Radio legend who touched hearts covering Queen's death unexpectedly quits
- Replies 2
In a move that shocked the Australian radio industry, a radio personality celebrated his poignant coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's passing and abruptly resigned.
Steve Barker, a seasoned newsreader for Brisbane's 4BC, has decided to step away from the microphone, leaving fans and colleagues in surprise and speculation.
Barker, whose voice has become synonymous with trusted news delivery, has been a stalwart in the Brisbane newsroom since joining the network.
His dedication to his craft was recognised internationally when he received a prestigious New York Festivals Radio award for his heartfelt coverage of the Queen's death last year.
'Working with a team and network of focused, younger people who respect you for who you are,' Barker commented.
'I give to them. They give to me. We all focus on the same page and get on with it.'
His departure marks the end of an era for 4BC and raises questions about the station's future direction amid a broader industry shakeup.
The sudden resignation comes when 4BC, a Nine-owned station, grapples with a significant ratings decline, particularly in the breakfast show slot.
The station's experiment with a 'light entertainment' format, a departure from its traditional talkback roots, has yet to resonate with its audience.
Barker's colleagues Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare, and Mark Hine are reportedly on the brink of being the next casualties of the broadcaster's talent overhaul.
The trio once celebrated for capturing a substantial audience share, is now at the bottom of the rating barrel, with a meagre 4.3 per cent share in the latest survey.
The station's management is planning an unprecedented overhaul of its presenting lineup.
This strategic pivot is a humbling admission that the previous entertainment-focused approach has failed to deliver the desired results.
As the station contemplates its next move, two contenders have emerged for the coveted breakfast show slot: former Seven news reporter Peter Fegan and popular Gold Coast weatherman Luke Bradnam.
Both are vying for the opportunity to lead the station's revival, with Fegan currently tipped as the likely successor due to his news-breaking solid reputation.
Respected newsman Peter Gleeson is expected to be promoted to the critical morning show, while Bill McDonald, the current host, may shift to the drive timeslot.
The afternoon show could introduce veteran presenter and former Liberal MP Gary Hardgrave, who would compete with current presenter Sofie Formica, one of the station's few female stars.
Formica's future at 4BC is uncertain, especially after a recent social media post critiquing station management.
'Only thing I know for sure about 2025 is that this will be my diary,' she wrote.
Her contract is up at the end of the year, and her departure would be a significant loss, not only due to her popularity but also because it would impact the station's gender diversity.
'Sofie's contract is up at the end of the year, and she hasn't heard a thing from management,' one source said.
'She doesn't know if that means she's staying or going, but one thing is for sure: she would be a huge loss for 4BC.'
'She's a strong female with strong opinions but is warm and friendly with the audience.
'Plus, 4BC don't have many female presenters, and her loss would also send the wrong message in these times when diversity is a big factor.'
Staff at the station were left in the dark about the overhaul, leading to low morale and falling ratings.
'Morale was good for a period of time after a change in management but has slowly deteriorated with each rating result,' one source mentioned.
'The problems in breakfast have brought the whole station down and other presenters feel powerless to turn things around.'
After acquiring 4BC in late 2019, Nine Radio celebrated the relaunch of the station’s local breakfast program.
The revamped show, which runs from 5:30 am to 9:00 am, featured Neil Breen, an award-winning former newspaper editor who moved back to his hometown to replace Alan Jones' syndicated Sydney program.
'When Breenie was behind the mic, the show was working - it wasn't No1 in the ratings but it was doing well and heading in the right direction,' the source explained.
That's because he was breaking hard news and asking hard questions of Queensland pollies—and that's what Nine Radio's audience expects.
The success of sister stations like 2GB in Sydney and 3AW in Melbourne has maintained a robust talkback format.
As 4BC navigates these turbulent waters, Steve Barker's departure reminds us of individual broadcasters' impact on a station's identity and success.
His legacy will be remembered not only for his award-winning coverage but also for his mentorship of the next generation of broadcasters.
How do you feel about the shift away from traditional talkback radio, and what do you believe is the key to a successful radio program in today's digital age? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below.
Steve Barker, a seasoned newsreader for Brisbane's 4BC, has decided to step away from the microphone, leaving fans and colleagues in surprise and speculation.
Barker, whose voice has become synonymous with trusted news delivery, has been a stalwart in the Brisbane newsroom since joining the network.
His dedication to his craft was recognised internationally when he received a prestigious New York Festivals Radio award for his heartfelt coverage of the Queen's death last year.
Steve Barker, Aussie radio star and 4BC newsreader, resigned after the ratings plunge. Credit: Facebook
'Working with a team and network of focused, younger people who respect you for who you are,' Barker commented.
'I give to them. They give to me. We all focus on the same page and get on with it.'
His departure marks the end of an era for 4BC and raises questions about the station's future direction amid a broader industry shakeup.
The sudden resignation comes when 4BC, a Nine-owned station, grapples with a significant ratings decline, particularly in the breakfast show slot.
The station's experiment with a 'light entertainment' format, a departure from its traditional talkback roots, has yet to resonate with its audience.
This shift in content strategy was intended to inject a fresh dynamic into the morning routine, but instead, it has led to a disconnection with the station's loyal listener base.Barker's colleagues Laurel Edwards, Gary Clare, and Mark Hine are reportedly on the brink of being the next casualties of the broadcaster's talent overhaul.
The trio once celebrated for capturing a substantial audience share, is now at the bottom of the rating barrel, with a meagre 4.3 per cent share in the latest survey.
The station's management is planning an unprecedented overhaul of its presenting lineup.
This strategic pivot is a humbling admission that the previous entertainment-focused approach has failed to deliver the desired results.
As the station contemplates its next move, two contenders have emerged for the coveted breakfast show slot: former Seven news reporter Peter Fegan and popular Gold Coast weatherman Luke Bradnam.
Both are vying for the opportunity to lead the station's revival, with Fegan currently tipped as the likely successor due to his news-breaking solid reputation.
Respected newsman Peter Gleeson is expected to be promoted to the critical morning show, while Bill McDonald, the current host, may shift to the drive timeslot.
The afternoon show could introduce veteran presenter and former Liberal MP Gary Hardgrave, who would compete with current presenter Sofie Formica, one of the station's few female stars.
Formica's future at 4BC is uncertain, especially after a recent social media post critiquing station management.
'Only thing I know for sure about 2025 is that this will be my diary,' she wrote.
Her contract is up at the end of the year, and her departure would be a significant loss, not only due to her popularity but also because it would impact the station's gender diversity.
'Sofie's contract is up at the end of the year, and she hasn't heard a thing from management,' one source said.
'She doesn't know if that means she's staying or going, but one thing is for sure: she would be a huge loss for 4BC.'
'She's a strong female with strong opinions but is warm and friendly with the audience.
'Plus, 4BC don't have many female presenters, and her loss would also send the wrong message in these times when diversity is a big factor.'
Staff at the station were left in the dark about the overhaul, leading to low morale and falling ratings.
'Morale was good for a period of time after a change in management but has slowly deteriorated with each rating result,' one source mentioned.
'The problems in breakfast have brought the whole station down and other presenters feel powerless to turn things around.'
After acquiring 4BC in late 2019, Nine Radio celebrated the relaunch of the station’s local breakfast program.
The revamped show, which runs from 5:30 am to 9:00 am, featured Neil Breen, an award-winning former newspaper editor who moved back to his hometown to replace Alan Jones' syndicated Sydney program.
'When Breenie was behind the mic, the show was working - it wasn't No1 in the ratings but it was doing well and heading in the right direction,' the source explained.
That's because he was breaking hard news and asking hard questions of Queensland pollies—and that's what Nine Radio's audience expects.
The success of sister stations like 2GB in Sydney and 3AW in Melbourne has maintained a robust talkback format.
As 4BC navigates these turbulent waters, Steve Barker's departure reminds us of individual broadcasters' impact on a station's identity and success.
His legacy will be remembered not only for his award-winning coverage but also for his mentorship of the next generation of broadcasters.
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