What's New
BY RadioToday Network July 23, 2026
What's New December 13, 2024
Chris O’Keefe pulls the plug on 2GB Drive
Chris O’Keefe has told his 2GB Drive listeners that he is stepping back from the media, effective immediately.
“I’ve got a bit of news to share… today is my last show…
“This is entirely my decision, this is my last day in journalism… As much as I have enjoyed my time at 2GB and my 13 years at Nine… the time is right for me to move on…
“You know I love politics and small business. I’m going to open my own political and media advocacy business,” he told his listeners.
Reflecting on his 15 years of media experience he said: “It has been an absolute privilege every day I’ve worked in this job.”
He praised the professionalism of Nine Radio management Tom Malone and Greg Byrnes, plus colleagues Ben Fordham, John Stanley, Deb Knight and colleagues in the station and the newsroom. He also thanked his team, especially Drive EPs Ned Green and Emily Watkins.
O’Keefe said he waited until the last show today to make the announcement so as not to take away any of the glory from Ray Hadley, who did his last show this morning.
2GB Content Manager Luke Davis says he’s sad to see Chris go, but he does so with support from all at the station.
“We thank Chris for all his contributions to 2GB and our listeners.”
In the last ratings of the year yesterday, 2GB’s Drive show went up from 6.8 to a 7.4% share.
Listeners will find out who will be the new 2GB Drive host in the new year.
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What's New
BY RadioToday Network July 23, 2026
His replacement is definitely Merrick Watts say my sources.
Don’t bring back deb knight Put John Stanley in the seat or even Clinton Maynard
So he’s going to open a political and media advisory co.
In another words he will become a political” spruiker?with all his contacts
Ray Hadley didn’t get a mention
I wonder why
Gonna be a big year in news/talk radio with all these changes.
Get Allan jones back or try to get stephen cenatiempo from 2cc to host the show
It would’ve been good if Chris O’Keefe continued on 2GB Drive next year but with all those contacts built up over the years, he’ll probably do very well with that media/political advisory business.
Merrick Watts probably wouldn’t work on Drive or any regular shift on 2GB for that matter – way too FM for their audience, I’d think.
They most likely wouldn’t bump him from a top rating night shift (even though I’m pretty sure 2GB has been #1 at nights for ages, regardless of the presenter) but John Stanley would probably make a good drive program.
Current weekend mornings presenter and weekday fill-in presenter Luke Grant moving in a similar career trajectory to Michael McLaren (moving from Overnights to Weekend Mornings for one year before a gap on weekdays opened) would have to be a serious possibility.
Agree don’t bring deb knight back what about Clinton or Luke
Steve Price is my bet
I used to love Merrick on the MMMs. Can’t say that talkback is his natural environment, is it?
The ABC has tried comedians for their radio shifts, it doesn’t really work.
Love John Stanley and Luke Grant but aren’t they both nearing retirement ages? Wouldn’t they be looking for less hours, not more?