On Thursday morning, Ben Fordham announced to Sydney that Weekends host Michael McLaren would be taking over on 2GB Afternoons, after the departure of Deb Knight.
McLaren has been at the sation for 17 years, and said that the new role was “an honour.”
“There has been a rich and great legacy on Afternoons, most recently with Deb.”
Welcoming McLaren into the studio, Fordham told listeners that “A number of people are saying they’re very happy about this annoucnement.”
Speaking about his beginnings as producer to Brian Wilshire in 2006, McLaren said that he had “learned from the best” before discussing how the Afternoons slot will be a change of pace from his previous Weekends slot, and joked that he will no longer have an excuse not to mow the lawns on the weekend.
He began his time on-air in 2011, first hosting 2GB’s Weekend Overnight program before taking on Weekday Overnights and then Weekends 9am – 1pm.
“Good luck, you don’t need it,” Fordham said.
The news comes after the departure of Deb Knight, who will be will be leaving the 2GB Afternoon show and taking on a new role as the national host of Money News, commencing in 2024.
“I’m taking on a new, broader network role,” Knight told listeners of the news. “I have been appointed to a new position as the new national host of Money News which is heard at 7pm around the country. Here on 2GB in Sydney [plus] 4BC in Brisbane, 3AW in Melbourne and 6PR in Perth.
“I hosted the Financial Review Sunday show on Nine TV a few years back so I have experience in the finance field which I will bring to bear in this new role.”
See Also: Deb Knight in her own words: 2GB star explains departure from afternoons
Earlier this month,The Sunday Telegraph reported the Knight – the only woman presenting her own show on 2GB – was told of the decision a week ahead of news breaking. The publication reports that she was “shattered” by the news.
In the most recent radio ratings survey, Knight’s Afternoons spot was down a point for a 10+ share of 6.0%.
2GB Content Manager, Luke Davis said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring our listeners more of Michael McLaren in 2024. Michael’s performance over the past 12 years has been outstanding, with listeners warming to his intelligence, quick wit and knack of breaking down complex issues. His ability to cover anything from the news of the day, to travel, nostalgia, health, cars, technology and entertainment makes him the perfect companion for Afternoons.”
2GB Afternoons with Michael McLaren will premiere on Monday 15 January 2024.