Hamish Macdonald is about to become a weekday fixture on ABC Radio Sydney, adding Fridays to his regular Mornings program from October.
The move follows a strong ratings result for the broadcaster in GfK Survey 5, with the network recording audience lifts across key slots.
A growing role
Macdonald, who has been presenting the program Monday to Thursday, said he was looking forward to taking on the full week.
“We’re having heaps of fun on Mornings; breaking stories and building this big daily conversation with Sydney. It’s really wonderful to see the audience responding in this way. And it’s a huge testament to the hard work of our wonderful team,” he said.
“I can’t wait to add Fridays and of course thanks to my dear mate Kath who will still be all over the 702 schedule, as one of the hardest working broadcasters in the biz.”
Kathryn Robinson will continue in her current Afternoons slot on 702, while also maintaining her role with ABC News.
Macdonald’s extended commitment follows a solid ratings lift. He posted a +1.0% increase in Mornings, reaching a 5.6% share. In Drive, Chris Bath also recorded growth, up +0.9% to 5.6%.
Across the network, the ABC added 1.2 points to finish on an 18.3% share in Survey 5, with weekly reach climbing 3.6% to 4.75 million listeners.
On digital, the ABC remains the country’s leading live-streaming network, growing its share by +2.7% to 28.6%, and lifting reach 7% to 1.45 million.
Read more: Sydney Radio Ratings: Survey 5
Read more: Melbourne Radio Ratings: Survey 5
Main image: Hamish Macdonald