Ray Hadley replaced on Brisbane’s 4BC by local host Bill McDonald

Nine radio is shaking things up in its Queensland stable by replacing the legendary Sydney-based broadcaster with a local host.

Ray Hadley in his home studio in Dural where he has been broadcasting his radio show from. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Ray Hadley has been removed from Brisbane’s airwaves after eight years, in the latest significant shakeup of Nine Radio’s lineup.

Hadley has been replaced by weekends host Bill McDonald who moved into the coveted role on Monday.

Hadley, now on ratings break, did not mention the change last week.

Diary foreshadowed the change up back in May after Hadley signed a fresh $3m to stick with Nine until the end of 2026.

It was understood at the time that Hadley’s Sydney-based show would continue to be syndicated into 4BC until the end of the year.

A plan Hadley was reportedly made aware of.

“Eight years ago Ray added 4BC to his large list of network stations and has made a huge impact in Brisbane and across Queensland. We’re delighted Ray will still be heard across the Brisbane airwaves during the Continuous Call Team, State of Origin, NRL Finals and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games,” 4BC content director Max Dudley said on Monday.

In the most recent radio ratings released last month, Hadley was the top rated show on 4BC – despite the roll out of the new methodology system which he criticised – with more than 7 per cent of the audience and added more listeners. He was also one of the strongest hosts in Brisbane in the new ratings system which now captures listeners streaming data.

This sudden line up change, seeing Hadley’s successful slot cancelled immediately, is apart of Nine’s push toward a “live and local” approach to content.

“4BC is now the only Brisbane radio station with live and local programming from 5.30am to 7pm, five days a week,” a Nine spokeswoman said on Monday.

Seven News host Sharyn Ghidella and new 4BC Mornings host Bill McDonald in the Birdcage at the AAMI Stradbroke Day at Eagle Farm Racecourse. Pics Tara Croser.

McDonald has more than 35 years experience in the market and on air across breaking news and sport, winning a Clarion Award for his coverage of the 2008 Gap floods. He has also called a number of Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

Dudley said McDonald was the ideal candidate for the Mornings slot as the station looks toward upcoming local events.

“It’s a big year ahead for Brisbane with council and state elections, not to mention the ongoing build towards the 2032 Games, and I have no doubt Bill will champion the issues that matter most to our listeners.”