Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host’s shock on-air cancer reveal

Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal

I’m deeply saddened by the news that Ali Clarke, a beloved radio host and a respected figure in Adelaide’s media scene, will be taking a break from her show due to a cancer diagnosis. Having followed her career for years, I can’t help but admire her resilience and strength, both as a professional broadcaster and as a person.


I’ve been closely following the developments at Mix 102.3, and I’m excited to share that some potential successors to Ali Clarke’s beloved breakfast program have emerged. This news comes after Ali bravely shared her shocking cancer diagnosis during a live broadcast.

As an obsessed fan, I can’t help but share my deep connection to Adelaide’s beloved morning radio host. She, who gracefully co-hosts Max & Ali in the Morning alongside Max Burford, left us all speechless during Tuesday’s broadcast. With a voice trembling with emotion, she bravely unveiled her personal battle against breast cancer.

While Ali is scheduled for a mastectomy by the end of the week, the media is currently looking for a suitable substitute to fill in for her during her absence. The identification process will culminate in the announcement of this new addition to the team on Friday.

Nine women are considered front-runners for the substitute position, as female representation is prioritized in morning radio broadcasting based on The Advertiser’s report.

The article additionally mentions that industry sources gave them a potential lineup of candidates for the job, and two females have reportedly been contacted to replace Ali during her absence.

There are reports that Kelly Noble, Kelly Nestor, Kelly Golding, Tiffany Warne, Erin Phillips, Mel Greig, Belinda Heggen, Hayley, and Pearson, as well as Lauren De Cesare, are being considered for the breakfast hosting position.

According to reports, Noble harbors a strong desire to venture into radio broadcasting. Notably, the proprietor of Glam Adelaide was featured on Mix 102.3 for hosting their Weekly What’s On segment with the lifestyle news site.

Nestor resumed his role as a substitute radio host at ABC Radio Adelaide in Australia in the year 2023.

Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal

For the past 25 years, she’s made a notable mark as a journalist, having spent time with Sky News and Channel 10 beforehand. However, since her departure from Channel Nine’s Adelaide News in 2009, she hasn’t held a consistent media position.

She’s reported on significant occurrences such as Princess Diana’s passing, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and the Asian tsunami disasters.

Kelly Golding, who is currently a presenter on Channel Seven, has previously worked in radio. Specifically, she used to host the morning program on SmoothFM, Adelaide’s digital radio station.

Since 2003, she started her TV journey as a meteorologist and now serves as a travel and lifestyle show host on Discover.

Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal
Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal
Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal

At present, Tiffany Warne serves as the meteorologist for Channel 10 Adelaide, collaborating with Max Burford who holds a role as a sports announcer for the same network.

In the past, they have teamed up for radio shows; specifically, they were co-hosts of Jodie Oddy’s Saturday morning breakfast program on Nova 919.

Erin Phillips, an AFLW star, might shockingly come back to Mix radio station not long after she left earlier this year.

She occasionally makes an appearance as a guest on SAFM Breakfast. Currently, she’s keeping busy by presenting sports coverage for AFL matches. This heavy workload might make it difficult for her to provide an accurate tip.

Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal
Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal

Mel Greig, a previous radio personality now holding a PR and media management position due to her inability to secure another radio job, had worked for Mix 102.3 as early as 2010.

Right now, she resides in Queensland’s Gold Coast, away from Adelaide. However, there are whispers that she could go back to Adelaide soon to take on a new role.

Formally a TV news reporter for Channel 10, Belinda Heggen now operates her own media coaching business, FLUENT Media, specializing in public speaking training.

Around a decade ago, radio duo Hayley Pearson and Lauren De Cesare shared the hosting role on SAFM Breakfast with each other. However, it’s possible that multiple temporary hosts could replace Ali in the future.

On Taylor, Ali Clarke announced to her audience that she would be taking a brief absence for medical treatments.

Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal

She expressed surprise, thinking the size was insignificant, only to discover numerous small cancers. Consequently, she will undergo major surgery later this week and require an extended period of rest for recovery.

I’ve always taken pride in modestly dressing and have never felt the need to expose my body excessively. Growing up, I was an active participant in various sports, and my breasts sometimes posed a challenge in my pursuit of physical activity. They were functional in their own right, but at times created inconvenience while playing.

After that, the radio host couldn’t hold back her emotions and began to cry as she shared about the profound feeling of losing a significant piece of who she is.

She shared, “I’ve struggled internally, feeling both anger towards myself and a sense of vanity over the loss of a part of me.”

Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal
Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal

When I take a step back to ponder, a piece of my identity as a woman, instilled in me by society, feels like it’s at risk. My deeper consciousness understands that this change is essential for my wellbeing.

Although the diagnosis was devastating for Ali, she acknowledged her good fortune in receiving high-quality healthcare thus far.

In January, the morning radio show on Mix 102.3 hosted by Ali underwent significant changes due to speculation that The Kyle and Jackie O Show might extend to Adelaide, which could result in its cancellation.

After Max Burford joined the team last year, the morning radio show previously known as The Ali Clarke Breakfast Show will now be called Max & Ali in the Morning instead.

Who are the frontrunners set to take over from Ali Clarke after radio host's shock on-air cancer reveal

At Channel Ten in Adelaide, Burford contributes his expertise in sports and local news to the team.

The full team now consists of host Clarke and Burford, alongside Shane Lowe and Eddie Bannon.

In August 2023, approximately 376,000 people tuned in to Mix 102.3 every week, making it the most listened-to radio station in Adelaide according to the ratings survey.

With an audience share of 11.2 percent, The Ali Clarke show ranks as Adelaide’s second most listened-to morning program.

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2024-07-25 04:35

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