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‘Chaotic and strange’: TripleM bringing back evening show The Rubber Room after 16 years

Rubber Room host: Ugly Phil O'Neil

Rubber Room host: Ugly Phil O’Neil

TripleM has announced it is relaunching controversial radio show The Triple M Rubber Room in mid-October.

The program was known for its no-holds-barred discussion of taboo topics and was hosted by the late Jon Kennedy, who would regularly push the boundaries of the Austereo network.

Stepping into the hosting role this time will be Triple M’s ‘Ugly’ Phil O’Neil – a rival of Kennedy’s, who hosted the Hot 30 with Jackie O on 2Day FM.

The show will run from 7-10pm and will be male-skewed, featuring a focus on rock music and artist interviews as well as covering current affairs in a similar style to news website, Vice. There is also a push to feature live music acts on air, which TripleM will promote online.

TripleM Network head of content Mike Fitzpatrick said: “In its day, The Rubber Room was chaotic and strange. I’m concerned and a little disturbed that I even want it back on air.

“However, I could think of no worse person than Phil to host it. He’ll invoke the spirit of our late comrade to once again wreak havoc on the Australian night time audience. New rock, compelling content and Phil exorcising the voices in his head. I can’t wait.

It was a strong brand for us that still resonates with our core audience. We’re a content company and Phil is an untapped resource for creating compelling radio and digital content – nights is the best place to drive content like that.

“I think there is an opportunity to invest in live night programming on FM that isn’t targeted at over 55’s or kids.”

Triple M Rubber Room Host, Phil O’Neil said: “I was always a fan of the work Jon Kennedy did. The Rubber Room always had such a good name and it’s an honour and a privilege to be asked to do this.

“I’ve been doing a daytime radio show for the last five years where you are limited with the format, so this is an opportunity for me to get my creative juices flowing.”

Danielle Sen

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