Tracy Grimshaw Her shock move to radio
Tracy Grimshaw’s shock move The TV host is in love with the idea of reinventing herself on radio
Tracy Grimshaw is on the verge of a massive life change. She’s considering giving up her TV career to make the bold switch to radio! This would allow the popular star more time to embrace the simple life she adores with her two horses and three dogs on her small Sydney farm. “Tracy’s been talking about this for ages, and she’s excited about it,” tells one close friend. “She’s loving life at the moment – it’s great to see.”
Tracy, 56, has been secretly planning for life after A Current Affair, confiding to friends that she’s considering a big switch to radio – which would allow her the time to pursue the things she loves. “She has the best life away from TV,” our source says.
Call of the airwaves
“People say she’s a recluse, but nothing could be further from the truth. Tracy’s always entertaining her mates, but she loves the quiet times with her dogs and horses – she even named one after Rosco [newsreader Ian Ross].
“She’s stayed on top in TV for decades, but now she has other priorities. One is to break into radio, which would allow her to return to more serious journalism – which is important to her.
“It would also mean more time at home on the farm. And who knows, maybe even allow her to meet someone special. It’s pretty hard to meet someone when you’re the most famous woman on TV – not that she’s actually looking! But it would be nice.”
Tracy has just one year remaining on her contract at Nine, and she has told friends privately she’d like to quit TV while she’s still on top. News/talk radio would allow her to do the sorts of stories she can’t always do at ACA. “She’s always loved radio as a medium,” reveals an insider. “Don’t get me wrong, she loves A Current Affair, but as host she doesn’t have absolute control of what direction the show takes, whereas radio would allow her to be in the driving seat.”
Tracy’s long been at the top of a list of personalities radio bosses would love to poach, and with her contract almost up, she’s being touted as a “future Alan Jones”.
“Tracy could be very successful on radio,” says former 2GB and 2UE executive Peter Brennan, adding that the popular TV star ticks all the boxes listeners love, and has a huge following built up over decades.
“You need wide life experience and to be a good communicator. You need someone who has lived a life – and Tracy’s had her share of ups and downs personally.
“She certainly has the life experience, and a lot of people relate to her. In fact Tracy has many of the qualities that would make her a great talk radio host.”
Peter also says TV cannot compete with the sorts of salaries radio presenters earn, with the most successful stars making between $1 million and $5 million a year.
Unofficial reports have 2GB breakfast host Alan Jones earning $4.5 million a year, Kyle and Jackie O banking $4 million a year each at KIIS, and WSFM breakfast host Amanda Keller on $1 million.
Her first real love
It’s thought Tracy could pocket up to $3 million in a deal – but it’s the challenge of a new career that’s the real appeal.
“She drives an old 4WD and lives a pretty simple life, so it’s not like the money means much, but I know she’d love a new challenge,” an insider says.
“Radio also appeals to Tracy because she’s never really loved the attention that comes with being a huge TV star. There is no need for the hours wasted in hair and makeup, and there is far less scrutiny on radio stars.
“There’s also a directness with radio that appeals to Tracy. She loves interviewing real people and telling the stories Aussies love to hear. Radio provides a platform to speak your mind and campaign on issues you care about. You just can’t do that on a tabloid TV show.
“On a different level, if Tracy leaves – and no one at Nine wants that – it would solve the problem of what to do with Karl Stefanovic, who everyone knows wants out of Today at some point. He’s one of few who could fill her shoes.”
‘You need wide life experience and to be a good communicator – Tracy would make a great radio host’