Popular host Marty Sheargold to leave Triple M breakfast show

The shock exit of Marty Sheargold from Triple M’s breakfast slot has paved the way for yet another shake-up of Melbourne’s morning airwaves. So who could get the gig?

Triple M’s high profile breakfast show host Marty Sheargold has stepped down from the role.

The Marty Sheargold Show, which started in January 2021, will now move to a national afternoon show in the 3-4pm timeslot.

A statement from Southern Cross Austereo cited Sheargold needing to balance his many commitments including stand-up comedy and TV work.

Sheargold took an extended break in October last year to focus on his mental health.

The personal leave came after the Herald Sun revealed there was an incident at the AFL grand final lunch.

His return to the airwaves in April was labelled “nasty” by listeners after his on-air jokes fell flat.

It is believed Sheargold had a year left to run on his contract and the network was prepared to stick with him, but he asked to step away, setting tongues wagging about possible replacements for the veteran media personality.

Marty Sheargold has quit his post as Triple M breakfast show host. Picture: Supplied

Sheargold’s breakfast ratings haven’t risen enough for him to challenge the top FM stations, last survey recording a percentage share of 5.9 with GOLD FM’s Christian O’Connell leading on 10.4. FOX FM’s Fifi, Fev and Nick recorded 10.

Eddie McGuire and Luke Darcy were undeniably successful during their timme on Triple M. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Eddie McGuire and Luke Darcy, who helmed that show for 11 years, were undeniably a success and after starting at 3.6 per cent in the ratings in 2009, had three years later risen to 9.6 with further glory days alongside Mick Molloy when they reached number one on FM in Melbourne.

Could McGuire be worth a call? He’s had a break and would be refreshed to tackle a new challenge.

There are several other options in play.

Two Melbourne comedians, Dave Hughes and Mick Molloy, who are proven to resonate with Melbourne audiences, are being heard on Sydney airwaves in breakfast shows.

Mick Molloy is also a hit with Melbourne audiences. Picture: David. Crosling

Hughes, who co-hosts Hughesy, Ed and Erin on 2DayFM, has recently filled in for Billy Brownless on Triple M’s The Rush Hour and impressed. Molloy co-hosts Mick and MG in the Morning, with Mark Geyer, on Triple M Sydney which could potentially go national.

Neither show is setting the world on fire up there as talkback and Kyle and Jackie O dominate.

There’s also plenty of talent in the Triple M footy ranks with Dale Thomas, Leigh Montagna and the popular Abbey Holmes more than capable of filling hosting roles.

The formula that worked seemed to be a mix of footy, news and likeable personalities.

Perhaps the answer this time is the most obvious.

In a statement on Thursday morning Sheargold said: “Taking an extended break at the end of last year has reinforced the importance of spending more quality time with my family. As a result, I have made the decision to prioritise self-care, maintaining a better work/life balance and will not be returning to my Triple M Breakfast show.

“However, I will continue The Marty Sheargold Show podcast, along with the 3-4pm national Triple M show. I want to thank my immediate team and the network for their ongoing support and understanding. And I’d also like to thank the listeners for their loyalty to both the show and the station. Like them, I remain a Triple M fan.”

It comes after he took an extended leave of absence in 2023 for mental health reasons. Picture: Supplied

SCA Chief Content Officer, Dave Cameron, said: “SCA supports Marty’s decision to rebalance his personal and work commitments, and we’d like to thank Marty and his team for creating a unique and hilarious Breakfast show for Melbourne since 2021. It is exciting however that our listeners will continue to hear Marty alongside his current team of Troy Ellis, Loren Barry and Will Ralston across both the Triple M network as a national Afternoon radio show and on his fan-favourite daily podcast on LiSTNR, which regularly ranks prominently on the Australian Podcast Ranker.”

The Marty Sheargold Show continues in the afternoons from mid July with the network saying a new Triple M breakfast show will be announced “in due course”.