Paul Christenson leaves Nine Radio after over three decades

Former Editor & Content Director

The long-time executive producer of Alan Jones’ radio show, Paul Christenson, has lost his job with Nine Radio as the business looks to “find efficiencies”.

Since Jones left radio earlier this year, with the key 2GB Sydney Breakfast slot going to Ben Fordham, Christenson has been working with Jim Wilson, who replaced Fordham in Drive.

Christenson started out as a journalist at Triple M Sydney in the early 1980s, before shifting to Radio 2UE in 1987 where he began working with Jones. He’d been with 2GB since 2002, when Jones joined the then Macquarie Media-owned network.

Nine inherited the majority stake in Macquarie Media in 2018 when it took over Fairfax Media, and one year ago took full ownership of the assets, finalising its transformation into Nine Radio.

Since coming under Nine ownership, the stations, their talent, and the positioning of various shows, have undergone significant shake-ups.

The latest change involves a restructure of production teams to around Nine Radio’s two new Wide World of Sports programs.

Nine said this led to Christenson’s unfortunate departure.

“Responsibility for the sound, content and commercial activity of WWOS in Sydney and Brisbane will now fall under the authority of the Executive Producer of 2GB Drive. Members of the drive teams in each city will also help compile daily WWOS content,” Nine Radio’s head of content, Greg Byrnes, said in a note to staff this afternoon.

“While we’ve managed to redeploy a number of staff, the changes will unfortunately see Paul Christenson leave the business.”

Byrnes thanked the outgoing radio stalwart.

“Like many of you I’ve valued Paul’s knowledge and mentorship over many years and wish him and his family nothing but the best for the future,” the email said.

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Darryl Durrant
2 Nov 2020 - 1:08 pm

In a time where legends have come and gone from 2GB, the greatest unsung legend is you Paul. I wish I could say it was a bad day for you mate, but as a TV business now, they have proven they want TV heads doing radio, and not your accumulated skill set of professionalism, style and content that drives great New Talk stations. NINES decision will of course fail and come back and bite them.
Know that the true radio people who have worked with you respect and acknowledge your contribution to the powerhouse that was 2GB. Behind all great broadcasters (Alan Jones) is a GREAT executive producer, and that is you Paul. Much respect to you and family

The Wolf
2 Nov 2020 - 4:34 pm

Is the Ghost of Alan Bond going to play out here with CH9….Singleton might buy 2GB for a Dollar in a couple of Years…

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