Triple M breakfast, but his decision to focus on his business interests is understandable and we wish him well.
“Triple M will continue its trial for a new female co-host. We continue road testing five formats over five days, before unveiling our new strategy next Monday, with music as the star!”
In Wollongong, Marty and Erica, of i98FM’s breakfast team, have signed an agreement to remain on air with the station for another two years.
Marty Haynes and Erica Hodge have finalised their new contracts with Deputy Chairman of Win Radio Pty Ltd, Andrew Gordon.
Gordon is thrilled to have the team re-signed: “It’s fantastic to have Marty and Erica on board for another two years.
“The team offers a positive outlook for i98FM and their contribution in the past year has been outstanding with their work within the community and the strong relations they have built with our clients and listeners alike.
“Their professionalism and commitment to quality radio will continue to provide our audience with a high standard of breakfast radio and we look forward to working with them as they continue their rating successes.”
Marty and Erica originated on 104.7FM in Canberra, where they were the number one breakfast team.
At i98, they are produced by Diane Hibbard and have reigned as #1 team in breakfast radio for the past two surveys (Survey #2/03 and Survey #1/04).
Both are excited about staying at i98 FM for another two years.
Erica: “It’s a lovely feeling knowing, we are going to be in Wollongong for the next two years. The community here has made us feel very welcome and the i98 team is like a family to us now. We have a ton of fun at work.”
Marty: “I’m disappointed we were signed for only two years. I was pushing for 25, because that’s how long I have left on my home loan!”