Emotions run high as SCA on-air teams say goodbye

Saying goodbye: The Bronte & Lakey Breakfast show team of Annaliese Russell, Bronte Langbroek, Danny Lakey & Harry Boucher. Image: LinkedIn

When the axe fell on the Hit Network’s top-rating Dan & Christie Breakfast show this week, co-host Christie Hayes was asked by several people whether she now hates radio.

They assumed she’d never want to work in the industry again.

But Hayes says that’s not the case.

“I said no. It’s made me love radio even more – because I’m not going to let this take away my love for what this is.”

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Hayes broke down during her final day on-air with co-host Dan Taylor, saying she wished they’d had more time together as radio team.

“Every day we went to work, I just probably took for granted how lucky we were to have this microphone in front of us and the joy I feel on the radio.”

“And nothing will take away from that. Nothing.”

Far from feeling aggrieved by the decision, Hayes expressed her gratitude to SCA.

“I don’t hate radio because we got a tap on the shoulder. I’m very grateful and graciously accept their decision and I thank the network. Because, yes, they’ve ended our show – but they also gave us four years of the happiest time of my life.”

In radio, when you’re told your time is up, it’s not just the loss of your job that shocks, but the suddenness with which it happens.

Yesterday, Annaliese Russell wrapped up her last day as Executive Producer of the Hit Network’s Bronte & Lakey Breakfast show.

She said on LinkedIn: “Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of helping create a show that made people laugh, sparked conversations, built incredible listener relationships and, hopefully, made mornings a little brighter across Queensland.”

“A huge thank you to Bronte, Lakey, Harry, the wider Hit and SCA teams, and everyone who supported the show behind the scenes. And of course, to the listeners who invited us into their mornings every day.”

“While this chapter is ending sooner than expected, I’m leaving with lifelong friendships, invaluable experience and a lot to be proud of.”

SCA’s latest round of job cuts has again left many in the industry shaking their heads.

A former radio sales staffer says that radio’s competitive advantage has always been its connection to the local community and talking about content they want to hear.

He commented to Radio Today:

“Removing local voices from key dayparts might save money today, but it risks eroding the very thing that makes local radio valuable to listeners and advertisers alike.”

“Having worked in radio sales, I’ve seen firsthand the revenue that local talent can generate, if done right. Surely the spend from local clients on campaigns, outside broadcasts, sponsorships, events and promotions outweighs the cost of a couple of salaries.”

“There’s absolutely a place for a mix of national and local programming, but removing local talent from MAJOR day parts risks costing more than it saves.”

“People often say listeners don’t care whether a show is broadcasting from around the corner or interstate. That’s true to a point, but what’s often overlooked is the commercial value local personalities bring. They’re out in the community, hosting events, MCing functions, meeting listeners and building relationships with local businesses and promoting the station where they work. Without this, you simply lose this added connection to drive sales.”

“That local presence creates opportunities, strengthens the station brand and helps drive revenue in ways that can’t always be measured on a spreadsheet.”

“Once that connection is lost, it’s incredibly difficult to rebuild.”

Images: LinkedIn