COAST DJ’S SHOCK AXING
BRADNAM IN ‘COST-CUTTING CULL’
GOLD Coast radio star Luke Bradnam is hunting for a new gig after the shock axing of his local afternoon show, understood to be a costcutting move.
The former top Hot Tomato host jumped ship to Triple M to spearhead the new ‘Luke Bradnam Show with Libby Trickett and Dobbo’ in February last year.
The show will end in December, Bradnam confirmed.
Asked about a tip that his 3-6pm Rush Hour show – broadcast across Brisbane and the Gold Coast – would be replaced by Triple M’s national drivetime show Kennedy Molloy, Bradnam said: “Our show hasn’t been renewed for next year.
“We were just told it was too expensive and now a national show will go into all markets. It’s unfortunate for me as I bloody loved it up there and worked my arse off to get into that building.
“But that’s radio mate,” Bradnam said an hour before starting his show yesterday.
Kennedy Molloy’s ‘Drive’ show is Melbourne-based.
It means for the first time since he hit the airwaves 22 years ago, Bradnam is uncertain of his radio future and looking for a new slot.
The experienced broadcaster, who also works parttime as a beaches and fishing presenter for Channel 9, said he had nothing “assured” on the radio front for 2019 after his Rush Hour show ends.
“It’s a unique position for me. I’ve been in the game 22 years. It is the first time I’ve found myself in this position.
“I’m confident something will happen. Hopefully, I’ll continue in Gold Coast radio. I’ve been part of it since 2003. I would miss it too much.”
Co-host and Olympic swimming champion Libby Trickett resigned from the show two months ago to pursue teaching. Since then, Bradnam, 45, and co-host Ben Dobbin have been joined by Margaux Parker, who had been filling in for Trickett during maternity leave. The hosts of the show found out about its axing via an internal memo last week.
Bradnam said: “It’s disappinting but I understand. Honestly, it has been a great couple of years. I’ve met some really great people up there and it’s been a dream come true.”
The show airs for the final time on December 7.
“That will be the last Rush Hour but it won’t be the last of Luke Bradnam,” he said.
Triple M owner Southern Cross Austereo also has 92.5 Gold FM which would seem Bradnam’s most likely move.
A Triple M spokesman confirmed contracts for Rush Hour would not be renewed.
“The show will cease.”