4BC Brisbane names Bill McDonald as their new host of Mornings

Posted on 18 September 2023

“I have lived in Brisbane my whole life and will stand up for where we live as much as possible.”

Journalist and broadcaster Bill McDonald has been named as the new host of 4BC Mornings, completing the live and local lineup across the revamped station.

With more than 35 years’ media experience across news and sport, including coverage of the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, and a Clarion Award for his coverage of the 2008 Gap floods, McDonald will be replacing longtime host Ray Hadley.

4BC content manager, Max Dudley said: “I’m excited to welcome Bill McDonald as our new Mornings host, adding another program to our live and local offering on 4BC. It’s a big year ahead for Brisbane with council and state elections, not to mention the ongoing build towards the 2032 Games, and I have no doubt Bill will champion the issues that matter most to our listeners.”

4BC is now the only Brisbane radio station with live and local programming from 5:30 am to 7 pm, five days a week.

On his new role, Bill McDonald said: “I’m excited to host 4BC Mornings to connect with our listeners, discussing issues that are impacting our own neighbourhoods every single day. I have lived in Brisbane my whole life and will stand up for where we live as much as possible.”

Dudley also paid tribute to Ray Hadley, saying: “Eight years ago Ray added 4BC to his large list of network stations and has made a huge impact in Brisbane and across Queensland. We’re delighted Ray will still be heard across the Brisbane airwaves during the Continuous Call Team, State of Origin, NRL Finals and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.”

Bill McDonald starts as host of 4BC Mornings from Monday, 18 September.

Last month, the fifth radio ratings survey saw 4BC dip 0.2 points for a share of 6.2%.

Breakfast with Laurel, Gary & Mark was down 0.1 points for a share of 6.6%. With Neil Breen having signed off from Drive, Peter Gleeson has been behind the mic in the interim. The position will not be permanent, however, with Gleeson acting in a caretaker role. The daypart was down 0.9 points for a 6.3% share.