The ABC announced late last week that well-known journalist Tom Baddeley will be ABC Radio Perth’s new Breakfast presenter, taking up his new role on Monday 7 February 2022.
Baddeley said it was a privilege to be given the opportunity to present the show and to take over the reins from his “good mate” Russell Woolf, who died suddenly last October:
“Woolfy’s shoes will be impossible to fill, but I want to continue with the great tradition he set of getting the day started with a little bit of fun, a good chat and some super music.
“A favourite memory of my earlier time with the ABC was the ‘gateway to the weekend’ conversation I had with Russell each Friday. He was a terrific mentor and my aim is to bring what I gleaned from Woolfy to the new breakfast show in 2022.”
Russell Woolf
Baddeley makes his return to the ABC after 16 years and is best known for his ABC news reading and business reporting roles, as well as presenting Stateline. He began his journalism career with The West Australian and after leaving the ABC in 2005, went on to work in media relations, government relations, policy advocacy and public affairs including as Communications Manager for WA’s then-new Super Rugby team, the Western Force.
ABC Perth manager Sarah Knight said: “It is a pleasure to welcome Tom back to the ABC. I’m sure his easy-going manner, coupled with his local Perth knowledge, will provide the perfect start to the day. With Tom, you’ll get a broad range of news, chat and humour – all the ingredients for a great breakfast.”
James Valentine
One ABC Radio breakfast show still vacant
It has been a busy few months for Judith Whelan, the head of the ABC Radio metro network. Whelan has had to find replacements for three of the five metro market breakfast shows. In addition to the vacant Perth position, the incumbents in Sydney (Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck) and Adelaide (Ali Clarke) both decided to step away from their shows.
The Sydney breakfast job went to James Valentine, while the Adelaide breakfast role has yet to be confirmed.
Top photo: Tom Baddeley (right) was a former colleague of Russell Woolf when he previously worked for the ABC (ABC photo)