Bill McDonald quits 4BC to chase Olympic dream
Popular 4BC host Bill McDonald has shocked listeners by quitting live on air, revealing Olympic dreams sparked by his recent Paris Games commentary experience.
4BC Mornings presenter Bill McDonald has abruptly called time on his radio career, announcing live on air that Friday was his final show.
“That’s it for me, I’m calling it quits, I’m signing off, not just for the week but for the last time today,” McDonald said.
“I had 30 years in television and after that I wanted to have a go at radio and I have loved the last five years here at 4BC.”
The veteran broadcaster told listeners he was leaving immediately to pursue opportunities linked to the upcoming Olympic Games, saying his recent stint commentating the Paris Games alongside 2GB’s Mark Levy had “lit a fuse.”
“I got to call five gold medals at the Paris Olympics … and well it’s lit a bit of a fuse,” he said.
“I love the Olympics, so after a bit of a break that’s what I’m going to do, chase my Olympic dream.
“There’s so much to do in the next five years in this city to get it ready for the Olympic Games and I hope to play or contribute in some way to that.”
The move ends a five-year run at 4BC, where McDonald was one of the station’s strongest performers in the latest GfK Radio 360 ratings, lifting mornings by 1.2 points to a 5.5 share.
Nine has yet to name a replacement, though McDonald has already been removed from the station’s website.
The vacancy comes as 4BC also continues to cycle through temporary hosts on Money News following Deb Knight’s departure in June.
His decision to step away coincides with speculation over the future of Nine’s radio assets, with industry insiders suggesting a sale of the division is under consideration.
McDonald said he plans to take a short break before focusing on a new role in the build-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Rumours that McDonald was sacked from his position as morning radio host have been dismissed by industry sources, who said contract renewals were up — or about to come up — and that both he and Nine had mutually agreed to part ways.
In an internal note to staff this morning, 4BC Content Manager Siobhain McDonnell praised McDonald’s contribution.
“Bill has been with the station for five years — first as our Weekend Breakfast announcer before moving into the chair for 4BC Mornings,” she wrote.
“From flood coverage to his success as ‘Medals McDonald’ for his Olympics coverage, Bill has done it all and we wish him nothing but success as he pursues his next venture.
“Bill, on behalf of everyone thank you for everything you have done for 4BC and our listeners. You’ve been a great colleague to everyone in the building.
“An interim plan for 4BC Mornings will be announced shortly, with a permanent host to be announced in due course.”
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