Radio bloodbath at the Hit Network as multiple popular shows in major cities axed: ‘A tough couple of weeks’
The Hit Network has axed some of its big stars from four of its regional radio stations on Australia’s east coast.
Included in the shake-up are popular 90.9 Sea FM Gold Coast team Bianca, Ben & Lakey, Newcastle Hit 106.9’s breakfast trio of Nick, Jess and Dicko and Cliffo and Bronte from Hit Queensland in Townsville.
The news comes after 101.3 Gosford hit stars Maz Compton and Matty Baseley announced last week that they would no longer appear on the network in the new year.
The Hit Network, owned and operated by Southern Cross Austereo, has not confirmed any new plans.
An SCA spokesperson released a statement to the industry blog: Mediaweekconfirming that Danny Lakey will remain at Hit’s Gold Coast station and be on air next year with a new breakfast team.
The Hit Network has axed some of its big stars from four of its regional radio stations on Australia’s east coast, including Maz Compton and Matty Baseley from Hit 101.3 Gosford Breakfast (pictured)
In the meantime, Bianca Dye and Ben Hannant are moving on.
Insiders have suggested SCA will network a single regional Hit breakfast show that will air in NSW and Queensland.
In the meantime, RadioInfo reports that there is speculation that Hit stations in Newcastle, Gosford, Townsville and the Gold Coast will be merged to reduce costs.
It comes after Sea FM Gosford stars Maz Compton and Matt Baseley told their listeners they would not be back in 2024 because the SCA had axed their show.
Included in the shake-up are popular 90.9 Sea FM Gold Coast team Bianca, Ben & Lakey, Newcastle Hit 106.9’s breakfast trio of Nick, Jess and Dicko and Cliffo and Bronte from Hit Queensland in Townsville. Pictured: Bianca Dye, Danny Lakey and Ben Hannant from Gold Coast 90.9 Sea FM – only Lakey remains with the network
Pictured: Ash London, Nick Gill and Nick ‘Ducko’ Ducat from Newcastle’s Hit106.9 – rumored to be axed, Mediaweek reported on Tuesday
Sea FM Gosford stars Maz Compton and Matt Baseley (pictured) told their listeners last week that they would not be back in 2024 as the Hit Network had axed their show
The couple also took to Instagram last week to say goodbye to their fans.
“The powers that be have decided that our show will not return in 2024,” Baseley said.
‘After a few tough weeks of processing everything, we set out with a BANG this morning.
“It has been a privilege to share the studio with these fine people and the airwaves with NSW over the past sixteen months.
‘Who knows what 2024 will bring, but I’m curious about it.
“As Dr. Suess said, ‘don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened’.”
RadioInfo reports that there is speculation that the Hit stations in Newcastle, Gosford. Townsville and the Gold Coast will be merged to reduce costs. Pictured: Townsville breakfast team Cliffo and Bronte