TV’s most influential are in radio too

The Daily Telegraph’s list of the 25 most influential people on television has thrown up some interesting names and reflects a bit of cross-pollination with radio. 

Among the actors, presenters and musicians on the list, there are five in the top ten who work in radio and whose influence has been felt far and wide.

At the very top of the list is Eddie McGuire. The Triple M Hot Breakfast host has had a big year behind the mic and in front of the camera.

He’s a regular contributor to the Today Show; he hosts Millionaire Hot Seat and was lured back to Nine’s AFL Footy Show to counter the threat from Seven’s Front Bar. All this while being helming the Collingwood Football Club.

Any wonder why he’s known as “Eddie Everywhere”?

Coming in behind Eddie on TV’s most influential list is one half of the Hit Network’s Hamish & Andy.

As he prepares to step away from the drive-show at the end of the year, Hamish Blake added to his media profile with the Nine Network’s “True Story With…” a show he hosts with on-air partner Andy Lee, who interestingly comes in further down the list.

This year’s inductee into the Commercial Radio Australia Hall of Fame, Amanda Keller has been ranked seven on the list thanks to her work on the Ten Network’s The Living Room.

She’s also the highest ranked female broadcaster.

Hamish Blake’s on-air partner Andy Lee makes the grade at nine on the list. Given he plays the ‘straight man’ to Blake, it’s understandable that he’s further down the list.

However, his influence cannot be underestimated. Without Lee, there is no “Hamish & Andy” and vice versa.

Rounding out the Top Ten, is the Hit Network’s Carrie Bickmore.  After gaining a following on Rove, the Gold Logie winner has been spent the past nine years fronting the Ten network’s The Project.

This year saw Carrie partner up with comedian Tommy Little for afternoons on Hit.

A bit further down the list is comedian Dave Hughes, who comes in at 19.

It’s going to be a big year ahead for Hughesy, who’s ranking is likely to rise with his return to the Ten Network as host of a new show “Hughesy, We Have a Problem”.

Then there’s his move to the Hit Network with drive co-host Kate Langbroek in the new year.