More Triple J Departures & 'Good Nights' Axed

More departures and programming shakeups have been announced at the national broadcaster after last week’s controversial restructure, revealed on The Music.

The earlier departures of Richard Kingsmill, Meagan Loader and Jess Perkins were not the end of the story, with The Music now aware of at least two further departures including Content Manager Natalia Newling.

In a social media post acknowledging it had been a “tough week for the triple j fam”, Newling announced that she will be wrapping up in early 2024. She paid tribute to her team and some of her successes in the role.

“We're a lean team for a national broadcaster - leaner than most people realise. When you walk through the doors of triple j, it's difficult to understand how everything gets done, but you'll quickly see that it's the strength, creativity, and dedication of every single person here to making content for young Australians that keeps it all running.

“I try to keep my head down, do the work, and not yell too loudly about the wins, but these past few weeks have given me time to reflect on how much we've achieved. I'll never forget working with Nooky & Karla Ranby the week after the Voice Referendum; finding out Pip & Dee (The Hook Up) won Australian Sex & Relationship Podcast of the year; shaping the new sound of Drive with Abby & Tyrone; and the million wins (and let's be honest - complaints) that came in between.”

Friday was also the final week for many shows on the station, with popular night show Good Nights confirmed as not returning in 2024. Host Latifa Tee will however remain with the broadcaster in a capacity yet to be revealed.

Rumours were also flying last week in media circles that current affairs show Hack would be axed from the radio and go ‘podcast only’, however, these rumours were put to bed with host Dave Marchese ending Friday’s final show for 2023 confirming the show would be back in February.

Lucy Smith has also confirmed she will be back on Mornings in 2024, although her Instagram announcement took a swipe at the week’s events signing off with, “Oh, and long live the fuckin’ king.”

Last week also saw breakfast newsreader Tim Shepherd sign off for the final time.

ABC Head of Audio Ben Latimer has lost no time recruiting (as flagged in his note to staff last week), with three positions already on LinkedIn: Manger triple j, Content Director triple j / Double J and a Video Producer role.

There has been much speculation in the media that Latimer’s comments to staff included wording around the new structure being one more familiar to the commercial radio industry.

The Music has confirmed from sources that Latimer was referring to the structure, not to the person who will fill the seat. It is understood that while it is expected that candidates from commercial radio will be considered, the recruitment process will be open.