Steve Price is back in daily radio. Just days after ending its relationship with Nine Entertainment on the TV side of the business, SCA is launching a major play in the talk radio space. In doing so SCA will be going head-to-head with Nine Radio’s jewels in the crown – 2GB and 3AW.
SCA has signed Price for a new daily live-streamed 7am-10am show, to be heard exclusively on the LiSTNR app. Over the years Price has been a major part of the success at first 3AW and then later at 2GB.
Australia Today with Steve Price is being branded as the country’s first digital audio live-to-air conversation and it launches on Wednesday April 7.
Price will share the airwaves with journalist Natarsha Belling who joined LiSTNR last year as the host of the daily breaking news program Your Daily Agenda.
The new program will tap into the network of SCA journalists in 46 markets, as Australia Today with Steve Price will talk live and directly to locals across the nation via the LiSTNR app.
The show builds on the significant presence LiSTNR already has in the news/talk area with other programs including The Briefing, Pyne Time, Peacock Politics, Global Truths and more. If LiSTNR decides to launch a streaming talk channel it just needs to push the button.
Steve Price said: “What a privilege to be given the chance to launch a show that will give all Australians the chance to have their say. Our rural neighbours have endured unfathomable hardship with bushfires and floods, the whole country has been impacted by Covid-19 and the issues rolling out of Parliament House right now have sparked a cultural reckoning.
“I know there are so many stories and issues impacting individuals and communities across the country not being told and we want to hear about them. Australia Today will open up national conversations around what’s in the news and happening in the world of politics and current affairs with balanced opinion, shaped by the common sense approach I pride myself on. We won’t be wedded to the left or right side of any issue but we will take a position and argue the case. You won’t ever hear us sitting on the fence!”
Co-host and newsreader Natarsha Belling added: “I’m so thrilled to be part of this exciting new venture in delivering breaking news, but also dissecting and discussing the major issues that shape and change our lives. Born and raised in country NSW, I’m a passionate advocate for rural Australia. After recent events there are lots of Australians hurting right now from fires, floods and COVID devastated businesses. This program is about giving all Australians a voice.
“I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Steve before, he’s an excellent broadcaster with a great sense of humour. Sometimes we disagree, but we both love a chat! I cannot wait for the many great discussions and laughs ahead!”
SCA chief content officer Dave Cameron said: “We are thrilled to have secured a broadcaster and journalist of Steve’s calibre to lead our bold foray in to live-streamed, daily news and talkback on LiSTNR. Steve isn’t afraid to call a spade a spade and cuts through so much of the propaganda Australians have to navigate when consuming their daily news; it’s the reason he dominated the AM airwaves for as long as he did.”
Australia Today with Steve Price will be produced by Thomas Blake who has been a talkback radio producer for 14 years at 2UE and 2GB where he worked with Price for nearly five years.
Australia Today with Steve Price kicks off Wednesday 7 April live via the LiSTNR app at 7am. Highlights from the show will be available to podcast after 10am each day.