Deb Knight’s 2GB radio Sydney replacement has been revealed after she was dropped from the coveted afternoon slot.
Michael McLaren, who has been serving as Knight’s interim replacement since her departure earlier this month, will take over the prime timeslot from 12pm to 3pm.
At 38, McLaren juggles his professional life with family responsibilities as a father to his nearly two-year-old daughter, Natalie, alongside his wife Kat.
McLaren expressed his excitement about the opportunity in a conversation with Ben Fordham.
‘It is a massive moment,’ he told the breakfast host on Thursday.
Deb Knight’s 2GB radio Sydney replacement has been revealed. Pictured
Michael McLaren, (pictured), who has been serving as Knight’s interim replacement since her departure earlier this month, will take over the prime timeslot from 12pm to 3pm
‘I am honoured to be doing it. There has been a rich and great legacy on 2GB for years and years on afternoons and most recently with Deb so it is big boots to fill. I am going to do my best.’
‘We are going to do traditional afternoon radio, the open line will drive it. We will be across the news but we will also be across the entertainment things.
‘My interests are sort of a little esoteric at times – I like the history stuff so we will have plenty of that and I am told I have a dry sense of humour so I will bring that hopefully to the table as well.’
It comes amid reports that Deb is eyeing the weekend newsreader role – currently held by Georgie Gardner (right).
It comes amid reports that Deb is eyeing the weekend newsreader role on Channel Nine – currently held by Georgie Gardner.
Alleged sources tell Woman’s Day that Deb is hoping to ‘convince the network she should be the one to do the weekend news presenting’.
‘It’s about time Deb received a role she has a say in,’ says the alleged insider.
Another ‘close insider’ says Deb’s reported $600,000 salary could be ‘halved’, and that she wants to win her ‘dream role as weekend newsreader’ to avoid the slash.
Deb announced a big career move to her radio listeners earlier this month
Deb announced a big career move to her radio listeners earlier this month/
The former Today star said she is set to become the ‘new national host of Money News’.
‘I am stepping back as host of afternoons. I am not, however, leaving 2GB. In fact I’m taking on a new broader network role,’ she said.
‘I’ve been appointed to a new position as the new national host of Money News.’
As for the current Money News host, Scott Haywood, he ‘will also continue to play a large part in Money News’, though Deb didn’t elaborate on his role further.
The media presenter went on to say ‘stepping back from afternoons is not easy’ as she ‘loves’ the show which she has hosted for the last four years.
However, despite being reportedly ‘shattered’ by Nine’s decision, she has chosen to look at the bright side of her new evening job.
‘I have missed too many school drop offs and pick ups over the years, I do often put work first,’ she said.
‘So I’m very much looking forward to being able to be here a lot more for my family.’
Deb’s departure from the 2GB afternoon slot was first reported last month when it was revealed she was being sacked following a massive decline in her ratings
Deb’s departure from the 2GB afternoon slot was first reported earlier this month when it was revealed she was being sacked following a massive decline in her ratings.
The broadcaster was ‘shattered’ by the news which she received, reported The Sunday Telegraph.
Her salary was rumoured to be $600,000 when she began with the afternoon radio show in 2020 after being sacked from the Today breakfast show.
But despite debuting at a stellar 11.4 per cent share results in the ratings, she has since dropped to a record-low 6 per cent market share in the most recent survey.
Contenders have reportedly already lined up for her position at 2GB, with Deb’s fill-in Joe Hildebrand and fellow 2GB presenter Mark Levy at the top of the list.
The broadcaster was ‘shattered’ by the news which she received, reported The Sunday Telegraph
READ MORE: Deborah Knight encourages people to ‘slip slop slap’ as she reveals painful-looking welts on her chest following skin cancer check
