Triple M is reportedly preparing to cancel Beau Ryan’s breakfast radio show just seven months after it first aired. ‘The Beau, Cat & Woodsy Show’, co-hosted by Aaron Woods and Cat Lynch, has struggled to gain traction in the Sydney radio market since its January debut.
Declining Ratings and Revamps
The show has faced multiple hurdles, with newsreader Natarsha Belling resigning just six weeks after it premiered. Belling was swiftly replaced by former Nova presenter Cat Lynch, but the shake-up failed to reverse the downward trend in ratings. According to reports by The Australian, Triple M executives are now making plans to end the program.
Recent radio surveys show a sharp decline in audience numbers for the breakfast program. In the latest review, the show shed 1.5% of its market share, dropping from 5.9% to 4.4%. The breakfast show’s decline is part of a broader downturn for Triple M’s Sydney operations, with the station reportedly losing significant audience share across various timeslots.
Merrick Watts to the Rescue?
In response to the disappointing performance, Triple M is rumored to be lining up veteran comedian and former Triple M star Merrick Watts to take over the breakfast time slot. Watts, 51, is no stranger to the station, having previously helmed a highly successful drive-time show. He also filled in for Beau Ryan earlier this year when Ryan was away filming Channel Ten’s The Amazing Race.
Interestingly, the network allegedly plans to reunite Watts with his former comedy partner Tim Ross. The duo, who parted ways in 2009, is said to be estranged, and industry insiders speculate that this reunion could pose behind-the-scenes challenges.
Controversy Surrounding Triple M
The news of the show’s potential cancellation comes amidst a broader turbulent period for Triple M. Earlier this year, the station faced backlash after veteran presenter Marty Sheargold was fired over controversial comments about the Matildas, Australia’s national women’s soccer team. Sheargold’s remarks led to an advertiser boycott, costing the station significant revenue.
Meanwhile, Natarsha Belling’s abrupt exit from the breakfast show was attributed to her taking up a new opportunity with the LiSTNER podcast, where she joined The Briefing as an afternoon presenter. Her departure further highlights the instability that has plagued the program since its inception.
What’s Next for Triple M?
As Triple M prepares to replace the ailing breakfast show, listeners and advertisers alike will be watching closely to see if Merrick Watts and any potential co-hosts can turn the tide for the station. Whether this new leadership will restore Triple M’s standing in the competitive Sydney radio market remains to be seen.
The Breakfast slot remains critical for many stations, and finding the right mix of humor, engagement, and relatability may just be the key to pulling in listeners once again.