Rush Hour is over

Triple M axe lands on local Drive show

Not for the first time, not I expect the last, I’m writing about a Brisbane radio station axing a local program in favour of a networked show.

This time it’s Triple M that has axed the Rush Hour Drive show with Liam Flanagan, Leisl Jones and Ben “Dobbo” Dobbin in favour of one hosted from Sydney by Marty Sheargolgd and broadcast to all Triple M stations in Queensland and NSW. The AFL states will have a different show, networked from Melbourne. The change will take place at the start of the new year.

This follows the replacement of the local Weekends program on 4BC with a show from Sydney (and, sadly, there are rumours of more changes to come there, especially after Nine Radio took the axe to 6PR in Perth a few weeks ago).

I won’t go through the laundry list, because I’m actually on holidays now (and writing this poolside in Cebu in the Philippines), but it seems the movement towards less local radio is relentless.

Only the breakfast shows have escaped the cost-cutting at most music stations — and that might not be the case in the near future. Good news for the networked stars, who are coining it in, but not for those who work hard and care passionately about delivering relevant content in their home towns.

The latest ratings will be released on Thursday next week. Good luck, everybody. Let’s hope strong figures can save you from the wrath of the bean counters (even though they may not).

©2024 Brett Debritz. If I’ve inadvertently used copyrighted material, failed to give credit where it’s due, written or said something you disagree with, or otherwise upset or unexpectedly delighted you, please leave a comment, email me or connect with me at @debritz on X or @brettdebritz on Threads. I also have a YouTube site, @radiobert. Links are provided as a courtesy; I take no responsibility for their contents or give any warranty of their veracity. Image: Triple M