Steve Price moves to 2GB Afternoons, Merrick Watts tipped for Nights

Former Assistant Editor
2GB

2GB‘s talent reshuffle has been confirmed, with Macquarie Media announcing that Steve Price is moving from Nights to Afternoons.

The Steve Price show will replace Chris Smith from 12pm-3pm on 2GB & 4BC Weekdays, after Smith parted ways with the network last week.

Denis Walter will remain in his slot on Afternoons for 3AW, despite recent speculation that Price would also be heard in Melbourne.

Macquarie Media says Price’s new show will be centred around “unpredictability, fun and passion that comes from a show where the open line for callers is always front and centre.”

Price will be joined each day by Rita Panahi, with Deb Knight and Erin Molan set to make regular appearances.

“The nature of media in these digital times means there is no shutdown for all of us including talk radio,” Price said.

“So much happens post the frantic breakfast setting up of the day and I’m excited to follow Alan Jones and Ray Hadley, Australia’s two most successful talk stars.

“Afternoons will be a combination of opinion, talkback, breaking news and more – who doesn’t want to talk about their dream holiday or set of wheels, and trading blows with regular Rita Panahi is always great radio.”

“News doesn’t stop breaking when you break for lunch – and with Steve Price behind the microphone, neither do we,” added Macquarie CEO Adam Lang.

“For the last seven years Steve has been presenting our Nights program, and he has achieved that extraordinarily rare feat of being #1 simultaneously in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

“We’ve seen how broad Steve Price’s appeal is – and now with The Steve Price Show to air from 12-3pm, a new audience can enjoy his down-to-earth style, from tradies on a worksite to parents doing the school pickup.

“We also know how tough it is for so many businesses out there – and Steve has a track record of delivering terrific results for our clients.”

As for the now-vacant Nights gig, News Corp reports that former Nova FM Breakfast host Merrick Watts has been sounded out for the role.

Macquarie Media CEO Adam Lang told The Daily Telegraph that he had been in talks with Watts for “six to eight months” about getting him a permanent gig.

Lang first worked with Watts when they were both at Triple M.

Watts has previously acted as a fill-in host at 2GB, and will once again join the station this week filling in for Ben Fordham.

Amid the shuffle, 2CC Canberra announced that Alan Jones will now be broadcast into Breakfast in the nation’s capital, with Tim Shaw moving to Afternoons.

Listeners in Canberra had previously heard the Alan Jones Highlights program, but will now hear him broadcast every weekday.

“We spend so much time talking about what’s happening in Canberra,” said Jones.

“Now I’m very pleased to say I have the chance to talk to, and listen to, the people there. Thank you 2CC for having us on board.”

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JASON ANDREW TOPPIN
8 Jul 2019 - 11:52 am

WILL MERRRICK WATTS REPLACE STEVE PRICE ON THE PROJECT OR WILL HE GET A GIG ON CHANNEL 9 WHO IS OWNER OF MACQUARIE MEDIA LIMITED? WILL LUKE GRANT GET A REPORTING ROLE ON CHANNEL 9?
WILL TIM ROSS A FORMER COLLEAGUE OF MERRICK WATTS FILL IN FOR STEVE PRICE ON AFTERNOONS?

James
9 Jul 2019 - 8:49 am

I have not heard Steve Price is leaving The Project. That is news to me.

Dave
9 Jul 2019 - 10:15 am

Is this a really bad joke?
Merrick Watts a mediocre FM “success” on AM.
I wonder who is behind this?

Sandra Hudson
9 Jul 2019 - 11:54 am

Michael McLaren is a very good Host and is currently on the midnight shift, if he wanted it I think he would be great on 8pm- midnight shift.

As for previous comments Steve Price didn’t leave…..it was Chris Smith.

I think Merrick Watts needs to do an apprenticeship and stand in line….there are others been at 2gb who should get first preference.

Debby
9 Jul 2019 - 12:34 pm

Merrick Watts on 2GB nights.
What a slap in the face for Michael McLaren.
This will end in tears

Robert
9 Jul 2019 - 12:37 pm

That’s me gone for the 12-3pm shift, Watts for nights you have to be kidding!, McLaren is tops for the 8-12am shift

Gai Gibson
9 Jul 2019 - 6:56 pm

Michael McLaren is the best suited for the 8to 12 slot. I will not be listening to the other person, who is not suited to that shift. McLaren is 100% better.

John
10 Jul 2019 - 9:28 am

I have tried listening to Merrick Watts this week, but yesterday was my last time, for someone who is supposed to be interesting, l found the show boring.
Does 2GB have any clue about management and making the correct decisions?
With so many good podcasts to listen too, l don’t need to put myself through this.

James
10 Jul 2019 - 7:06 pm

This is how 2gb should line up
Breakfast- Alan Jones
Mornings- Ray Hadley
Afternoons- Steve Price
Drive- Ben Fordham
Money news should go and instead
Evenings- John Stanley
Nights- Michael McLaren
Australia Overnight/Wake Up Australia – Luke Grant
Merrick Watts as much as I like his radio work is better on FM. If needed on 2gb put him on Weekends. Whether Mid Dawn shift or even summer afternoons on weekends when footy season is over.
Just my thoughts.

Helen Graham
11 Jul 2019 - 12:29 pm

Any chance having Michael McLaren replace Steve Price?
Much more experience and knowledge of what your 2GB listeners like.
Cheers Helen

Katrina Edwards
12 Jul 2019 - 2:31 pm

Sadly they will use MacClaren on the gravy shift like they did Ball and Wilshire great talents that deserved day time gigs, gravy shift no one wants, but the best have been on gravy shift. Michael should go to nights don’t waste his talent because I fear you will lose him its obvious he doesn’t like the gravy shift. Sad to see Smith go wont be listening to Price don’t like him never have. The best 2gb have imo, Jones, MacClaren, Grant, George and Paul, Stanley, take or leave Fordom, Hadely is to repetitive and is to much heart on 2gb, sport, music, becoming a bore.

Lydia
13 Jul 2019 - 5:39 pm

I mostly agree with James

Afternoons- Steve Price
Drive- Ben Fordham
Money news – Ross Greenwood
Evenings- John Stanley
Nights- Michael McLaren
Australia Overnight/Wake Up Australia – Luke Grant

Luke Grant and particularly, JOHN STANLEY, are a huge asset to 2GB. They fit in anywhere and add a more balanced view to the other aggressive hosts. They deserve a regular spot worthy of their talent, and nights would be great to discuss and debate the days commentaries. John would be great with the current regular night time guests.
Merrick is unfortunately a bit of a drip.

Anna
14 Jul 2019 - 11:38 pm

Merrick Watts would NOT be ideal for nights. He is an FM announcer. Michael McLaren is the best man for the job. He is in tune with the audience. 2GB is not an extension of Today Extra at Ch9 – it is radio. Management need to understand simply – don’t mess with the “base”. It is number 1 for a reason.

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