Nova Network Changes: What Viewers Need to Know

Nova Radio Announces Major On-Air Lineup Shakeup, Moving ‘Fitzy & Wippa’ to Drive

A sweeping overhaul of Nova’s programming is underway, with popular breakfast hosts Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie confirming their move to the national Drive slot. The changes,first reported by Mediaweek on Thursday,represent a significant strategic reset for the network,impacting its two most lucrative dayparts: Breakfast and Drive.

Breakfast Radio Gets a New Duo

The departure of Fitzy & Wippa and Kate Ritchie from the Breakfast slot will be filled by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Tim Blackwell, currently hosting the Drive show. This marks a major promotion for the duo,positioning them as the new faces of Nova’s morning programming. Simultaneously, Joel Creasey is expected to transition to a full-time on-air role with Nova Perth, effectively leaving the Sydney-based show.

The restructuring will see Nova implement a nationwide shuffle of its flagship programs:

• Fitzy & Wippa with kate Ritchie will transition from Sydney Breakfast to national Drive.
• Ricki-Lee Coulter and Tim Blackwell will move from Drive into Breakfast.
• Joel Creasey will relocate to Nova Perth in a full-time on-air capacity.

Did you know? – Nova’s Drive slot is a nationally syndicated program, meaning the same show airs across multiple states. This move gives Fitzy & Wippa and Kate Ritchie a much wider audience reach than their Sydney-based breakfast show.

Why the Shakeup?

The changes appear to be a strategic attempt by Nova to revitalize its ratings and maintain a competitive edge in the crowded Australian radio market. While the network hasn’t explicitly stated the reasoning, industry analysts suggest the move aims to leverage the established popularity of Fitzy & Wippa across a broader audience. The breakfast slot, a key revenue generator, will now be anchored by ricki-Lee Coulter and tim Blackwell, hoping to attract a new demographic while retaining existing listeners. The move of Joel Creasey to Perth suggests a focus on strengthening Nova’s presence in that specific market.

How Did It End Up Happening?

The lineup shift was initially reported by Mediaweek, and confirmed on-air by Nova personalities. The changes were implemented despite previous denials from Nova Network Group Programming Director, Brendan Taylor.In September of last year, when initial rumors surfaced, Taylor dismissed the speculation, stating the network’s teams were “in a really strong position.” He added that Nova woudl announce changes “when there’s something to say.” The network has yet to issue an official statement beyond the on-air confirmation, but Mediaweek reports having reached out to Nova for comment.

Pro tip – Radio networks often make significant programming changes during the off-peak season (like late summer/early fall) to minimize disruption and allow time for audience adjustment before peak ratings periods.

These changes signal a bold move by Nova to revitalize its programming and maintain its competitive edge in the Australian radio landscape.

reader question – Do you think moving a triumphant breakfast show to drive will maintain its listenership? what factors might influence whether this strategy succeeds?