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Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Ex-Today show presenter Alex Cullen to join The Christian O'Connell Show as resident sports guru following shock dismissal
Axed Today show presenter Alex Cullen has landed a new gig in breakfast radio, joining GOLD FM's The Christian O'Connell Show as its resident 'sports guru'. The Melbourne-based program, part of the ARN network, confirmed Cullen's appointment on Thursday. He will step into the role previously held by longtime co-host Jack Post, who announced his departure in May. The move will see Cullen relocate from Sydney to Melbourne with his wife Bonnie and their three children, marking a fresh start just months after his abrupt exit from the Nine Network. In January, Cullen was dismissed by Nine after accepting a $50,000 cash reward from billionaire The Block personality Adrian Portelli. Portelli, 35, had publicly requested to be dubbed "McLaren man" rather than "Mr Lambo"- a nickname tied to his multiple appearances on the reality show. O'Connell revealed the news to listeners live on air, hinting at Cullen's recent media headlines: "We've got some exciting news on the show- we're bringing in someone new to be a part of our radio family," he said. "…Alex Cullen is a brilliant journalist who is actually looking for a job- you might recognise the name - that guy, who took the $50,000. "Now, Channel Nine might go, 'Listen, we can't have that', but commercial breakfast radio, we're very much up for payola. "Don't worry Alex, you've found a home here, my friend," he joked. In a statement shared by ARN, O'Connell said that Cullen "is a real talent and a very likeable guy". "I called him out of the blue a few weeks ago and we hit it off like old mates," the British radio star said. "He came over for a rigorous interview with me- that to onlookers may have looked like a long lunch with flowing red wine- but we bonded over being dads and a shared love of storytelling and how sport could be delivered on my show. "I can't wait for him to join my team and start working together." Cullen, 44, also expressed his enthusiasm about the new chapter in his career. "This is such an exciting next chapter for me. I actually started my career in radio, so to be coming back to it and joining a show that's so loved and so full of heart is a real thrill. "I can't wait to be on air with Christian, Pats and Rio, and to get to know Melbourne, my family and I are thrilled to be making it our new home." More to come.
Herald Sun
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Herald Sun
ABC Melbourne hits new low in latest radio ratings
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News. ABC Melbourne's radio ratings results continue to dive with the public broadcaster slumping to a new ratings low. The high-profile pairing of former Channel 7 reporter Sharnelle Vella and ex Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy in the breakfast slot have fallen again in the second GFK ratings survey of the year, sliding 0.7 per cent from 6.3 to 5.6. The duo, who took over from Sammy J in January, has now shed listeners in each of their first two ratings surveys. While Raf Epstein on mornings was up 0.1 from 4.5 to 4.6, afternoons with Brigitte Duclos dropped from 3.2 to 2.8 and drive with Ali Moore fell from 4.4 to 3.6. ABC Melbourne's 4.4 per cent share of radio listeners across all Monday to Friday timeslots is its worst ever result. It is down from the 4.8 share posted in the last survey which was the first time the network had fallen below the 5 per cent mark in Melbourne Over on the FM dial, there was positive news for KIIS FM's $200m duo, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson, who moved up 0.7 from 5.1 to 5.8 per cent. Sandilands on Wednesday threatened to quit Melbourne if his show's ratings continue to slide. But those plans may be on hold with the first real signs of improvement since the show started syndicating locally in April 2024. GOLD FM host Christian O'Connell was still on top in breakfast at 10.8 despite a slight drop, ahead of Nova's Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips along with Clint Stanaway, who improved to 10.2. FOX FM's trio of Brendan Fevola, Fifi Box and Nick Cody was next best on 8.3, followed by Mike Person on smoothfm on 7.6 and Triple M's Mick In the Morning with Mick Molloy, Nick Riewoldt, Titus O'Reily and Rosie Walton on 7.3. 3AW's juggernaut of Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft took a 1.8 drop but were still well out in front of their ABC rivals on 18.8. Following Ross and Russ, Tom Elliott in mornings dropped 3.6 but was still on top with a 15.6 share while Jacqui Felgate in drive took a 1.5 hit to 9.9. GOLD FM was ahead in drive on 12.1 and in afternoons on 14.2.
