Adam Lang ‘in talks’ with Merrick Watts for permanent 2GB spot

The breakdown in talks between Chris Smith and 2GB management has left an opening at the talkback station. Sources are now claiming they are looking to hire funnyman Merrick Watts to help attract a new and younger demographic.

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EXCLUSIVE: Merrick Watts, half of one of FM radio’s most dynamic 1990s duos, is tipped to replace Steve Price at nights on 2GB.

Following the breakdown of talks between afternoon show host Chris Smith and 2GB management last week — prompting Smith’s immediate departure from the station — radio bosses, sources claim, are looking to employ funnyman Watts to help attract a new and younger demographic to the top-rating but old-skewing station.

Merrick Watts is looking likely to fill the position vacated by Chris Smith. Picture: Darren Leigh Roberts

Chris Smith left the talkback station after management told him he would be moving to Steve Price’s night shifts. Picture: Monique Harmer

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Watts will fill in for drive host Ben Fordham next week while Fordham takes holidays.

2GB CEO Adam Lang confirmed on Saturday he had been in talks with Watts for “six to eight months” about finding a permanent spot for him on 2GB.

“We love Merrick and we’re delighted to have him on next week,” Lang, who first worked with Watts while in management at Triple M, said.

“I started talking to him six to eight months ago and started booking him to do shows then — initially in guest roles on both Ben and Ray Hadley’s shows, then as a stand-in for Ben when he went on leave. Merrick is great talent and a delight to work with.”

Chris Smith is out and about in New York City on a trip with listeners courtesy of the station. Picture: Twitter

Smith, pictured with his wife Susie Burrell and kids, revealed the move wouldn’t work with his duties as a father. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Along with Tim Ross, Watts was previously one half of the top-rating Merrick And Rosso program, a show that first found success on Triple J from 1998 before moving to Nova, where it was popular from 2001 to 2009, when Ross announced his departure.

Watts remained at the station until 2011, when he was poached by Triple M.

Originally published as Adam Lang ‘in talks’ with Merrick Watts for permanent 2GB spot