Christian O’Connell to go national on ARN’s Pure Gold Network

Gold FM, ARN, Christian O'Connell

Australian Radio Network has announced that Christian O’Connell, host of Melbourne’s #1FM breakfast show on GOLD104.3, will host a new daily national night show from April 27.

With the tagline “Be Part of Something Special”, O’Connell will bring his sense of fun, relatable humour and quick wit, to new markets and audiences across Australia.

The Christian O’Connell Show will air weekdays from 7pm to 8pm on WSFM Sydney, GOLD104.3 Melbourne, 97.3FM Brisbane, MIX102.3 Adelaide and 96 FM stations Perth.

“I’m so lucky to be able to continue to build a new radio show here in Australia,” said O’Connell.

“It’s open to any free spirit who loves storytelling, and radio that’s inclusive and talks about all aspects of our lives. I aim to carry on making radio that’s about real people, rather than reality TV or showbiz gossip.

“Right now, we need spaces where we can support each other, through laughter, tears and hope. We are at a time when the power of radio to create connection and comfort is so vital and I hope that I can continue to remind our listeners just how special radio can be… even when hosted by a Brit like me!

“In Melbourne, in just two years the show has become number one and that’s all thanks to the strong and supportive community of listeners who have really become part of the show, so to be able to offer that across Australia is a really exciting opportunity.”

ARN’s national content director Duncan Campbell said: “Christian’s ability to connect community and engage listeners is unique and valuable and has resulted in some of the most creative, integrated client campaigns ever delivered. Listeners, more than ever, need content and talent that can be trusted and provide both assurance and entertainment. Christian’s quick-wit, relatable humour and compassion really resonate with listeners and the new show will amplify his community of passionate fans across the country.”

ARN’s CEO Ciaran Davis said: “ARN continues to invest in talent that will support our objective to define audio and remain the #1 national network. Christian is exceptional talent and delivers on incredible integrated campaigns that connect with audiences and produce tangible results for clients. This new national show not only extends Christian’s reach to new audiences it strengthens ARN’s commercial offering for our clients nationally across all of our broadcast, on-demand and digital assets.”

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Bodge
22 Apr 2020 - 8:36 am

This is amazing! Christian is a legend.

David
22 Apr 2020 - 8:47 am

Word is Christian will be doing national breakfast next year 2021 or in 2022 so they are bedding him in now on WS, KQ, Mix and 96fm. Would be a welcome move and cost saving.

BC
22 Apr 2020 - 10:33 am

Time to rebrand 97.3, Mix 102.3 and 96FM as Pure Gold. They fit more with Gold 104 and WSFM.

Build a national classic hits network on DAB+ around 4KQ and Cruise.
4KQ and Cruise don’t belong in the Pure Gold network – too different. The DAB+ classic hits stations in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide could be branded 2WS, 3KZ and 5AD to fit with the classic hits heritage.

Put KIIS on DAB+ only in Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Edge stays national on DAB+

You’ve then got 4 proper national radio networks that actually make sense.

Simples!

COC Fan
22 Apr 2020 - 10:38 am

Could this show replace Will and Woody on Kiss?
I see the show is on the “Kiss Network” in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.
Or is Melbourne breakfast on 1043 more important than Kiss national drive?

Craig Huggins
22 Apr 2020 - 2:57 pm

BC, Adelaide already has a ‘Pure Gold’ station. Cruise 1323 bats very well for the brand, in fact the Arvo’s slot is only .5 of a percent off number one to Mix, so why would ARN mess with that?

Dave
22 Apr 2020 - 4:18 pm

New national brekky show ?

Rob
22 Apr 2020 - 4:55 pm

Is this a live show or a replay of the best bits of breakfast?

Martyn
23 Apr 2020 - 7:27 am

The mans a genius.

James
23 Apr 2020 - 6:50 pm

The old ‘I heard they’ll be doing a national breakfast show across the network next year’ been hearing that for 10 years. Not going happen. Not with this show anyway.

Paul
27 Apr 2020 - 8:29 am

Christian has won Sony Radio Academy Gold Award for National Breakfast Show of the Year in the past and ARN will take him national breakfast, there is no question. Grand idea to familiarise him in all capital city markets before moving to breakfast. Sad for the existing teams but the dynamics of Australia radio have changed since COVID19. he will go very well in Adelaide and Perth, not so sure about Sydney and Brisbane but if ARN put the level of marketing funds behind him as they have in Melbourne then its a no brainer. Best of British.

Steve
27 Apr 2020 - 9:19 am

Will be first of many networked shows, Dave Cameron will get Hamish and Andy back for 2Dayfm breakfast and Hit network breakfast on all metropolitan and all regional markets, They will do 7am to 9am Monday to Thursday only like Sam Pang does.

Pierre
7 Aug 2020 - 9:22 am

How many breakfast shows does ARN need to replay at night

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