ABC axes breakfast radio pair Sami Shah, Jacinta Parsons for Sammy J
Comedian Sammy J will replace the duo, who had lifted ratings and rank second in their timeslot.
ABC has axed its Melbourne breakfast radio show with Sami Shah and Jacinta Parsons after two years.
The pair, who took over from longstanding breakfast radio broadcaster Red Symons early last year, will be replaced by Melbourne comedian Sam McMillan, otherwise known as Sammy J.
ABC Melbourne manager, Dina Rosendorff, thanked Shah and Parsons for their dedication over the last two years, but said the show had not connected with the ABC’s existing audience despite gaining listeners.
In the latest GfK ratings survey, Shah and Parsons grew their audience by 0.5 points to a 10.4 per cent share, making them the second most popular breakfast show in Melbourne behind 3AW.
“They are both extremely talented broadcasters and communicators. They have brought a fresh new sound to Breakfast along with a whole lot of new listeners. There is absolutely no way we would want to lose their skills,” Rosendorff said.
“This balance between existing and new audiences will be a focus for us in the new year. That doesn’t take away from the exceptional job Sami and Jacinta have done building their show since early 2018 and we will give both plenty of opportunity to use their skills in the future.”
Shah and Parsons will remain with the network next year and will be announced as part of the national presenter line up next week.
New host McMillan currently presents weekly satirical sketches on ABC TV and has been a regular contributor to ABC Radio Melbourne. He has been recognised globally for his work and is best known for his man and puppet comedy show Sammy J & Randy.
Rosendorff said he had already established himself as a popular personality.
“Sammy is an acute observer of the world around us and we look forward to his take on Melbourne life in 2020,” Rosendorff said.
McMillan said he could not wait to learn and engage with audiences.
“Like a stray kitten in need of some food the ABC has welcomed me into their radio household and I couldn’t be more excited,” he said.
McMillan will commence his new role on January 20.
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