Is sixty year old Ken Sutcliffe sent to join Mike Carlton on the 2UE Breakfast Show in 2008?
If you believe the Sydney Morning Herald and The Australian then you’d believe Sutcliffe has been offered the job.
I cannot see why the Wide World of Sports, Channel Nine presenter could even consider or want the gig on top of his commitments at Nine and the return of Wide World of Sports in 2008.
Sutcliffe filled in for retiring host Peter Fitzsimons during the Rugby World Cup when Fitz was hosting a tour with wife Lisa Wilkinson. Sutcliffe tried but he didn’t connect with Carlton or the audience.
Having stated that, Fitzsimons and Carlton took sometime to gel which ultimately failed in terms of their ratings.
If we believe the paper talk then Steve Price will move into Mornings, Tim Webster will be the afternoon presenter and John Stanley will return to drive.
The other speculation is moving weekend Breakfast presenters George More and Paul B Kidd into afternoons.
At least 2UE has some stability in 2008, by re-signing Carlton they ensure that not all will be lost with John Laws and Peter Fitzsimons departures.
Despite 2UE’s ratings taking a hammering and The Australian reporting that 2UE is running at a loss, they can rebuild in 2008 and then move Carlton when their new shows are in set in concrete.
The picture looks somewhat clearer as the daytime schedule will be finalised when a new co-host is found for breakfast. Should Sutcliffe not be given the gig other names mentioned have included Andrew Denton, Tim Webster and Ellen Fanning.
The latter two could work with Carlton and have. Fanning would be my first choice over all the contenders and I don’t think Webster would do a bad job with Carlton.
I think we’ll have some answers before Christmas… so who will be getting a good gift this Christmas?
