Nova Entertainment has announced that after an impressive 18 years with the network, Kip Wightman has made the decision to depart Nova’s Brisbane breakfast team. During his tenure with Nova, Wightman has spent 15 years as co-host of one of Brisbane’s most successful breakfast shows, Ash, Kip, Luttsy, and Susie.
Wightman said it was tough to hang up his mic but the time was right for him to look for new opportunities.
“It has been a privilege to hang out with the people of Brisbane over breakfast these past 15 years, but the time is right for me to switch off the alarm and consider what’s next in my professional and personal life.
“Living in these strange times has made many of us reassess things, and while I’ve still got a lot of love for radio and broadcasting, my priorities have shifted. I’ve had a lot going on, some of which hasn’t been easy, and breakfast radio hours aren’t the best for a single Dad of a young son, so it feels right to call time on being a part of this dream team.
“I won’t miss the early starts, but I will miss everyone involved with the show, and everyone across the network who has made my years at Nova a great experience. I thank everyone for their support and apologise to my neighbours for being around far more than they are used to.”
Ash, Luttsy, and Susie said it would be weird to not have Wightman driving the desk after all these years.
“We selfishly thought we would be broadcasting together forever, so breaking up the band was never going to be easy,” the Nova Brisbane Breaky team said.
“We know that all good things must come to an end, but we look forward to calling Kip in the early hours to remind him of what he is missing.”
Brendan Taylor, Nova Entertainment’s group program operations director, reflected on Wightman’s contribution and career at Nova.
“It’s hard to put into words the impact Kip has had on our loyal listeners and the entire team. He’s been an important and influential part of Nova Brisbane from the very beginning. From all of us at Nova, I would like to thank Kip and wish him all the very best for the future,” Taylor said.
Ash, Luttsy & Susie O’Neill will continue as Nova 106.9’s number one breakfast show in Brisbane.
Top Image: Ash, Kip, Lutsy, and Suzie