ARN opts for local over national drive shows

Rob Duckworth

The Australian Radio Network has announced new local hosts in Sydney and Melbourne to fill the holes left by the end of MCM Media’s nationally syndicated Jono & Dano Show.

Rob Duckworth, former Sydney Triple M stalwart, will present Sydney’s WSFM 101.7 drive slot. Duckworth was axed from Triple M in 2008 and has most recently been presenting a breakfast show in Dubai.

Gavin Miller, who spent seven years hosting Drive at Perth’s 96FM and over the last twelve months has had ongoing casual work with both Triple M and ARN, will host Melbourne’s Gold 104.3.

Gavin Miller

The news confirms what Duncan Campbell, ARN’s national content director told Mumbrella in November of Classic looking into “pursuing a local content strategy.”

Campbell told Mumbrella today: “The local content creates a point of difference for us. The drive spots across the country are full of teams and duos. [With a single presenter] we hope to highlight the music even more. And with a local strategy it opens us up to local sponsorship opportunities.”

Ian Keenan is already presenting the drive slot at the Brisbane’s Classic Hits 4KQ 693 AM.

Duckworth and Miller will begin in January 2012.