4BC in free fall: Steve Barker quits as rumours swirl of station overhaul

A prominent Brisbane radio newsreader has officially quit amid fears that his exit is the start of a mass exodus from the embattled station.

Steve Barker has quit his role as newsreader at 4BC.

• History of radio sackings, scandals

Popular newsreader Steve Barker has officially quit 4BC, sparking concerns of a mass exodus from the embattled Nine Radio station.

Barker, celebrated for his award-winning coverage of Queen Elizabeth II’s death in 2022, informed 4BC’s management of his resignation on Monday, according to a station insider.

The well-regarded journalist is expected to wrap up his tenure in early October.

Mark Hine, Laurel Edwards and Gary Clare, the hosts of the 4BC breakfast program. Photo: Supplied

The resignation comes amid swirling rumours of more significant upheaval within the station, with multiple high-profile presenters reportedly facing the axe after a sharp decline in ratings. Breakfast show hosts Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare, and Mark Hine are believed to be on the chopping block following a disastrous ratings drop that saw their audience share plummet from 11.8 per cent in 2022 to just 4.3 per cent in the most recent survey.

Afternoon host Sofie Formica is reportedly in talks with at least two rival stations after a social media post last week hinted at her dissatisfaction with 4BC’s management.

“Only thing I know for sure about 2025 is that this will be my diary,” Formica cryptically wrote in an Instagram story, prompting speculation that she could be the next to leave the station.

The looming shake-up at 4BC could mark a turning point for the struggling station, as it faces increasing pressure to reverse its fortunes and compete with Brisbane’s top radio stations, B105 and Nova 106.9.

Sofie Formica's cryptic post on social media.

This upheaval comes on the heels of an already tumultuous period for Nine Entertainment, with CEO Mike Sneesby announcing in June that 200 jobs would be slashed across the company, with the first casualties emerging from its publishing division.