Listeners back Chris Smith as 2GB management devises afternoon line up change

Listeners have picked up their phones and angrily called in to 2GB Radio in protest of management’s plans to oust number 1 rating broadcaster Chris Smith from afternoons to evenings.

• 2GB host confirms he’s in ‘discussions’ about future
• How Alan Jones negotiated an $8m 2GB contract

Popular talkback host Chris Smith has called in lawyers to fight management plans at 2GB radio to boot him to the night shift.

The Daily Telegraph revealed on Wednesday that Smith is set to be moved into the night-time timeslot in a straight swap with presenter Steve Price who will take over the reins from 12-3pm.

The change could affect three stations, 2GB Sydney, 3AW Melbourne and 4BC Brisbane, all run by Nine-owned parent company Macquarie Media.

The networked afternoon program is currently heard in both Sydney and Brisbane but with Price moving into the hot seat, management is said to contemplating airing the show in Melbourne, in a move that would leave 3AW host Denis Walter’s future up in the air.

2GB host Chris Smith leaving the office on Wednesday. Picture: Monique Harmer

Macquarie Media CEO Adam Lang today declined to comment on the shift-swap rumours.

“What was said on air Chris said himself so I have no further comment to add,” Mr Lang told the Herald Sun this morning.

The former Austero boss also dismissed as speculation the change to Melbourne’s afternoon show. “Nothing has even been said about Denis Walter, that’s just speculation so I have no further comment.”

Mr Lang said talks would continue to be held with staff about issues that could affect them.

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Callers again flooded 2GB on Thursday to express their disgust at management.

“You are an absolute asset to 2GB, I am shocked at the way you’ve been treated,” one listener said on air.

The Daily Telegraph revealed the plans to move Steve Price into the afternoon slot with Smith taking his night time shift. Picture: Supplied

“I think you are 100% a class act, you are loved by listeners all over the country”.

After news of the change was published on Wednesday, Smith confirmed his future was up in the air.

“What I can tell you though is that I am in discussions with management about my future,” he told his listeners.

“And I really do hope to have some good news too. In the meantime it is business as usual.”

The Daily Telegraph understands that following meetings with management last week, Smith cleared his office over the weekend and appointed lawyers on Wednesday to act on his behalf.

Insiders said Smith was “collateral damage” from a decision by Macquarie Media’s new owners at Nine to insist on resigning Alan Jones for another two-year, $8 million contract.

Insiders say Smith was “collateral damage” after Alan Jones was resigned for two more years. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Macquarie bosses had promised morning show host Ray Hadley Jones’s coveted breakfast slot and told Steve Price he could have Hadley’s slot.

Once Jones was rehired they had nowhere to go.

Hadley was happy to wait for 78-year-old Jones to retire but Price is understood to have agitated for the move.

The poorly executed plan by 2GB bosses has not only angered listeners but solidified support from Jones and co-host Ben Fordham behind Smith.

Smith heads off next week for a prearranged three-week break that includes a cruise from New York to London with listeners.

But it is understood management planned for him to return from the trip and go straight onto nights. Smith, who has four-year-old twins, does not want the disruption.

Originally published as Listeners back Chris Smith as 2GB management devises afternoon line up change