Graeme Goodings to host FIVEaa mornings show, taking over from outgoing presenter Matthew Pantelis

An SA TV newsreader icon is thrilled to return to his ‘first love’ in his new full-time media gig which will be alongside his son.

SA media icon Graeme Goodings says a return to full-time radio is a “dream come true”.

The beloved TV newsreader has been announced as FIVEaa’s new mornings host, taking over from Matthew Pantelis.

On Friday’s program, Pantelis revealed that he was stepping away from the role and would return to the station’s newsroom, where he was previously news director for 15 years.

Goodings said he had “big shoes to fill” but was excited by the challenge.

“Over the years I’ve filled in for many FIVEaa programs and it’s been something I’ve always looked forward to,” he said.

“Although much of my career has been in television, radio has always been my first love. To be going back into radio full-time is a dream come true.

“I know, at times I’ll say things that many won’t agree with and I expect passionate debate with callers but after all, that’s what talkback radio is all about.”

Former Seven newsreader Graeme Goodings with son, FIVEaa brekkie co-host Will Goodings, at the FIVEaa studios. Picture: Dylan Coker.

Channel 7 newsreaders Jane Doyle and Graeme Goodings in studio in 1993.

Goodings’ new program will follow straight after his son Will’s FIVEaa breakfast show, which he co-hosts alongside David Penberthy. This year, Goodings has been sharing the news reading duties on the early morning show with Jess Adamson.

Goodings said the parallels between he and his son’s careers were “remarkable”, with both starting out in radio before news reading for Channel 10 and then Channel 7.

“Now I’m hosting FIVEaa mornings straight after David and Will. Who knows what the future holds but I’m very excited by the challenge,” he said.

Goodings started his career on radio at 5DN in Adelaide before spending 34 years on the newsdesk at Seven.

Matthew Pantelis in the FIVEaa studio. Picture: Supplied

Graeme Goodings and son Will at Grange Jetty. Picture: Tom Huntley

Pantelis, who has worked at FIVEaa for almost 30 years, said he was “incredibly proud” of his two-year stint in the morning timeslot.

“As much as I enjoyed being on-air... I asked some time ago to return to my radio roots in the newsroom,” he said.

“I love the adrenaline rush of breaking news and jumping on air with little notice and if I’m honest, I’ve missed it."

Goodings will begin his new mornings program on November 25.