Gold Coast Triple M radio host Luke Bradnam’s Rush Hour to go

GOLD COAST radio star Luke Bradnam has been a staple of afternoon radio for several years - after the shock cancellation of his Triple M show, he’s now on the hunt for a new gig.

GOLD Coast radio star Luke Bradnam is hunting for a new gig after the shock axing of his local afternoon show, understood to be a cost-cutting move.

The former top Hot Tomato host jumped ship to Triple M to spearhead the new ‘Luke Bradnam Show with Libby Trickett and Dobbo’ in February last year.

Triple M ‘Drive’ time show hosts Luke Bradnam and Ben Dobbin - Bradnam confirmed yesterday their contract will end in December. (AAP Image/Mark Calleja)

The show will end come December, Bradnam confirmed.

Asked about a tip that his 3-6pm Rush Hour show – broadcast across Brisbane and the Gold Coast – would be replaced by Triple M’s national drivetime show Kennedy Molloy, Bradnam said: “Our show hasn’t been renewed for next year.

“We were just told it was too expensive and now a national show will go into all markets. It’s unfortunate for me as I bloody loved it up there and worked my arse off to get into that building.

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Luke Bradnam hopes to find a new gig on Gold Coast radio airwaves after his Triple M Rush Hour contract ends in December. It will be replaced by a nationally broadcast show out of Melbourne. Picture Mike Batterham

“But that’s radio mate,” Bradnam said an hour before starting his show yesterday.

Kennedy Molloy’s ‘Drive’ show is Melbourne-based.

It means for the first time since he hit the airwaves 22 years ago, Bradnam is uncertain of his radio future and looking for a new slot.

The experienced broadcaster, who also works part-time as a beaches and fishing presenter for Channel 9, said he had nothing “assured” on the radio front for 2019 after his Rush Hour show ends.

Libby Trickett resigned from the Luke Bradnam Show two months ago to pursue a teaching career. Co-hosts Ben Dobbin and Luke Bradnam have been told the show won’t continue after December 7. (AAP Image/Mark Calleja)

“It’s a unique position for me. I’ve been in the game 22 years. It is the first time I’ve found myself in this position.

“I’m confident something will happen. Hopefully, I’ll continue in Gold Coast radio. I’ve been part of it since 2003. I would miss it too much.”

Co-host and Olympic swimming champion Libby Trickett resigned from the show two months ago to pursue teaching. Since then, Bradnam, 45, and co-host Ben Dobbin have been joined by Margaux Parker, who had been filling in for Trickett during maternity leave. The hosts of the show found out about its axing via an internal memo last week.

Luke Bradnam on Triple M axing his Rush Hour show with Ben Dobbin and Margaux Parker: “(December 7) will be the last Rush Hour but it won’t be the last of Luke Bradnam.” (AAP Image/Mark Calleja)

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Bradnam said: “It’s disappointing but I understand. Honestly, it has been a great couple of years. I’ve met some really great people up there and it’s been a dream come true.”

The show airs for the final time on December 7.

“That will be the last Rush Hour but it won’t be the last of Luke Bradnam,” he said.

Triple M owner Southern Cross Austereo also has 92.5 Gold FM which would seem Bradnam’s most likely move.

A Triple M spokesman confirmed contracts for Rush Hour would not be renewed.

“The show will cease.”