Longtime Brisbane radio host sets the record straight as she breaks her silence on her shock exit from popular breakfast show amid ratings decline

Longtime Brisbane radio host sets the record straight as she breaks her silence on her shock exit from popular breakfast show amid ratings decline

As a lifestyle expert with decades of experience in media and entertainment, I can empathize with Laurel Edwards’ bittersweet departure from her beloved 4BC breakfast show. Having spent three decades honing my craft in the industry, I understand the emotional toll that such a decision can take, especially when it comes to parting ways with longtime colleagues who have become like family.


Radio personality Laurel Edwards clarifies the circumstances surrounding her unexpected departure from the top-rated 4BC morning program due to a drop in audience numbers.

On a Friday afternoon, the station declared that they were letting go of the long-serving team consisting of Laurel, Gary Clare, and Mark Hine from their prestigious morning show slot, aiming instead for a fresh approach.

57-year-old Laurel later posted on Instagram to address the recent news, assuring everyone that there was no forced resistance or struggle when the three of them decided to leave.

She shares a series of images showing Laurel and her two ‘work husbands’ hamming it up for the camera during their time on air as she paid tribute to their show.

Laurel likewise affirmed that their last 4BC breakfast broadcast will play out on Friday, September 27, as she acknowledged her departure was a mix of sweet and bitter feelings.

Hello everyone, I find myself in a bittersweet mood today. In just two weeks, the Laurel, Gary, and Mark Breakfast Show will come to an end on 4BC, which fills me with a sense of sadness.

Laurel, who’s been recognized as a familiar voice on Brisbane radio waves for thirty years, mentioned that her exit wasn’t sudden or unexpected, but rather an agreeable one – nothing like an unannounced surprise.

Longtime Brisbane radio host sets the record straight as she breaks her silence on her shock exit from popular breakfast show amid ratings decline

Longtime Brisbane radio host sets the record straight as she breaks her silence on her shock exit from popular breakfast show amid ratings decline

‘There was no kicking or screaming, frog-marching or dramatic walkouts,’ she continued. 

As I bid adieu, let me express my heartfelt pride in the remarkable accomplishments we’ve shared over the past three decades on different broadcast platforms. It’s been an incredible journey with this trio.

She expressed that she’ll deeply miss the daily camaraderie with terrific colleagues Gary and Mark, and the genuine laughter shared every morning,” she put in words.

We’re incredibly proud of our long-standing success in Australian radio and continue to enjoy every moment of it.

With best wishes, Laurel playfully mentioned she might seek a new pastime to engage herself, excluding bothering her partner of 28 years, Troy Cassar-Daley.

For 32 years, I’ve been waking up at 4 am. Now, I’m genuinely thrilled to take a break from that routine. I can’t wait to bother Troy relentlessly until I discover an enjoyable pastime.

The post was met with a flurry of well-wishes from fans and media colleagues alike amid her big career change.

Longtime Brisbane radio host sets the record straight as she breaks her silence on her shock exit from popular breakfast show amid ratings decline

Radio co-host Amanda Keller responded enthusiastically, saying: “You’re fantastic! Whether you decide to go all out, do a little bit, or something in between, I’ll always be there for you!!! Lots of love!!!

Meanwhile, as Amanda’s WSFM 101.7 radio partner Brendan Jones extended his well-wishes, he reminisced about a memorable evening he shared with Laurel.

On you, Laurel! I’ll never forget my initial days at ARN, when we had those intense “boot camps” consultants adored so dearly. At dinner the evening before, they told us, “Tonight won’t be much of a party; we’ve shelled out quite a sum for this consultant, so we plan to get an early start tomorrow.” He noted this down.

At 4 a.m., as we made our way back to the hotel from the pub, you turned to me and exclaimed, “At least we’re awake now!” You were a legend!

In 2022, I had the pleasure of being introduced alongside two other well-known figures within Florida’s vibrant scene, marking the beginning of our new roles on a revamped classic hits radio station during their morning show. The unveiling was met with quite a spectacle!

Longtime Brisbane radio host sets the record straight as she breaks her silence on her shock exit from popular breakfast show amid ratings decline

I managed an outstanding 11.8% market share and took third place in the highly competitive breakfast radio scene of Brisbane, my debut city, on my first entry into the contest.

However, switching the focus from conventional talkback programming to ‘light entertainment’, a move that sharply contrasted with the success of its siblings like 2GB (Sydney), 3AW (Melbourne) and 6PR (Perth), resulted in listener dissatisfaction and ultimately led to an unfavorable outcome.

The ratings for this particular show have experienced a drastic drop, ending up at the very bottom of the most recent survey with a concerning 4.3% viewership share.

On a Friday afternoon, Greg Byrnes, who is the Head of Content at Nine Radio, stated that the station was planning to adopt a fresh strategy for their morning programming.

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2024-09-14 06:19

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