Shuffle of ABC radio hosts complete as broadcaster bids to boost ratings in 2024

The public broadcaster has completed its radio shake-up for 2024 but critics remain concerned the changes may not go far enough to fix falling audiences.

The ABC’s deliberate shift away from part-time radio presenters and its shuffling of hosts are part of a plan by management to improve declining ratings.

On Friday, its radio presenters from across the country gathered to shoot new promotional material for 2024 to spruik their shows and give ABC stations nationally a reboot from January.

Sources have told The Australian a key problem of the former radio line-ups was having presenters who were not working five days a week, making it difficult to maintain consistent content for audiences.

This includes Melbourne comedian Sammy J, who will go from hosting breakfast four days a week to five after Charlie Pickering was axed as host of the Friday show.

In Sydney, the biggest overhaul is the dumping of breakfast host James Valentine, whose last show was Friday. He moves back to afternoons next year, with comedian Craig Reucassel taking over breakfast.

Josh Szeps, who was hosting afternoons, recently quit the ABC and Indira Naidoo was axed from evenings to be replaced by Renee Kosch.

In Melbourne, Rafael Epstein will remain as mornings host after he replaced Virginia Trioli in September, and Trevor Chappell will stay on afternoons and Ali Moore on drive, after several months in the roles.

Multiple sources involved in ABC radio, who did not wish to be named, rejected claims the broadcaster lacked conservative voices after the recent departure of ­Between The Lines host Tom Switzer. It was also announced that former Liberal Senator Amanda Vanstone would depart as host of RN’s Counterpoint after suffering declining audiences.

One insider defended the ABC’s record on impartiality. “We don’t employ people for their perceived political views, everyone has to be impartial,” one source said.

In July the ABC appointed Ben Latimer, the former head of programming for Nova, as its ­inaugural head of audio, reporting to chief content officer Chris Oliver-Taylor.

Another move is the return of former RN host Fran Kelly only two years after she finished on RN breakfast, to host Saturday Extra. It is believed this could be the first step towards a more substantial presence in radio.

ABC Brisbane’s drive host Steve Austin will also move to mornings, which one insider said was to ensure the station had a newsbreaker leading the station each day ahead of the 2024 state election. His slot will be filled by Kat Feeney.