The world of radio is no stranger to shake-ups, but the ABC’s recent decision to replace one of its most cherished voices with Hamish Macdonald, has left many listeners scratching their heads—and, if the latest ratings are anything to go by, reaching for the dial.

What happened and why are the audiences in an uproar?

Let’s set the scene: Sarah Macdonald, a stalwart of ABC Radio Sydney’s Mornings program, was quietly shown the door at the end of 2024, despite a solid track record and a loyal following.

Enter Hamish Macdonald, a familiar face from The Project, who was tapped to take over the coveted slot. The move was meant to inject fresh energy and perhaps attract a new audience. But, as the numbers now reveal, things haven’t quite gone to plan.

According to the latest radio ratings survey, Hamish’s tenure has been marked by a steady decline in listeners.

Since taking the reins at the start of 2025, his share of the Sydney Mornings audience has dropped to 4.6 per cent—a notable fall of 0.9 per cent from the previous survey.

ABC’s decision to replace popular broadcaster Sarah Macdonald with Hamish Macdonald on Sydney Mornings appears to have backfired, with new ratings showing a decline in audience numbers. Image source: ABC Sydney / Facebook.

For context, Sarah’s final survey in November saw her holding a respectable 6.2 per cent of the market. That’s a significant dip, especially in the fiercely competitive world of Sydney radio.

It’s not just a numbers game, either. For many long-time listeners, Sarah’s departure felt like losing a trusted friend.

She was known for her warmth, her knack for breaking big stories, and her ability to get politicians and public figures to open up on air.

In her own words, Sarah expressed her disappointment at not being renewed, but also pride in her achievements: 'The ratings are up, I’ve broken lots of stories, had the first interview with the new Governor-General, I got the premier of New South Wales to regularly take your calls, led the election coverage, led the move to our Parramatta studios.'

While ABC Sydney grapples with its ratings woes, other stations are making waves.

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson, the shock jocks of KIIS FM, continue to dominate the Sydney airwaves, climbing to a 13.9 per cent audience share—up from 12.5 per cent in the previous survey. Meanwhile, Smooth FM 95.3 pulled off a surprise victory, overtaking long-time leader 2GB to claim the top spot with a 12.3 per cent share and 1.32 million listeners.

But it’s not all smooth sailing for everyone. Kyle and Jackie O’s raunchy breakfast show hasn’t translated as well in Melbourne, where they managed only a 5.6 per cent share.

In earlier news: Entertainment world shake-up: ABC cut ties with radio icon amidst growing controversy

And at 2GB, while Ben Fordham remains the top-rating breakfast host, the station as a whole has slipped behind Smooth FM.

So, what was behind the ABC’s decision to shake up its line-up?

Officially, the broadcaster hasn’t given a detailed explanation, but it’s clear they were hoping to refresh their offering and perhaps attract a younger or more diverse audience. Hamish Macdonald, with his TV pedigree and journalistic chops, seemed like a safe bet on paper.

Hamish himself acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, 'First and foremost I’d like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of Sarah Macdonald. I know these are big shoes to fill. I’m looking forward to putting my head down, getting to work from Monday and serving the wonderful 702 audience in what will be a huge year of news for Sydney.'

Sarah Macdonald wasn’t the only casualty of the ABC’s reshuffle. Simon Marnie was also let go, and other familiar names like Richard Glover and Robbie Buck have moved on from their respective programs.

Read more: We grew up with his voice on the ABC—and now, we say goodbye together

Key Takeaways

• ABC’s decision to replace popular broadcaster Sarah Macdonald with Hamish Macdonald on Sydney Mornings appears to have backfired, with new ratings showing a decline in audience numbers.
• Hamish Macdonald’s show captured only 4.6 per cent of the market in the latest survey, dropping 0.9 per cent, compared to Sarah Macdonald’s 6.2 per cent in her last survey.
• The Sydney radio ratings also showed strong gains for Kyle and Jackie O on KIIS 106.5, who increased their audience share to 13.9 per cent, while Smooth FM 95.3 overtook long-time favourite 2GB for the top spot.
• Several other high-profile ABC presenters, including Simon Marnie, Richard Glover and Robbie Buck, have also recently left their programs, prompting further speculation about the network's ongoing changes.

Did you listen to Sarah Macdonald’s Mornings show? Have you given Hamish Macdonald a go? What do you think of the ABC’s decision to shake up its line-up? And, more broadly, what makes a great radio host in your eyes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[novezar]

We just refuse to watch the ABC's channel 2, let alone to listen to their radio broadcasts.

 

[Fossile]

The only ABC radio we listen to is Phil Clarke and his Mighty Challenge at night but never get to the end as sleep takes over.

 

[Jest]

abc, i would need to desperate to listen to abc. their humour is mainly disgusting. No thank you I like to think I have more intelligence that that.

We just refuse to watch the ABC's channel 2, let alone to listen to their radio broadcasts.

ditto. my intelligence is higher than that.

 

[Jest]

The only ABC radio we listen to is Phil Clarke and his Mighty Challenge at night but never get to the end as sleep takes over.

it must be riveting listening.