Tim Smith leaving The Cage but not Triple M

Triple M’s Tim Smith said goodbye to the network’s Cage breakfast show this morning so that he can be part of “an exciting new show on Triple M” next year.

Smith will return in 2005 with the new show, but is also expected to turn up as a guest back on The Cage from time to time. He would not reveal details of the new show at this stage, but is known to have suggested the concept to the Triple M network himself.

The break from early mornings will also allow him to concentrate on his award-winning comedy writing and to produce several documentaries.

Timbo has told radioinfo: “I’ve been doing breakfast and morning radio since 1993 and I’m really looking forward to a new challenge. The new show is exciting and different and hopefully the listeners will love it as much as I do.

“I love being part of Triple M and to set up and be part of The Cage is one of my proudest achievements.”

Austereo Melbourne general manager Gary Pert says Smith “came to us with a fantastic idea and I think it’s going to be a real hit.”

“Tim is one of Melbourne and Australia’s finest comedians, from his days with The Comedy Company to his stand-up work… The new show will showcase his talents, and hopefully he’ll be a guest of The Cage on a very regular basis.”

Triple M has not yet decided on a replacement on breakfast at this stage.