As 2021 comes to a close, Nova 106.9 Brisbane is enjoying having the city’s #1 FM breakfast and drive shows, and being the top station in the market overall.
Mediaweek spoke to Brendan Taylor, Nova group program operations director, about the station’s lineup changes and what 2022 looks like.
“It’s been a great year for the team in Brisbane,” says Taylor. “ It has been a disruptive year with Kip [Wightman] leaving. But in the same respect, it’s such a great and joyful team to work with.”
Kip, Susie, Ash, and Luttsy
In October, Nova Entertainment announced that after an impressive 18 years with the network, Kip Wightman had made the decision to leave Nova’s Brisbane breakfast team after 15 years as co-host of the breakfast show. Taylor says that Wightman will always have a place at Nova Brisbane.
“Being a heritage show in the market, that team has been the voice of Brisbane for so many years. It was a shock for him to leave the show, but we understand his reasons for it. He’s been there since day one at the station in Brisbane – we wish him well, and he’ll always be a part of the show.”
The remaining three Breakfast hosts – Ashley Bradnam, David “Luttsy” Lutteral, and Susie O’Neill – will continue on without Wightman. Taylor says that the remaining three now have more breathing room on the show.
“We’ve had a taste of the show since Kip left, and it’s sounding great. There is one voice coming out of the mix, so there’s more space – it gives the guys more room to feature themselves and to have their say. They’ve been doing it for so long now that the dynamic is really natural to them. So we’ve got a great chemistry and great dynamic, and I only expect that to continue into next year. And it’s all supported by Buzz [Chris Bezzina], who anchors the show now and steers them around.”
Ash, Susie, and Luttsy
Working in Brisbane
Nova Brisbane is in an enviable position, comfortably enjoying the #1 spot in both Breakfast and Drive. For Taylor, the station’s success comes from providing fun and entertainment for listeners throughout the entire day.
“When you’ve got the calibre of Kate, Tim and Joel at the other end of the day, driving people home, and the heritage of Ash, Luttsy and Susie in the morning, it’s a great combination. We’re very lucky. Then tactically, we try to be as local as possible and create a bit of fun and entertainment relief for everyone in Brisbane.”
That locality is top of mind for Taylor and Nova Brisbane.
“Brisbane hasn’t seen the same level of lockdowns that Sydney and Melbourne have experienced over the last 18 months. It’s a young dynamic city – Brisbane is not a country town anymore. There’s so much development happening in the city and I think that the same needs to apply to radio, and that’s why Nova stands out from its competitors. The radio station itself always has Brisbane top of mind, it’s very local.”
Looking Ahead
As 2022 fast approaches, Taylor says consistency is key.
“Consistency is at the forefront of what we do as a team, we’ve got to continue that momentum that we’ve seen this year. It’s a fun place and we’ve got so many great, great personalities behind the scenes. Maddy Rowe is joining the local Brisbane lineup next year in afternoons replacing Buzz. It’s an exciting time for Nova Brisbane, and we’re all looking forward to hearing how 2022 rolls out.”