‘It’s a sad moment’: Another Sydney radio presenter departs ABC

ABC Radio favourite Robbie Buck tried to slip away quietly away from 28 years with the ABC on his Sunday night show. Hear what he said to his listeners.

Another high profile radio personality has announced that they too won’t be heard on ABC Radio Sydney next year, creating the greatest line up upheaval in the radio station’s history.

Listener favourite Robbie Buck told the ABC audience that after almost three decades at the organisation he was ending his time as a full time broadcaster.

“It’s a sad moment, I’ve got to say”, Buck told his audience.

“I’m stepping back from the ABC somewhat, which is a big move for me. I have been here over 28 years as a constant employee, and it’s been such a privilege to have been a part of this organisation.

“I am hoping to still have a toe in the water here on the airwaves, and so I’m hoping to pop up from time to time, but it just seems like it’s the right time for me to step back.”

In a statement to The Daily Telegraph, Buck said his time at the ABC had been a “glorious ride” and added he felt “extremely lucky” to have held so many roles at the broadcaster.

“I feel extremely lucky to have enjoyed the many roles and to build a connection to the country’s greatest audience: the ABC audience. I look forward to new adventures ahead,” he said.

Buck spent 13 years at the ABC’s Triple J and several years at ABC Radio National.

He hosted the high profile ABC Radio Sydney breakfast show for 8 years — four of which were with Wendy Harmer.

Robbie Buck, pictured with his longtime breakfast show co-host Wendy Harmer, will not be returning in 2025.

ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said, “Robbie Buck is an incredible broadcaster who has had a hand in creating some of the ABC’s most loved content across 702 ABC Radio Sydney, Radio National and triple over the last 28 years. We wish Robbie all the best and we hope to hear more of him on ABC Radio in the future.”

Buck will be joining other high profile ABC Sydney radio presenters Richard Glover, Sarah Macdonald and Simon Marnie on the sidelines in 2025.

Morning presenter Sarah Macdonald hasn’t fronted for her morning show for a week. Last month she told her audience that her contract wasn’t being renewed by management.

“I’m not going to be on the radio with you next year. The ABC has decided not to renew my contract,” Macdonald said on ABC Radio Sydney.

In his final show on Sunday night, Buck acknowledged the changes at the ABC and urged listeners to keep supporting public radio and broadcasting.

“There are, you know, some decisions that aren’t great, and there are some good decisions and all that sort of stuff,” he said.

“And I’m not going to comment on that right now. But I do want you to know that your support of the ABC, I think, is absolutely critical and it’s probably the most critical time ever to have your support.”

Buck hosted the ABC’s Songs & Stories radio show for the last 18 months. And it was on that show that he announced he was leaving the radio station.

Robbie Buck began his final day at the ABC by visiting Government House to support his colleague Simon Marnie, who was broadcasting live from the location.

Pictured at home in Erskineville is Robbie Buck and his dog Billy. Picture: Christian Gilles

Marnie’s final days at the ABC were emotional. The NSW Premier phoned the show to say that he was “devastated” by the decision.

The Governor General Sam Mostyn AC and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley AC KC also appeared on the show.

“I think ABC management have got absolute rocks in their head,” NSW Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers said of the decision.

ABC Director Audio Ben Latimer said, “Our audience have loved easing into the weekends with Simon over the years and learning about what was happening in Sydney and beyond.”

ABC Radio Sydney increased its share in the latest radio ratings — up 0.8 per cent to 7.5 per cent — with large increases in the morning timeslot, afternoon and drive.

Commercial talkback radio competitor, 2GB, is rating 9.8 per cent.

Robbie Buck has been with the ABC for 28 years. Photo: Tim Pascoe

The ABC has announced that TV anchor Chris Bath will replace retiring drive presenter Richard Glover, but have yet to announce their its plans for other shows including weekday and weekend mornings and weekend nights.

In his sign-off on radio on Sunday night Buck had a message for his audience.

“Look after yourself. Hopefully we’ll catch each other across the airwaves or in the street. Until then, bye for now”.