ABC Radio Melbourne welcomes a new voice to its Breakfast team next year, with comedian Charlie Pickering presenting his own show each Friday from 5.30 am to 8.00 am.
Returning in the new year is Sammy J, who will present the breakfast slot from Monday to Thursday.
Dina Rosendorff, ABC Radio Melbourne manager, said the shared shift at Breakfast reflected Sammy’s increasingly busy schedule, which sees him touring his comedy show next year while working on some exciting future television projects.
“It’s an absolute win for Melburnians, with two of the funniest, smartest and insightful people around, giving their take on what’s happening in this city across the week.”
Sammy welcomed Pickering to the station, saying: “I’m so grateful to my ABC Melbourne family for giving me this extra space for creative projects and thrilled to be sharing Breakfast with one of my oldest comedy chums.”
Pickering said of his new role: “For most of my childhood 774 was on the radio. It’s the soundtrack to a life lived in Melbourne. Now that I’m a grown up, I’m honoured to be a part of it. Although I promise not to be too much of a grown up.”
There are no other changes to ABC Radio Melbourne next year, with Virginia Trioli returning to Mornings from early March after extended leave during which time audience favourite Ali Moore will present the program.
Richelle Hunt will once again present The Conversation Hour with co-hosts from around the state. Jacinta Parsons returns to Afternoons (with co-host Brian Nankervis for the Friday Revue), as does Raf Epstein in Drive and David Astle in Evenings.
Alice Zaslavsky returns to Saturday Breakfast, Matt Preston is back for Saturday Mornings along with sports co-host Catherine Murphy and Dr Vyom Sharma, while Lisa Leong is back to present Sundays.
Iconic presenter Trevor Chappell will continue to present Overnights across the country and Brian Nankervis returns for another season of Songs & Stories on Sunday evenings.
The new ABC Radio line up starts on Monday 16 January.
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Top image: Charlie Pickering