Radio networks scramble for new producers amid major on-air shake-up

Brisbane radio networks are scrambling to fill roles behind-the-scenes, but it's Nova's axing of Ash Bradnam that has triggered the biggest backlash. WE’VE GOT THE SCOOP

Upheaval in Brisbane’s radio landscape is no longer confined to the voices behind the mic, it has reached the producers, programmers and behind-the-scenes staff who keep the shows running.

In recent days, a wave of new job ads has quietly emerged across the industry, signalling another round of internal movement and a growing sense of uncertainty across Brisbane’s radio sector.

Over the past week, three major networks — Nova, SCA and ARN — have posted producer vacancies on LinkedIn, even as they push ahead with sweeping on-air restructures.

At Nova, the Ash, Luttsy & Nikki Osborne team was searching for a new Executive Producer but has since taken down the job.

Over at B105, Stav, Abby & Matt are also advertising for an Executive Producer and were previously searching for a Senior Producer.

Nova 106.9's new 'Nick, Luttsy and Susie O’Neill show' will take over from January 19. Photo: Supplied.

Meanwhile, ARN has begun recruiting for a producer and on-air contributor to join its revamped KIIS 97.3 breakfast show with Craig “Lowie” Low, just weeks after the network axed Robyn, Kip and Corey.

Together, the vacancies paint a picture of a Brisbane radio scene in the middle of significant transition, with networks reshuffling talent, rebuilding shows and attempting to reset after a turbulent ratings year.

And while the internal reshuffle has created industry-wide uncertainty, it was Nova 106.9’s latest on-air move that sent listeners into open revolt.

Nikki Osborne with Nova 106.9 Program Manager Chris ‘Buzz’ Bezzina getting coffee. Picture: Tara Croser.

The network on Friday announced its new 2026 breakfast line-up, confirming Nick Allen-Ducat, Luttsy and Susie O’Neill after removing Ash Bradnam from the show.

Nova’s decision to dump Ash Bradnam from its breakfast show unleashed a wave of backlash after the network confirmed the 2026 team of Nick Allen-Ducat, Luttsy and Susie O’Neill, with O’Neill returning to replace Nikki Osborne and Allen-Ducat stepping into Bradnam’s seat.

Ashley Bradnam and David Lutteral from "Luttsy's Instagram. Supplied

“Why get rid of Ash though? Ash, Luttsy and Susie were the best team,” one fan wrote.

Another said: “Whilst I am stoked that Susie is back, I just don’t think I can do it without Ash.”

INSIDE BIG BROTHER’S UNEXPECTEDLY SHORT RUN

Big Brother’s latest season was originally meant to run twice as long, with insiders revealing the show was quietly cut from eight weeks to just four despite being promoted as a return to the franchise’s classic extended format.

Inside the new Big Brother house at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nigel Hallett

With the grand final now set for Monday, the season, which premiered on November 9, 2025, has wrapped far sooner than fans and even some cast members expected. This year’s run was initially sold as an eight-week commitment, echoing the show’s early years when seasons often stretched between nine and fifteen weeks. Instead, it has mirrored the shorter format last used during its Channel 7 era.

Industry sources tell Scoop the downsizing followed internal production complications combined with early ratings concerns, prompting executives to question whether the longer format could hold.

“A few of us thought we were signing on to an 8 week run, now we’re here wrapping up after 4,” an insider told Scoop.

Internally, another major pressure point was commercial.

Despite the franchise pulling strong numbers on social media and through the live feed, with viral clips and heavy engagement among younger viewers, advertisers were reportedly unhappy with the traditional broadcast performance. Several industry sources say the contrast between its online popularity and softer on-air figures left key partners disappointed after expecting stronger prime time results.

That dissatisfaction is understood to have played a significant role in the decision to bring the season to an early close.

However, it is understood producers remain cautiously optimistic about the show’s momentum, with confrontations, challenges and evictions still drawing strong engagement across TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.

IS ROBERT IRWIN BRINGING AN EFRON INTO THE JUNGLE?

Robert Irwin’s popularity has gone stratospheric since his US run on Dancing With The Stars win, but it seems the 22-year-old wasn’t just winning over American audiences — he was also trying to poach some very famous names for his own show.

Robert Irwin and Dylan Efron pictured after the DWTS grand final. Photo: Instagram.

Industry insiders tell Scoop the wildlife warrior has been using his time in Los Angeles to sound out DWTS co-stars — and more importantly, their high-profile siblings — for the 2026 season of I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here!, which Irwin co-hosts with Julia Morris.

Speculation reached boiling point this week after Dylan Efron, brother of Irwin’s DWTS rival, posted a photo of himself with Irwin alongside the caption: “Can’t wait to hang out in the wild.” Irwin’s response, “Catch you soon mate,” sent fans into meltdown, with some interpreting it as a not-so-subtle confirmation that an Efron might finally be heading into the jungle.

Network 10 has been trying to land an Efron for years. During the pandemic, former host Dr Chris Brown even named Zac and Dylan among his dream recruits, telling Pedestrian: “I wouldn’t say no to a Hemsworth, or an Efron”.

While the 2026 cast remains tightly under wraps, production sources say there is “genuine chatter” that Zac, Dylan, or potentially both could be on the new season.

Irwin is currently understood to be in South Africa shooting promotional material for the new season.

CELEBRITY WEEK IN SEQ

South East Queensland has recorded a major spike in star power this week, with Hollywood heavyweights and global music acts seen across Brisbane and the Gold Coast ahead of another influx of A-list arrivals in the coming days.

Lewis Capaldi and a koala at Australia Zoo on Thursday. Photo: Instagram.

Brisbane is now preparing for back-to-back visits from Oprah Winfrey and Lady Gaga, but the build-up has already begun. Scottish chart-topper Lewis Capaldi spent Thursday touring Australia Zoo, where he was photographed feeding wombats and cuddling koalas before taking the stage at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

The singer also made an unannounced stop at popular pizzeria Donnie’s, ordering pepperoni with hot honey and posing for photos with staff. He later posted a snapshot of the city skyline with the caption: “Lovely stuff.”

Further south, Chris Hemsworth was spotted in Broadbeach during a break from filming action thriller Subversion, drawing crowds as he stopped to greet fans and take photos.on Thursday night.

LINCOLN DEBUTS HOT NEW ‘RANGER’ LOOK FOR NCIS: SYDNEY

Lincoln Lewis has sent social media into a tailspin after unveiling a Crocodile Dundee-inspired “hot ranger” look for his NCIS: Sydney debut. The Brisbane actor, 38, posted the first glimpse of his character Vinnie Reeves this week — complete with wide-brim hat, deep-V khaki shirt and shorts of alarming brevity — prompting hundreds of lusty, thirsty comments from fans.

Son of a King: Lincoln Lewis channels full outback ranger for his NCIS: Sydney cameo.

“NCIS – SYDNEY … it wasn’t just an awesome time, it was a dead set honour!” Lewis wrote, calling Vinnie a “treasure hunting, adventurous, swashbuckling, tight-shorts wearing” character and one of the most fun roles he’s played.

Lewis also revealed the cameo delivered a long-awaited reunion with his former Home and Away co-star Todd Lasance, describing the on-set stoke as “on par with getting the call telling me I had the role”.

Originally published as Radio networks scramble for new producers amid major on-air shake-up