Just like other radio stations, Primedia-owned KFM has announced a shake up to its presenter line-up. Popular breakfast show host Ryan O’Connor will be moving to the 10:00 to 13:00 slot, making way for Darren ‘Whackhead’ Simpson.
“This is a dream come true for me and my family. To do the breakfast show on KFM in Africa’s most beautiful city, is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am incredibly excited,” said Simpson in a statement.
O’Connor recently won a Liberty Radio Award for Best Breakfast Presenter, the second time he’s done so. “
“Ryan has a fantastic connection with listeners,” said Trish Taylor, CEO Primedia Broadcasting Western Cape. “We believe that he’s going to turn this show into ‘can’t-miss-it’ radio and are thrilled to have such a dynamic broadcaster steering us through this new chapter as we shake up daytime radio.” Moving to the ‘work’ slot is an important move, Primedia says as it is a major focus for the station offering as it does the chance to connect with audiences in the busy part of their day whether they are in their cars, offices, homes, or wherever they are going about their business.
Simpson will continue with his afternoon drive time show on 947, while simultaneously hosting the breakfast show on KFM, but he will now be based in Cape Town with the rest of the 947 afternoon team in the Johannesburg studio.
Another move sees afternoon drive presenter Rob Vember leaving the station. His spot will be filled by Carl Wastie, who also takes over the Saturday chart show. Sechaba G will move into Wastie’s 13:00 to 16:00 show.
IOL broke this news before an official announcement was made by Primedia, citing “sources” who apart from the above moves also revealed that members of O’Connor’s team – traffic presenter Liezl van der Westhuizen and surf reporter Deon Bing – have been shown the door. The sources also said Vember’s afternoon show colleagues, sports anchor Jeremy Harris and traffic reporter Jessica Da Silva, will also be leaving the station.
Primedia has refuted the claims that van der Westhuizen, Bing, Harris and Da Silva will leaving, stating in an email that they “are all in discussions with the station for new opportunities”.
Essack said he believes that, “These are bold moves and with this line up, KFM will become a bold voice in the Cape media landscape.”
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