What's New March 2, 2021

Mix 102.3’s Erin & Soda seeking new executive producer

Former Editor & Content Director

Australian Radio Network’s (ARN) newest Breakfast show, Erin Phillips & Soda in the Morning, is seeking an executive producer.

It’s the latest in a string of shake-ups for the Adelaide station, which ramped up last year.

In late 2019, it was revealed long-time co-host of what was then the Jodie & Soda show, Jodie Oddy, was extending her maternity leave. During this time, Phillips stepped in as co-host and it was announced Alexis Kuchel would take over as executive producer of the program for 2020.

Kuchel was effectively filling the void left by John Bleby who had spent almost two years as Breakfast content manager and anchor. He left as part of a restructure.

Oddy subsequently returned from maternity leave in 2020, but in November, she abruptly left the show.

ARN indicated the show would go in a “new direction” in 2021, with Mark ‘Soda’ Soderstrom remaining on board.

It was then announced Phillips would step in as Oddy’s permanent on-air replacement.

Kuchel, a former assistant content director at SAFM/ Hit 107, doesn’t actually list her stint at ARN on her LinkedIn profile, but appears to have engaged in freelance marketing and comms work between March 2020 and this year. In January, she started a full-time position as communications and content officer at SA Water.

Geoff Watts has been the executive producer since September. He rejoined ARN after a stint at Nine as senior content partnerships & experience executive. He’s also previously been head of content at 96FM.

The job ad indicates the role is available due to an internal promotion. ARN has been approached for more details about the promotion and the role’s availability. The company did not respond in time for deadline.

ARN said the EP role is “guaranteed a lot of fun” and that “no day is ever the same”.

“Erin Phillips & Soda are two of Adelaide’s most-loved personalities. Whether they’re broadcasting from the roof interviewing Novak Djokovic, to shutting down the city to help a four-year-old boy achieve his dream of becoming a firefighter, or sitting on a ferris wheel for 52 hours straight to raise money for charity, they live and breathe Adelaide,” ARN said.

“This is one of the most exciting roles going around leading a team of hard-working, ambitious and talented people.”

You can read more and apply here.