Advertisers angry at moves to shift Chris Smith from 2GB afternoons threaten to pull $2m

Advertisers unhappy with radio station 2GB plans to punt talkback host Chris Smith from his regular afternoon slot are threatening to pull their money from the station.

Chris Smith leaving 2GB on Wednesday, June 26. Picture: Monique Harmer

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Unhappy advertisers are threatening to pull their money from radio station 2GB over its plans to punt talkback host Chris Smith from his regular afternoon slot.

And loyal listeners are signing an online petition and planning­ a rally outside the ­station’s Pyrmont offices on Tuesday, in a bid to keep Smith on air from noon to 3pm.

Advertisers are standing behind 2GB's Chris Smith. Picture: Facebook

“I certainly would not like to see the line-up changed because I think it works,” Dedes Waterfront Group owner Con Dedes said on Friday.

“We have been advertising with Macquarie Media for more than 10 years and Chris has been an integral part of that.

“I started advertising with Chris and now also advertise with Alan Jones, Ray Hadley and Ben Fordham and am ­unhappy to see that line-up being reshuffled in any way.”

Steve Price was his proposed replacement.

Popular Melbourne host Denis Walter would be axed under 2GB’s plan.

At least three advertisers with deals worth up to $2 million are understood to be considering pulling their money, after The Daily Telegraph ­revealed that Macquarie Media bosses were looking to swap Smith with regular night-time host Steve Price.

In a cost-cutting move, Price would broadcast across three states in the afternoons, with popular Melbourne 3AW host Denis Walter axed.

One advertiser, who did not want to be named, said that axing Smith would affect his decision­ to keep spending with the station or not.

“Steve Price is a very different person and would have a very different audience that would not work so well for us,” he said.

Smith was sick and did not broadcast yesterday — the second time he has not been on air this week after he stormed out on Monday, following­ a heated altercation with Macquarie Media bosses.

Smith is heading off on a three-week rearranged holiday.

He is now heading off on a three-week prearranged holi­day­ that will also include a cruise from New York to London­ with listeners.

Management had planned for Smith to return from the jaunt and go straight onto the nightshift.

But as Smith jets off, he leaves a station in turmoil with no clear decision on his future.

Chief executive Adam Lang has declined to comment on presenters or their contracts.

“We look forward to continuing­ to work with Chris on our News Talk stations long into the future,” was all he would say earlier­ this week.

Originally published as Advertisers angry at moves to shift Chris Smith from 2GB afternoons threaten to pull $2m