F.Y.I.

Fitzy & Wippa to celebrate 10 years at Nova

Fitzy & Wippa will celebrate ten years at Nova tomorrow.

The announcement:

Fitzy & Wippa, one of NOVA Entertainment’s much loved and respected shows, will celebrate 10 years as Nova 96.9’s Sydney breakfast show on Friday 17 September.

Known for creating compelling and commercially friendly content, it’s Fitzy & Wippa’s genuine chemistry and mateship, backed by the contribution of their talented wider team, whilst ensuring their listeners are an integral part of each day that has secured the show’s longevity and success.

The Fitzy & Wippa breakfast show launched in September 2011 and has become an intrinsic part of the fabric of Sydney radio, taking to the airwaves for over 2,000 shows.

Joining Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald and Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli each morning is Sarah McGilvray (co-host of Nova 96.9’s Matt & Sarah early breakfast show and an accomplished podcast host), Newsreader Matt de Groot (Channel Nine sports commentator, MC, writer and co-host of Matt & Sarah) and the backbone of the show Executive Producer Tom Ivey, who has been the helm since the show’s inception.

Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald said, “A decade of decadence. No, not Wippa’s rider but the excessive pleasure we’ve had doing this show. Nova have been extremely loyal, along with our magnificent team. Most of all we have to thank our devoted listeners, opening up your lives and letting us expose them has been so gratifying.”

Host Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli said, “10 years, it feels good to just be getting warmed up. It’s been an honour to stare into the beautiful blue eyes of a bald man for over 2,000 shows, what more could you ask for? Love the team like they’re my own family, but I would never invite them to Christmas. Here’s to 10 more.”

Paul Jackson, NOVA Entertainment’s Chief Programming & Marketing Officer said, “Where did 10 years go? Fitzy & Wippa sound as fresh as they did a decade ago. I think I speak for all listeners; we’ve grown up with them and been a part of the ups and downs and important moments in their lives, from weddings, having families and all the hilarity and chaos that goes with raising children. Fitzy & Wippa have provided listeners with so many laughs and put such an entertaining spin on everyday life that I couldn’t image not waking up to them on Nova in the morning.”

Fitzy & Wippa’s commercial appeal is due to their ability to integrate client campaigns seamlessly on air, within a brand and family friendly environment. From a partnership with Qantas to take a plane full of listeners to Movie World and breaking a Guinness World Record for Mattel’s Hot Wheels, to working with the Australian Turf Club to create the ‘Golden Wippa Race’, a race of golden, glistening Wippa look-a-likes, to partnering with Network Ten for a story arc that saw a very surprised Wippa dropped into the jungle for I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! Fitzy & Wippa bring an engaging and unique perspective to commercial partnerships that deliver on client’s objectives and appeal to the show’s highly engaged, loyal listeners.

The Fitzy & Wippa breakfast show has won eight Australian Commercial Radio Awards including Best Networked Program, Best Station Produced Comedy Segment and Best Station Promotion for Fitzy & Wippa’s Backyard Cricket. They have also secured several Guinness World Records (Fitzy & Wippa’s Bob Katterpult, engineering the world’s furthest catapult, and the World’s Longest Hot Wheels Track, sending a toy car down 2624 feet of track).

Fitzy & Wippa have broadcast from the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, pitched to the experts on Network Ten’s Shark Tank, have pulled a plane, been suspended from hot air balloons, and undertaken many over-the-top stunts. The show has been broadcast internationally from South Africa, Los Angeles, London, Bangkok and New Zealand. During the 2020 lockdown the team had just 72 hours’ notice to successfully broadcast their show live from their homes, at five separate locations across Sydney.

With a strong commitment to the community, Fitzy & Wippa have raised over a million dollars for Australians doing it tough and vital charities through various campaigns including the ‘Best Community Service Project’ ACRA winning Barry the Parody Bear, Fitzy & Wippa’s long running We’ve Got Your Back initiative to help local families in need (singer Sia threw an additional $100,000 of support behind this initiative in 2020), Fitzy & Wippa’s Backyard Cricket with the Prime Minister which raised funds to support students in developing countries and Fitzy & Wippa’s Mega Farm Rescue with Bendigo Bank for Rural Aid to provide critical support for farmers. In addition, the boys are proud supporters of causes close to their hearts – Fitzy is an ambassador for RAISE Foundation, a youth mentorship program, and Wippa an ambassador for the Cooper Rice-Brading Foundation, the charity he chose to represent on Channel Nine’s Celebrity Apprentice, raising over $184,000.

From interviews with Hollywood and Australian A-listers, to Fitzy & Wippa’s infamous stitch ups, song parodies, rap battles and hilarious segments, to interesting stories from everyday people and seeking out insights from leading experts on the news of the day; Nova’s Sydney breakfast show looks to entertain, inform and provide an escape for listeners every morning. An extensive array of celebrity guests have joined the show over the past 10 years including Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, One Direction, P!nk, Russell Crowe, Tones & I and Sia. Approaching interviews with their signature cheeky and highly interactive style, from Wippa serenading Taylor Swift or singing a duet with Hugh Jackman, to taking on some of Australia’s most well-known stars in their highly competitive rap battles, Fitzy & Wippa approach every moment with fun in mind and keep their guests wanting to come back.

Fitzy & Wippa can heard weekdays from 6am to 9am on Nova 96.9 in Sydney and nationally from 6pm to 7pm on the Nova Network.

Source: Nova Entertainment media release

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