In a significant programming overhaul, Nova Entertainment has confirmed major changes to its radio lineup, with popular host Kate Ritchie stepping away from breakfast radio as part of a strategic timeslot reshuffle. The announcement, made live on-air on Friday, reveals that two of the network's flagship shows will switch slots, marking a new era for Nova's broadcasting schedule.
Fitzy, Wippa & Kate Move to National Afternoons
The Sydney breakfast show, Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie, will transition to a national afternoon drive program. Hosted by Ryan "Fitzy" Fitzgerald, Michael "Wippa" Wipfli, and former Home and Away star Kate Ritchie, the revamped show will broadcast live across Australia from 4pm to 6pm on weekdays, starting February 9. The program will be rebranded as Fitzy, Wippa & Kate, with Fitzgerald humorously noting that Ritchie's surname would be dropped from the title as part of the change.
During the on-air announcement, Fitzgerald reassured listeners that this move represents an evolution rather than a farewell. "This is not goodbye at all," he stated. "We've been doing this for 15 years and we have an amazing audience. We cannot do this without you, but we've been dropping you and the kids off at school every morning. Now, we're just going to be driving you home in the afternoon."
Kate Ritchie's Excitement for the New Role
Ritchie expressed enthusiasm for the transition, highlighting the opportunity to connect with a broader national audience. "I've absolutely loved my time with the boys on Sydney Breakfast, and I'm thrilled we now get to share our show with all of Australia," she said. "My morning alarm is ready and waiting to be set for packing school lunch and doing drop-off again, with the beauty of entertaining our loyal listeners on their drive home. It'll be an exciting evolution for all of us."
Ricki-Lee Coulter and Tim Blackwell Take Over Breakfast
As part of the reshuffle, Australian Idol host Ricki-Lee Coulter and Tim Blackwell will move from Nova's afternoon slot to host the new Sydney breakfast show. Launching from 6am to 9am, this change positions Coulter and Blackwell at the helm of the morning drive time, a key slot in radio broadcasting. Coulter shared her excitement about the new role, emphasising the honour of waking up with Sydney listeners.
"Stepping into Sydney Breakfast is a huge honour, and I can't wait to wake up with Sydney and start every day making the people of this beautiful city smile," Coulter remarked. "To do it alongside one of my best friends makes it even sweeter. Tim and I are so ready for this. I can't wait!"
Additional Network Developments
The programming shake-up also includes news about Joel Creasey, currently a co-host with Coulter and Blackwell. A new Nova Network project for Creasey will be revealed during the Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel show, adding another layer to the network's strategic adjustments. This move underscores Nova's commitment to refreshing its lineup and engaging audiences across different timeslots and demographics.
Overall, these changes reflect Nova's dynamic approach to radio programming, aiming to enhance listener experience and adapt to evolving audience preferences. With Ritchie's shift to national afternoons and Coulter's entry into breakfast radio, the network is poised to deliver fresh content while maintaining its connection with loyal fans.
