What’s the Buzz: Matty Johns v Ray Hadley in new radio ratings war
After a successful stint at Triple M, Matty Johns will make his morning radio comeback and says Ray Hadley will be shaking in his boots ahead of a possible ratings dip — even if it is just one day a week.
NRL
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Matty Johns is making a comeback to morning radio to take on 2GB veteran Ray Hadley.
In a coup for Sydney’s new sports network 1170 SEN, Johns has agreed to host the Friday morning 9-12 shift and make other appearances throughout the week.
The Fox Sports star is the latest in a host of big signings for Crocmedia CEO Craig Hutchison that include Johns’ TV stablemates Bryan Fletcher (drive) and Andrew Voss (breakfast).
Johns had a highly successful stint hosting the Triple M Grill Team breakfast show but quit two years ago.
He laughed about taking on Hadley.
“Ray has commented to me before that his ratings spiked when I gave it away at Triple M,” Johns said, “He’ll be shaking in his boots.
“It’s probably a good thing I’m only doing Friday, so his listeners will only jump across for one day.”
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Ex-Channel 7 host Matt White will do 9-12 Monday to Thursday.
The network has been hugely successful in Melbourne, and launches in Sydney in grand final week. It will also cover the cricket Tests, Big Bash and Australian Open tennis.
Johns said he had first been approached at the beginning of the year.
“Hutchy got in touch with me months ago but I told him I wasn’t ready for the grind again,” Johns said. “Then he came back to me a few weeks ago. He offered me four days’ work, then three days, and it was still too much. So we agreed to start with just doing Fridays.
“It suits me because I’ve got my week out of the way with the shows, my column and podcast. I’ll get the show done and then go and enjoy a beer.”
Hutchison couldn’t be happier.
“We are rapt that Matty has chosen our platform for his much-awaited return to radio,” he said.
“He has a rare and rich connection with audiences and is one of the best creative minds in the business. He’s a respected former player, media identity, brilliant host and born entertainer.
“We couldn’t be prouder that he’s now on our team.”