ARN has cancelled Brisbane’s 97.3FM Bianca, Mike and Bob breakfast show, claiming there are plans to take the station in a different direction in 2020, with hosts Mike Van Acker and Bianca Dye departing their roles.
Despite ARN calling Van Acker “a much-loved and respected part of the 97.3FM Breakfast show” there is no place for him any longer. In a statement, ARN thanked him for his talent, passion and professionalism during the past two years.
Both Bianca Dye and Bob Gallagher will stay with ARN, but in as-yet revealed roles. Gallagher is expected to perhaps be part of the new 97.3 breakfast show.
That new Brisbane breakfast show could see Robin Bailey back at her old station. ARN famously dropped her from the station in a contract dispute several years ago, but all could be forgiven if they can negotiate a new deal.
As a part of the new ARN strategy for 97.3FM breakfast, the existing show’s executive producer Liam Renton will also be finishing up his role.
ARN indicated this morning the new breakfast show won’t be named until 2020.
Meanwhile ARN has also been busy in Sydney where Radio Today has reported on the departure of Scott Muller as the station’s content director.
[Read about Muller’s departure]
The arrival of a new content director would be the third at the station in two years as Charlie Fox departed in December 2017.
Other radio movements this week saw the departure of Matt Tilley from Nova 100 in Melbourne, while Irene Hulme is out as music director for SCA’s Hit Network. Hulme could perhaps be a candidate for the WSFM job, making a return to ARN.
[Read about Hulme’s departure]
There is still one day of radio ratings left in 2019, so buckle up for some more movement.