Adelaide’s FIVEaa has announced the station’s weekday line-up for 2023 with Evenings presenter Matthew Pantelis revealed to be the new host of the Morning program from January.
Pantelis has been involved with FIVEaa for 26 years including fifteen as news director. Most recently he spent two years hosting FIVEaa Evenings, taking out the #1 spot for his timeslot in all 15 surveys. He has also been recognised for his commitment to the news as a Brian White Memorial Award winner at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards in 2019.
Matthew Pantelis said, “I’m over the moon at being given the opportunity to present mornings on FIVEaa. It’s an honour to take the reins from the great Leon Byner who I’ve known for over a quarter of a century.
“My background as news director has well prepared me for Morning radio, which explores the issues that are most important to people in Adelaide and gives them their chance to have their say.
“I’ve loved working the Evenings shift and connecting with our listeners and I look forward to continuing to do this throughout 2023.”
With Pantelis moving to the morning slot, Leith Forrest will take the reins for FIVEaa in Evenings. A familiar voice to the FIVEaa audience, Forrest has worked across every daypart on the station from Breakfast to Evenings.
Leith Forrest said, “I’ve been at FIVEaa for 22 years, which is literally half my life. All the great life events I’ve ever had, I’ve been working at FIVEaa, so it’s like a second home. I feel extremely lucky and honoured to be given the opportunity.
“In those two decades I’ve been fortunate to work with some amazing people who from which I’ve been able to learn so much. One of the first shifts I ever worked was with the great Bob Francis so to take over the program he made so famous is a little surreal.
“I want the show to continue to be what the people of Adelaide love on FIVEaa, local, topical and fun. I hope people continue to tune in for companionship, conversation, to catch up, or to help them get to sleep.”
FIVEaa station manager Craig Munn spoke about the dedication and passion that Matthew and Leith bring to the station.
“Matthew Pantelis has been an integral part of the FIVEaa team for more than a quarter of a century, and there is no one better equipped to embrace this wonderful opportunity. Leon Byner provided our FIVEaa morning listeners 21 years of engaging and compelling listening and we know that as the baton passes to Mathew, he will continue to deliver our audience a program that connects, entertains and informs.
“With Leith it’s safe to say that talk radio is in his blood. Leith has demonstrated his versatility and connection to our audience for more than two decades and knows FIVEaa as well as anyone. His passion and enthusiasm, coupled with his creativity and popularity with our listeners makes Leith the perfect fit for FIVEaa Evenings.
“2023 is shaping to be a big year for FIVEaa and we’re excited for what’s to come,” said Munn.
FIVEaa’s weekday lineup for 2023
The Sports Wrap with Tom Rehn – 5.30am to 6.00am
Breakfast with David Penberthy & Will Goodings – 6.00am to 9.00am
Mornings with Matthew Pantelis – 9.00am to 12.00pm
Nine News on FIVEaa – 12.00pm to 12.30pm
Conversations with Cornesy – 12.30pm to 1.30pm
Afternoons with Jade Robran – 1.30pm to 4.00pm
The FIVEaa Sports Show with Rowey and Timmy G – 4.00pm to 7.00pm
Early Evenings with Jon Blake – 7.00pm to 8.00pm
Evenings with Leith Forrest – 8.00pm to 12.00am
Overnights with Tony Moclair – 12.00am to 5.30am
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Top Image: Leith Forrest and Matthew Pantelis