Craig Reucassel has scored a massive radio gig in the latest programming changes to shake up the sector.
Just months after former Nova programmer Ben Latimer took over as head of audio content at ABC, the broadcaster has overhauled the Sydney talent line-up.
So far in recent weeks there have been changes to ABC metro breakfast shows in Perth (IN: Mark Gibson), Adelaide (IN: Sonya Feldhoff and Jules Schiller) and now Sydney.
The Sydney change, overseen by Latimer and the manager of ABC Radio Sydney, Steve Ahern, saw James Valentine stepping down from breakfast just 24 months after taking on the role.
Taking over the Sydney ABC Sydney breakfast slot is Craig Reucassel in his first full-time solo radio role. Reucassel is best known as part of The Chaser. Earlier this year he hosted his third season of War on Waste.
Reucassel’s radio work previously included The Chaser’s years on Triple M and he has done fill-in work for the ABC, including a stint recently hosting Sydney drive while Richard Glover was away.
The departure of Josh Szeps triggered these moves after he quit on air recently. Szeps was a contender for Sydney breakfast when Valentine got the job at the end of 2021.
See also: Complete exit broadcast: ABC Radio Sydney loses Josh Szeps as he quits live on air
Commenting on his appointment, Craig Reucassel said: “I’m honoured to be joining ABC Radio Sydney as the station celebrates its centenary. I’ve got some big shoes to fill, following in the footsteps of some incredible broadcasters including James.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know the audience over breakfast and my morning coffee (from a reusable coffee cup of course). The bit about being excited to wake up at 3am was a lie though.”
James Valentine
After two years in breakfast, Valentine said he is happy about the moves: “I’m delighted to be returning to my afternoon timeslot and reuniting with my afternoon listeners. It’s been an incredible privilege leading breakfast these past two years and I wish Craig all the best with the early starts.”
In another change at the Sydney station, it has been revealed Indira Naidoo is giving up her evening show after being appointed to host ABC TV show Compass.
Naidoo will be replaced by Renee Krosch who is one of the Sydney station’s regular relief presenters.
The Reucassel years: ABC Radio Sydney’s 2024 line-up
Weekdays
Breakfast – Craig Reucassel
AM – Sabra Lane
Mornings – Sarah Macdonald
The World Today – Sally Sara
Afternoons – James Valentine
Drive – Richard Glover
PM – David Lipson
Evenings – Renee Krosch (Fridays Sirine Demachkie)
Nightlife – Philip Clarke (Fridays Suzanne Hill)
Overnights – Michael Pavlich (Fridays Rod Quinn)