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. The program is scheduled to debut in April, marking a significant shift in Nova’s programming strategy.
This development comes as Nova undergoes a major shake-up, with several of its top-end talents being reassigned to different time slots. For Creasey, this transition represents an opportunity to establish himself as a solo act after years of collaboration.
Nova’s Strategic Overhaul
On Friday, after months of speculation, Nova confirmed that its Sydney breakfast show, “Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie,” will be removed from the morning lineup. Additionally, the national drive show “Ricki Lee, Tim and Joel” will also cease, with Tim Blackwell and Ricki-Lee Coulter moving to the Sydney breakfast slot, while “Fitzy and Wippa with Kate Ritchie” transitions to the afternoon.
Creasey, who regularly appears on Perth’s “Nathan, Nat & Shaun” breakfast show, hinted at an impending announcement. Hours later, he confirmed his solo venture, stating, “I do love a bit of change, variety is the spice of life in my world.”
Creasey’s Journey and Impact
Born in Sydney and raised in Perth, Creasey began his career with Nova’s street team while simultaneously launching his comedy career. His move to Melbourne was accompanied by a humorous acknowledgment that his apartment renovation was a clear sign he wouldn’t be returning west.
In a statement, Creasey expressed gratitude to his co-stars and urged listeners to continue their support. “I’m doing a Ginger Spice and made the decision to go it solo! 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!” he enthused.
“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,” Creasey added.
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 topped its timeslot. “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,” Taylor said.
NOVA Entertainment CEO, Peter Charlton, echoed these sentiments, describing Creasey as an “enormous talent.” He emphasized that the new lunchtime show underscores Nova’s commitment to delivering quality content and exploring new commercial opportunities.
Despite the excitement surrounding these changes, Nova has yet to address the absence of Nathan Morris from Perth’s breakfast show, a notable absence for nearly a year.
Broader Industry Implications
The announcement of Creasey’s new show coincides with broader shifts in the radio industry. On the same day, it was revealed that Nine Radio, which includes stations like Sydney’s 2GB and Melbourne’s 3AW, has been sold for $56 million. This sale highlights the dynamic nature of the media landscape, as networks continue to adapt to changing audience preferences and market conditions.
As Joel Creasey prepares to captivate audiences with his solo endeavor, the radio industry watches closely to see how these strategic moves will reshape the competitive landscape. For Creasey, the new show is not just a professional milestone but a personal adventure into uncharted territory.
