2UE is about to farewell 'golden tonsils' John Laws next month and Fairfax is about to buy the talk station. So what is happening to the contracts of Mike Carlton, Peter Fitsimons and Steve Price and what will 2UE's on air line-up be in 2008?
Following the retirment and death of Stan Zemanek, overnight presenter Stuart Bocking was elevated to presenter of the night time show but this has never been confirmed as a full time gig. This makes you wonder what 2Ue has install for 2008.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported recently that there were a lack of new talent wanting to fill the shoes of John Laws and pointed to the likes of Jason Morrisson (2GB) and Paul Murray (Triple M) becoming the next generation of AM presenters.
Andrew Denton would appear an obvious choice but he has declined the offer to enter radio land again... but never say never Andrew.
So who will fill the 9-12AM shift Monday-Friday on 2UE and networked around a host of other stations?
Faifax may be looking to cut costs and move Steve Price into the slot, broadcasting Price nationally and possibly into Melbourne, where he presented drive before coming to Sydney. This could help AW by moving Neil Mitchell into drive and axing Derryn Hinch.
So what would Mike Carlton do passing Price in the hallway each morning?
Retire. Carlton has done his dash, he has been there he has done that, it's time to hand the batton on to someone else and move into the documentaries and his book writing chapter of his media career.
I think Carlton is very clever, but he is undervalued by 2UE in breakfast and should consider his options.
But my overall darkhorses are George More and Paul B. Kidd. They offer a different start to your weekend on 2UE and make good entertaining radio. As a team, they will also not come under the same pressure that Laws has and provide something totally different to whoever sits in the retiring man's chair.
So my pick for 2UE would be this (if I could have it my way!)
6-9 Andrew Denton
9-12 George More and Paul B Kidd
12-3 John Stanley
3-6 Steve Price
6-8 Sports Today
8-12 Clive Robertson
12-5 Stuart Bocking
