Podcasting
BY Sarah Patterson June 3, 2026
What's New January 31, 2025
Phil O’Neil joins 2GB & 4BC as Overnights host
Reporter
Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC have today announced that Phil O’Neil will be stepping into the role of Overnights host in 2025.
‘Ugly’ Phil has built a strong following, backed by high ratings and a 2024 ACRA win for Best Music Presenter.
His career includes hosting top-rated shows in Australia and the UK, earning multiple Sony, New York Radio and British Radio awards.
His hit programs Ugly Phil’s Hot Hits Chart Show and Ugly Phil’s Hot 30 Nightly were household favourites, drawing millions of listeners for over a decade.
No stranger to talk radio, Phil has also worked at both 2UE Sydney and London’s LBC Radio.
O’Neil says “All the roads I’ve travelled have led to this moment. There are no finer radio stations to pursue my talk radio aspirations than at 2GB and 4BC. This really is the most exciting and pivotal moment of my career.”
Nine Radio Content Manager Greg Byrnes said “Phil will bring fresh energy to overnights and is an exciting addition to our new lineups in Sydney and Brisbane. He’s engaging, entertaining and has a loyal following. Phil loves talk radio and our early morning listeners are going to love him.”
As O’Neil is steps down from his current position as host of Mornings on GOLD101.7 (formerly WSFM) to pursue his dream of talk radio, ARN has paid tribute.
Sue Carter, ARN’s Head of Content – GOLD Network, said “Phil is one of a kind, I’ve known him for decades and over that time I’ve seen his passion for radio only get stronger. When he told us he had an opportunity to host an overnight program on 2GB, we didn’t hesitate to release him of any contractual obligations. While we’ll miss him on air, we’re excited for him as he embarks on this next adventure. We send him off with our best wishes and a huge thank you for everything he has brought to the station.”
O’Neil said “WSFM GOLD101.7 has been more than just my radio station for the last four years, it’s been my second home. I’ll definitely miss the laughs with my fantastic co-workers and also the listeners who have become such great friends. Heck…I might even miss playing Roxette!!”
O’Neil’s final show will be Friday, February 28, with a replacement for GOLD101.7 Mornings to be announced soon.
Overnights with Phil O’Neil will be heard Tuesday-Friday on Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC, commencing Tuesday March 4, 2025.
Good on Phil, he’s a great addition to 2GB and 4BC.
My guess is that ARN will probably network Craig Huggins into Sydney from Melbourne’s GOLD104.3
I am so happy for Phil. One of those rare people in the industry no one has a bad word to say about them.
Over the years Phil has often checked in with me during the good and not so good times.
I wish him the best of luck in the future.
Anyone else roll their eyes from the ‘release from contract’ narrative.
Everyone in the mass ARN Redundancy was released from their contract.
Watch ARN not replace this role and network it.
Bloody well done to Phil though. Legend. Another huge loss to the WSFM team.
Raises a question, will ARN look to network Sydney from Melbourne??
Would love to see Bryan Madigan do mornings on Gold 101.7
The big question I’m sure is already being asked: Did Ugly Phil jump or was he pushed?
Either way, it won’t surprise me if this is the beginning of daytime content networked between 101.7 Sydney and 104.3 Melbourne.
Many new listeners will follow you to 2GB Sydney. Brisbane Listeners will follow you to 4BC
Another one bites the dust from ARN
@Jason from Mooroolbark Victoria: Surely in most cases, disgruntled WS listeners would leave for Smooth or 2UE?
As possibly the longest serving on-air voice on 101.7 (been around since *at least* the tail end of the 1990s on voiceover work), I personally think Bill Weaver should be given the opportunity of a permanent weekday presenting gig. Great communicator who often adds humour to his talk breaks, while I’m sure Bill was filling in for Phil and/or Steve Fitton during part of the ratings surveys WSFM made it to #1 in the Morning & Afternoon timeslots last year!
Either way, I definitely think Bill Weaver is someone ACE Radio should seriously consider acquiring the services of for Classic Hits 2UE and associated stations, if ARN let him go.
we didn’t hesitate … LOL
You will be missed Phil.
The networking has already started with the music and I guess Christian O’Connell’s breakfast show will come on line after J&A exit in late 2025.
No Thanks Wont be listening to GB overnights N E more.
The Managment must be desperate to put him on.
So it will be back to 3AW app
@ Jason From Victoria
And many will switch off and go elsewhere
The nicest human on the planet. A lot of us wouldn’t have the careers they do without him.
is SydneyCityTV Bill Weaver in disguise? hmmmm?
I would like to see Rob Duckworth in that timeslot , he use to do the drive shift from 4pm-7pm on wsfm
from steve
It’s kinda fun when you get to grow up with your fave radio personalities. I guess we just follow Phil from station to station until he retires? There is one issue with that plan from my perspective
I tried to listen to 4BC recently, and I’m going to be honest, it’s a really hard listen. I would describe my perception of what I heard as being “Angry men howling at the moon”. Hopefully Phil can bring something a little more listenable to that station.
@George: Umm, no! Although I have previously been in contact with Bill online and he seems like a decent enough guy.
Rob Duckworth would probably also work well on Gold 101.7’s 9am to 1pm shift…and I’d also suggest that ACE should consider picking him up for Classic Hits 2UE in lieu of a decent spot at ARN. Realistically though, it’ll be no major surprise if come March, the networking of Gold begins.
ADORE you Phil… always checked in on me when things got tough occasuionally over the 32 years of my career & always looking out for me – sending me jobs that are going etc etc – a friendship that spans over 20 years – Phil is one of the OG’s of the real raw naughty shock jock format & its in his DNA – he is smart – kind – compassionate – humble & naturally VERY QUICK & FUNNY – one of a kind – so happy for you my beautiful friend 🙂 KEEP SHINING! XX
Been a huge disappointment to the traditional listeners
I am sorry to say but I find Phill O’Neil very annoying on nights I think he suits daytime radio rather than nights