ARN has announced that former Today presenter Alex Cullen is joining The Christian O’Connell Show on Melbourne’s GOLD104.3.
In the announcement, ARN referred to Cullen’s new role as the ‘resident sports guru.’
Cullen and his family (he’s the father of three kids) will relocate to Melbourne from Sydney to take on the new role.
Last month, co-host Jack Post announced his decision to leave The Christian O’Connell Show. He had been with the show from it’s 2018 launch, with the departure a shock to the industry and listeners alike. Cullen’s appointment to the show will fill the gap left in the show made by Post’s departure.
Christian O’Connell said of the new hire: “AIex is a real talent and a very funny and likeable guy. I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates. He came over for a rigorous interview with me, that to onlookers may have looked like a long lunch with flowing red wine, but we bonded over being dads and a shared love of storytelling and how sport could be delivered on my show. I can’t wait for him to join my team and start working together, we are going to be like the Chicago Bulls of the 90s, or the Dees of 2021.”
Alex Cullen commented on his new role: “This is such an exciting next chapter for me. I actually started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it and joining a show that’s so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. I can’t wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne – my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home.”
In the Survey 3 radio ratings announced earlier this week, The Christian O’Connell Show saw a ratings dip from 10.8% to 9.7%. ARN Chief Content Officer Duncan Campbell told Mediaweek that “There’s no concern over the drop for Christian, but I really can’t explain it.”
He continued: “I do suspect, though, that it will correct itself as part of the natural survey ebbs and flows.”
Cullen will join The Christian O’Connell Show in July.