Mark Soderstrom tipped to make triumphant breakfast radio return

It’s been 12 months since Mark Soderstrom quit Mix, but major movements in Adelaide radio mean he’s now tipped for a breakfast comeback.

Twelve months after he quit Mix 102.3, Mark Soderstrom is expected to make a triumphant return to breakfast radio.

Twelve months after he quit Mix 102.3, Mark Soderstrom is expected to make a triumphant return to breakfast radio.

He is strongly tipped to replace Andrew ‘Cosi’ Costello, who was suddenly dumped by the station last week, and join returning presenters Bec Morse and Anthony “Lehmo” Lehmann in the coveted early morning timeslot.

Is Soda the new Cosi? Picture: Matt Loxton

Rebecca Morse wearing a black Scuba Mesh Dress at couture+love+madness in Norwood, 2019. Picture: Matt Loxton

While Mix 102.3 ratings started to wane towards the end of his long stint, Soderstrom is a “proven media performer” who “understands the radio craft”, according to an industry insider.

“If he joins Bec and Lehmo on SAFM next year, the show will go to No. 1 by the fourth or fifth survey,” the insider said.

Initially rumoured to be reuniting with Jodie Oddy at Nova, signing with SAFM makes more sense for Soderstrom, who will likely spend time on weekends calling football on SAFM’s sister station, Triple M.

Nova 919

One of Adelaide radio’s worst-kept secrets was finally confirmed on Saturday when it was announced Jodie Oddy will be taking over from Ben Harvey and Liam Stapleton as host of Nova 919’s breakfast show.

Meet Nova Adelaide's new breakfast team, Jodie Oddy and Andrew Hayes. Picture: Emma Brasier

Helping her fill the sizeable hole left by the young duo – who are moving to Nova in Melbourne – will be former SEN brekkie co-host and Channel 7 presenter Andrew Hayes. The decision to appoint Oddy would have been straightforward one given her pedigree as a ratings winner on Mix 102.3 and her most recent stint as host of her own Saturday morning breakfast show on the same station.

The addition of former SANFL footballer Hayes re-creates the proven formula from Oddy’s time alongside Soderstrom on Mix 102.3, and could prove a ratings winner.

“It’s not easy to find a strong, male presenter with an ability to perform on breakfast,” another radio insider said about the appointment.

“He’s a lovely guy and it’ll be interesting to see if he has the personality to pull off FM radio.”

Mix 102.3

Could Andrew “Cosi” Costello be making a comeback on Mix 102.3 next year?

That’s the hot rumour doing the rounds in recent weeks, which only intensified in the aftermath of Cosi’s axing from SAFM’s breakfast show last week.

“There are very strong talks underway as we speak,” said an industry source, though Cosi continues to deny he’s making the big switch to the once-top rating station alongside Ali Clarke.

Andrew 'Cosi' Costello with his new book at Pinky Flat on the Torrens, October 29, 2022. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Cosi said last week: “I’ve got nothing signed with Mix, but I dunno … what I can say is I have not approached any other radio station.”

Teaming him Clarke, who has struggled ratings-wise in her first year on Mix 102.3, would unite two of SA’s biggest and best known media personalities. Would such a duo help the station climb back up the ratings ladder? Only time will tell.

For its part, Mix 102.3 says there are no changes on the horizon and will continue with Clarke and offsiders Eddie Bannon and Shane Lowe in 2023.

FIVEaa, ABC and Triple M

It’s set to be business as usual at these stations next year.

AM heavyweights FIVEaa (David Penberthy and Will Goodings) and ABC (Stacey Lee and Nikolai Beilharz) have battled one another for breakfast radio’s top spot, while Triple M’s Mark Ricciuto, Chris Dittmar and Laura O’Callaghan enjoyed a successful first year together on-air.

David Penberthy and Will Goodings at the Joiners Arms Hotel, 2018. Picture: Tait Schmaal

ABC Adelaide breakfast team, Stacey Lee and Nikolai Beilharz.

There has been some minor speculation that new dad – and new Seven news presenter – Will Goodings might be looking to ease his workload but he’s assured The Sunday Mail he’s “locked in” alongside Penberthy for 2023.

SEN SA

South Australia’s digital sports station could be turning to FIVEaa to help fill its vacant breakfast show, following the departures of Hayes and Kane Cornes, who will join Gerard Healy on a new evenings program next year.

There’s growing speculation FIVEaa’s Mark Bickley will be lured to SEN to take on the role. The former Crows premiership captain is currently a footy expert comments man at FIVEaa and contributes to their drivetime show, which is hosted by Stephen Rowe and Tim Ginever.

“It would be a very smart move for Bickley and SEN if true,” a radio source said.

Bickley has denied the rumours, but his addition to the team would bolster the station’s footy coverage and add a high profile name to the breakfast program.