Scoop: Dan Underhill leaves Nova Perth for 96FM, replaced by Ben Latimer

Daniel Underhill has left his position as program director at Nova 93.7 Perth.

Sources tell Radio Today that Underhill is headed for a new gig at ARN’s 96FM.

Underhill has an excellent record at Nova 93.7, playing an instrumental role in keeping Nova 93.7 fighting for the #1 spot in Perth since the station launched in 2002.

In his place, Ben Latimer has been appointed to the dual program director role for Nova 93.7 Perth in addition to Nova 91.9 Adelaide.

Latimer was previously PD for Nova 96.9 in addition to his role in Adelaide, which he retains. He has also served as smoothfm program director.

Peter Clay takes over Nova Sydney in the interim.

Underhill’s rumoured move to 96FM continues an overhaul at ARN’s Perth station, after Radio Today broke the news that Breakfast hosts Paul & Lise departed last week.

In light of the recent changes, a rebrand could be on the cards at 96FM.

Gary Roberts was brought back to the station earlier this year as managing director. The last content director was Rob McCasker, who took over from Geoff Watts in the back half of 2018.

McCasker’s short stint ended in April this year.

NOVA Entertainment’s Paul Jackson paid tribute both Underhill and Latimer’s work over the past few years.

“In the past two years, I’ve worked closely with Ben on smoothfm and Nova 96.9 and he has proved to be a very talented programmer,” he said.

“Most recently he has excelled working with the team on Nova in Adelaide and I know he will provide a great contribution to Nathan, Nat & Shaun and the Nova Perth team over the coming months.

“I would like to thank Dan for all his hard work and commitment to Nova over the past 16 and a half years.

“Dan started at Nova 93.7 as a Creative Writer and concluded his time with the company as a successful Program Director. I’ve enjoyed working with Dan during his time as a programmer and wish him well for the future.”

ARN’s national content director Duncan Campbell told Radio Today; “The addition of Dan Underhill as Content Director further strengthens 96FM as we continue to focus on growing our audience and becoming more competitive in the Perth market.

“Dan is an experienced programmer who knows and understands the market, he has worked with Gary Roberts for many years and I look forward to him joining ARN and being part of the team at 96FM.”

Both Underhill and Latimer featured in Radio Today‘s list of the Top 10 Most Influential Content Directors in Australian Metro FM Radio for 2018.