The Scoop: Brisbane station bets big on comedian hire, rival duo’s friction comes to light
Rumours of a frosty dynamic between a popular Brisbane radio duo, combined with a rival’s firecracker new hire, are set to create the most competitive year on Brisbane radio. WE’VE GOT THE SCOOP
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Brisbane’s radio landscape is gearing up for its most competitive year yet, with industry insiders sharing bold predictions for 2025.
Nova 106.9 is betting big on its new breakfast trio, Ash, Luttsy, and Nikki Osborne.
Analysts expect an early ratings surge as listeners tune in to see if Osborne’s comedic chops can rejuvenate the station or if she’ll flop.
To capitalise on her infamous potty mouth, Scoop can reveal that Nova has launched “Nikki’s $10K Dump Button Bingo.” For two weeks, listeners can win $1000 each time Osborne accidentally swears on-air.
Over at KIIS 97.3, tensions are brewing.
Rumours of a frosty dynamic between Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman may worsen with the addition of Corey Oates, whose popularity could spark further friction.
Analysts, however, suggest the behind-the-scenes drama could translate into ratings gold.
Yet, looming over KIIS is speculation that ARN’s Kyle and Jackie O might go national, potentially bumping Robin, Kip, and Corey off the airwaves by year’s end.
B105 remains the station to beat after dominating 2024, but every network is expected to pull out all the stops with bold programming, elaborate events and flashy stunts.
Triple M faces uncertainty as insiders hint this could be Greg Martin’s final year on air, who will be turning 62 this year.
Analysts also predict that dark horse 4BH will continue to thrive with its “more music, less talk” approach, drawing in listeners yearning for an escape from the non-stop chatter of rival stations.
Meanwhile, 4BC is rumoured to be considering a major overhaul, either by revamping its programming or shaking up its on-air talent.
Insiders have revealed Peter Fegan’s breakfast show is under intense scrutiny, with whispers of a mid-year replacement if ratings don’t rebound. Station management is reportedly scrambling to reverse the ongoing decline, desperate to reclaim a foothold in Brisbane’s competitive radio market.
Even the ABC isn’t immune, with predictions of continued audience erosion.
STAR BLEEDS MILLIONS, SPLASHES OUT ON LAVISH LAUNCH
As The Star Entertainment Group teeters on collapse, haemorrhaging millions of dollars a day, its newest restaurant in the glam Brisbane Queen’s Wharf precinct is set to host a flashy opening party believed to cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Hua, the Cantonese eatery created by Melbourne-based hospitality group Dining Concepts in partnership with The Star Brisbane, will put on a Lunar New Year-themed launch event on February 6.
The shindig promises “a plethora of entertainment, epic photo opportunities and … plenty of incredible food” with live cooking demonstrations from Hua’s chefs.
An external PR company has been hired to co-ordinate the party, inviting guests including media, influencers and the city’s movers and shakers, who have been advised to dress in red or with a touch of snake skin for the Year of the Snake.
The event, which is expected to cost in the tens of thousands including the PR fees, is a huge kick in the teeth for The Star’s 9000 staff, who nervously await news of what’s next for a company that could fall into administration at any day.
The Courier-Mail contacted Hua’s publicist for comment on the matter, but did not receive a response by deadline.
JACK WHITEHALL SPOTTED IN BRISBANE
UK comedy star Jack Whitehall made an unexpected stop in Brisbane this week, delighting fans and stirring up laughs during a family visit to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old comedian spent Tuesday cozying up to koalas alongside fiancee Roxy Horner and their 16-month-old daughter, Elsie.
In one laugh-out-loud moment, Horner, 33, grimaced as the koala she was petting chose that exact moment to relieve itself — while an amused Whitehall gleefully pointed it out.
The family also fed an emu, with Roxy keeping her distance while Jack bravely offered up his hand.
Between wildlife encounters, the globetrotting comedian happily posed for selfies with thrilled fans.
Interestingly, Whitehall isn’t scheduled to perform in Queensland until February, and his most recent shows were in Wollongong and Sydney — both far from Brisbane — on January 15 and 16. His detour to the River City suggests it might hold a special place in his heart — or perhaps he simply couldn’t resist spending quality time with the koalas.
NOT TIM NICHOLLS BREAST MOMENT
Health Minister Tim Nicholls delivered a masterclass in awkward dedication while promoting a new mobile breast screening clinic in Mackay this week, in a classic case of being hoisted by one’s own PR petard.
The media team decided a demonstration would serve for great overlay, but the live-action demo took an unexpected turn when the volunteer who confidently stepped up to the mammogram plate, insisted Mr Nicholls remain in the room to watch.
“Don’t you have a wife?” she quipped, to which the cornered politician replied, “yes.”
Her cheeky retort— “Then you’ve seen it before” — pinned him in place like a moth to a spotlight.
In an age where political stunts often teeter on the edge of contrivance, this moment stood out for its delightful spontaneity. Mr Nicholls, possibly uncomfortable but dutiful, stayed put, proving that sometimes, the best advertisement is a politician squirming under the bright lights of public engagement.
KELLY CLARKSON TOURISM AMBASSADOR
Queensland has a new unofficial tourism ambassador, with hundreds of Kelly Clarkson fans heading to the Sunshine State.
The former American Idol winning pop star-turned talk show host surprised her live studio audience in September with an Oprah-style announcement that everyone was going to Queensland.
The entire audience of 250 people received free Qantas flights to Brisbane for themselves and a guest, as well as accommodation and tickets to Bluey’s World.
The audience has until May to book the holidays, but many have already taken up the offer, travelling to Queensland over the December-January holiday period.
The PR stunt, held with support from Tourism and Events Queensland’s $9.2 million Bluey’s World campaign, went viral in the US, where the Kelly Clarkson show has a daily audience of almost 1.5 million people across 200 television stations.
Oprah once famously surprised her own studio audience by gifting them Aussie holidays, which included trips to Far North Queensland.
Clarkson, who has visited Australia many times, has gushed about her love of Bluey and regularly watches the show with her own children.
TEQ’s Ollie Philpot said the promotion was “a brilliant opportunity” to develop a new legion of Queensland fans.
“North America is more connected to Queensland than ever before with unprecedented flight access directly into our state, so we saw this endeavour as a brilliant opportunity to showcase our great state to a US audience,” he said.
“We know those audience members will enjoy their visit here so much that they’re sure to tell everyone they know to make Queensland the top pick for their next international holiday.’
HARRY JOWSEY SWEARS OFF BOOZE
Queensland reality sensation Harry Jowsey has declared 2025 his year of sobriety after admitting to a string of embarrassing “accidents” in the bedroom.
The 27-year-old, who shot to fame on Netflix’s Too Hot to Handle, shocked fans on Friday when he took to Instagram to reveal his boozy escapades had led to one too many nights of bed-wetting.
“There’s been too many nights where I’ve got a little bit too drunk and accidentally peed the bed,” Jowsey confessed in a candid video. “I’ve made a sausage of myself, and that’s why this year I’m declaring a sober 2025.”
Determined to reclaim control and dignity, the heart-throb urged his followers to ditch alcohol alongside him, suggesting booze-free brand “Free AF” for those craving a mocktail fix. “Please join me on this journey, let’s be free,” he said.
LAUREL EDWARDS ENJOYS THE QUIET LIFE
As Brisbane’s breakfast radio crews return to the airwaves on Monday, former 4BC personality Laurel Edwards is embracing a new routine — one that doesn’t include a dawn wake-up call.
After more than three decades in the industry, Edwards, along with her longtime co-hosts Gary Clare and Mark Hine, was let go from 4BC last September, making way for Peter Fegan.
In a candid Instagram post, Edwards reflected on her newly found freedom.
“After 32 years of breakfast radio, usually by now I’d be keen to get back to work,” she wrote, adding, “This time, I honestly can’t say I am.”
She shared a series of photos that showcased a relaxed holiday, featuring fishing expeditions, beach trips with her daughter, musician Jem Cassar-Daley, and plenty of quality time with her dog.
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