Joel Creasey.
Perth-raised Nova radio presenter Joel Creasey is set to embark on a new chapter in his broadcasting career with the launch of his own national lunchtime show on the network, scheduled to debut in April. This announcement comes as part of a significant reshuffle within the broadcaster, where top-tier talent is being repositioned into new time slots, and Creasey will step into the spotlight as a solo act.
The shake-up was confirmed on Friday after months of speculation, with Nova revealing that its Sydney breakfast show, “Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie,” will be removed from its morning slot. The national drive show “Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel” will also come to an end, with Tim Blackwell and Ricki-Lee Coulter transitioning to the Sydney breakfast show, while “Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie” will move to the afternoon.
Creasey’s Transition to Solo Broadcasting
Appearing as a guest on Perth’s long-standing “Nathan, Nat & Shaun” breakfast show, Creasey hinted at an impending announcement. Hours later, the comedian, who records his segments in Melbourne, confirmed his solo venture after five years alongside Blackwell and Coulter. “I do love a bit of change, variety is the spice of life in my world,” Creasey remarked. “I guess the bosses figured the world is already on fire. Let’s just pour more gasoline onto it and see what chaos people caught.”
Creasey, born in Sydney and raised in Perth, began his career with Nova’s street team before relocating to Melbourne to further his comedy pursuits. He humorously noted that his recent renovation of a Melbourne apartment was a “giveaway” that he would not be returning to Perth.
A New Era for Nova
In a statement released by Nova, the 35-year-old expressed gratitude to his former co-hosts while encouraging listeners to tune into his new show. “I’m doing a Ginger Spice and made the decision to go it solo! (I’ve waited over 20 years to say that!). Scintillating references like that and oh-so-very-much-more you can expect from The Joel Creasey Show launching Australia-wide across the Nova Network!”
Creasey reflected on his time with the national Drive program, saying, “It’s been an utter joy to be a member of the national Drive program for the past five years, and an honour to play a part in such a legacy show. I’ve learnt so much from Tim and Ricki-Lee and am so excited for us and wish them all the best (for their early alarms, that is, did you really think I’d be getting up at that time?!).”
“As someone whose GIG it is to GIGGLE — and share that with our listeners — some of my greatest, bellyaching laughs have been with Tim and Ricki-Lee which I will forever cherish. And previously, of course, with the gorgeous Kate Ritchie.”
Creasey assured listeners that his new show would sound “very different” without his side-kicks, promising a unique experience.
Industry Reactions and Future Prospects
Nova Network’s Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor, praised Creasey for his contributions to the success of “Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel,” which consistently held the number one spot in its timeslot. “Joel has been instrumental to the success of Ricki-Lee, Tim & Joel. We’re thrilled to announce this new show,” Taylor stated. “Joel is an immensely talented broadcaster and comedian, and this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase his talents in an entirely new part of the day. We’re excited to add another world-class talent to our new weekday line-up.”
NOVA Entertainment CEO, Peter Charlton, echoed these sentiments, describing Creasey as an “enormous talent.” He emphasized that Creasey’s new role underscores Nova’s commitment to delivering exceptional content and exploring new commercial opportunities.
Despite the excitement surrounding Creasey’s new venture, Nova has yet to provide an update on the absence of Nathan Morris from Perth’s breakfast show, where he has not been a regular presence for nearly a year.
This strategic realignment at Nova follows the recent news that Nine Radio, which operates stations including Sydney’s 2GB, Melbourne’s 3AW, Brisbane’s 4BC, and Perth’s 6PR, has been sold for $56 million. The radio industry is clearly in a state of flux, with networks seeking to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing media landscape.
