Yes and I’m surprised Pilko isn’t filling in at FiveAA at all
According to Coster’s colleague Fiona Byrne, 3AW station manager Stephen Beers today said the rumours of an imminent change with Mark Allen set to replace Russel Howcroft were wrong.
3 Likes
Seems still no opportunity for Michael McLaren to fill in on a 2GB weekday shift during this survey break. Similar to the past couple of breaks too (although i think he did cover Chris Smith weekend mornings last summer, woopie do). One of their biggest talents kept locked away in the overnights dungeon. Of course it might suit Michael to not move off overnights even for a survey break. But can’t imagine he would knock back a chance for some day exposure in between surveys if offered to him? Truly nocturnal…
3 Likes
I had an opportunity to move to permanent overnight shifts last year. It suits me with my family circumstances. I’m also largely left alone to just get on with my work. And my employer is happy to have someone who actually wants to fill that shift.
I wonder if Michael is in a similar situation. Having been on nights for so very long, maybe the routine works on a personal level. Also given daytime 2GB is less stridently conservative since Nine took over and Alan left, maybe Michael finds there’s less interference in his content in the middle of the night. Nine may also be cognisant that it’s difficult to find someone who is both willing and good at the shift, given the unique challenge of filling time in an interesting manner for hours on end every single day, and be happy to keep Michael happy by not pushing his body clock around too often.
Just speculating of course, but as a fellow overnight worker I can see how that could be the case.
5 Likes
And Tom Elliot is now on filling in for Neil Mitchell. I wonder if Elise and Tom car pooled together this morning.
1 Like
Found out Pilko lives in Brisbane now, he’s travelled back to Adelaide last times he’s filled in on FiveAA
1 Like
Jacqui is great on Afternoons. Really enjoying it
3 Likes
I much prefer all of Dee Dee’s fill ins, whether it’s Jacqui, Elise Elliott or Jo Hall, they are all very talented behind the microphone. Nothing against Dee Dee personally, but I’m not a huge fan of hers on radio.
2 Likes
Was just a great exchange between Fiona and Jacqui too. The segments are flowing better and it not rushed or dismissed. I find a lot of “hmm yep. Ok, let’s move on” kind of attitude on a normal weekday.
She is great. It’s a new energy.
3 Likes
Someone might need to remind her that there is a live camera in the studio - caught her rolling her eyes at one caller. 
All in all, really enjoyed Jacqui’s first show.
4 Likes
A suggestion Tom and Elise co-host breakfast together while Steven Quatermain did mornings
1 Like
Yeah…. Nah.
1 Like
Herald Sun’s Media Street column reports that Nine only wants one host in each state for the rebranded Wide World of Sports program commencing November 1. Gerard Healy is reportedly reluctant to change his ways because he has always worked with a partner. Therefore, sources indicate Healy is considering three options: 1) return to 3AW and embrace the single host role with the assistance of regulars Matthew Lloyd, Leigh Matthews and Matthew Richardson, 2) move the show to SEN with Sam McClure and go head-to-head with WWOS, or 3) retire. When asked for comment, Channel 9 said the line-up will be announced in coming weeks.
3 Likes
It’s going around 2GB. Mark Levy has it and is broadcasting from home.
2 Likes
It also did the rounds at 3AW for a week or so there with Ross and Rus both off together with it at one stage. Then Denis Walter got it too.
3 Likes
4BC Line-up from last week and this week:
Breakfast - Spencer Howson (in for Neil Breen)
Afternoons - Tony Pilkington (in for Sofie Formica)
Drive - Peter Fegan (in for Scott Emerson)
WWOS - last week Bill McDonald (in for Peter Psaltis)
Weekend Mornings - Rob McKnight (in for Spencer Howson); also noting Jason Dasey was in the weekend prior.
2 Likes
The trio will begin at their new home next Monday. This means Neil Breen will move to Drive while Scott Emerson becomes a political contributor for 4BC and the wider Nine Radio network.
8 Likes