Deb Knight's 2GB replacement revealed
After four years as host of the 2GB Afternoons program, Deb Knight has been axed from the coveted role.
Knight's brutal dismissal comes after a noticeable decline in ratings, with Knight holding a mere six percent market share, as indicated by the latest radio ratings survey.
From January 15th next year, Deb will be replaced by Michael McLaren, as the 38-year-old presenter told Ben Fordham on on Thursday that he had "big boots to fill" but was excited to start the role.
"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," McLaren said.
"I am going to do my best."
The 38-year-old father added he is excited to bring his own niche interests and signature wit to the talkback show while covering the latest news and entertainment.
"We are going to do traditional afternoon radio, the open line will drive it," McLaren said.
"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."
"I am told I have a dry sense of humour so I will bring that hopefully to the table as well."
According to The Sunday Telegraph, Knight reportedly felt "shattered" after Nine Radio informed her earlier this month that she would be axed as host after her four year stint.
Knight was told of the decision just one week before the news was broken to the public, but shared that she would not be leaving the network for good, as she will be taking up a new role as the 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 have missed too many school drop offs and pick ups over the years, I do often put work first. So I'm very much looking forward to being able to be here a lot more for my family."
Image credits: 2GB