Tod Johnston returns to 6PR, bids for Nine’s radio assets due in today

Tod Johnston is returning to Perth‘s 6PR for a new Afternoons show and an expansion of the station’s local offerings. The news comes on the same day that bids are due in for a prospective takeover of Nine Entertainment‘s radio assets, 6PR, Melbourne’s 3AW, Sydney’s 2GB and Brisbane’s 4BC.

Tod’s radio, music and television career in WA spans several decades. With 6PR he previously hosted a popular nights program and recent weekend shifts.

The changes in Perth come after cost cutting measures across 2024 saw Julie-anne Sprague, host of Afternoons, Tod Johnston, on Nights, Gary Adshead on Mornings, Content Manager Emily White and overnights presenter Jon Lewis all either leave or have their roles made redundant. Oliver Peterson, who replaced Julie-anne Sprague, announced last month he is shifting to the ABC to take up the role Gary Adshead left 6PR for.

This doesn’t finalise the 6PR lineup however. Starting January 19, 2026 Perth Today with Simon Beaumont will be weekdays from 9am-12pm followed by 6PR Afternoons with Tod Johnston from 12pm-3pm. The station still has a gap between 3 and 5pm when Mark Readings’ Wide World of Sports commences.

6PR Content Manager, Brad Pottinger, said of Tod’s appointment:

“Tod Johnston is one of Perth’s great entertainers and storytellers. His connection to the WA community is deep and authentic, and his unique ability to move seamlessly from tackling serious local issues to delivering light-hearted, entertaining moments is exactly what Perth needs in the afternoon. Tod is a cornerstone of our refreshed 2026 lineup and with more live and local announcements to come, 2026 is shaping as a big one for 6PR.”

Tod added:

“It’s great to be back on 6PR and I’m really looking forward to talking to old friends and making new ones across our wonderful city. Let’s chat and make some noise on weekdays in 2026!”

Todd popped in to break the news this morning with 6PR’s breakfast team of Millsy and Karl (who he is pictured with, main).

Ahead of the announcement Millsy and Karl hinted and the news, and much more saying:

“Rumour has it there’s going to be a big announcement. It’s imminent here at 882 6PR. In fact, it could be in the next hour. It may or may not be something to do with the lineup next year. Could it be that we’re being sold, which has been rumoured for the last 12 months? Stay tuned.”

Most listeners would have thought the matter resolved when Tod joined them, but also today is the day apparently that those with an interest in buying Nine Entertainment‘s radio assets must submit their bids. Whether this is like a classic Australian auction, where those involved can outbid each other, whether there’s a reserve that CEO Matt Stanton has in mind, or whether it’s silent and ‘best and final’ we shall see. That conclusion appears imminent too.

Jen Seyderhelm is a writer, editor and podcaster.