Chris Smith supporters to hold rally outside 2GB studios against line up plans

Loyal listeners of Chris Smith are planning to hold a rally in protest of 2GB’s plan to swap the afternoon host with night-time presenter Steve Price in a major shake up of the station.

• Cost cutting behind 2GB line up change
• 2GB’s Chris Smith in ‘discussions’ about future

Supporters of Chris Smith are planning to hold a rally outside 2GB’s offices to “keep Smithy at noon” amid plans to move the popular talkback host to a night-time timeslot.

It comes after it was revealed 2GB management wants Smith to swap with presenter Steve Price who would take over the reins from 12-3pm in Sydney and Brisbane with the possibility of broadcasting to Melbourne.

But the move has led to a public outcry among Smith’s loyal listeners, who said the theme of the protest would be to “keep Smithy at noon or we boycott 2GB”.

A poster has been circulating among 2GB radio listeners. Picture: Supplied

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The rally is set to take place at 12pm on Tuesday outside the radio station’s Pyrmont offices.

Bendigo woman Anita Donlon, 54, is flying from Victoria to attend the rally and said moving Smith could prove to be “business suicide” for the station.

“It’s basically going to be a gathering with the supporters who can get away from work commitments to basically show 2GB management that Chris Smith has support,” she said.

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

Ray Hadley’s right hand man Michael Thompson (left) refused to comment when contacted this morning.

“People can come out and show their support — hopefully 2GB management will reconsider and realise it could be business suicide for them to remove Chris Smith from the top-rating spot.”

The Daily Telegraph understands staff have been warned if they speak about the line-up changes among themselves they will be disciplined.

Macquarie Media National Executive Producer Michael Thompson refused to comment on the hard line stance this morning.

Smith, who has four-year-old twins, has hired lawyers to fight plans to move him onto the night shift after confirming on air that he was “in discussions with management” about his future.

Steve Price at the launch of Macquarie’s former Melbourne talk station MTR.

“But in the meantime, it’s business as usual. Thank you so much for your support and messages. It has been very humbling.”

Multiple callers phoned his show this week to voice their disappointment with one caller telling Smith on Thursday that he was “shocked at the way you’ve been treated.”

Ms Donlon said it was Smith’s commitment to regional Australia and charities that won him legions of adoring fans.

“He’s a supporter of rural Australia and Australia in general,” she said.

“Come along and support a guy who is our voice. He is the voice for so many people and he’s been there forever, 16 years — I feel like I know him.

“I just can’t work out why 2GB management would think it’s a wise decision.”

Price hosted 3AW’s afternoon program in Melbourne between 1987-2002 and was the breakfast host of the Macquarie network’s failed Melbourne talk station MTR from 2010-2012.