Ray Hadley hits back at ‘secret talks’ with Sky News Australia
Ray Hadley has hit back at reports that he is in ‘secret talks’ with Sky News Australia to join the television station as he wraps his long career at Nine Radio.
Per Daily Mail Australia, Hadley met with Sky News CEO, Paul Whittaker, and head of programs, Mark Calvert, at the station’s Sydney offices just hours after announcing his radio departure, and “spent more than an hour in deep conversation”.
However, speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, Hadley dismissed the reports.
“Despite what might have been written, I have not signed a deal with anyone,” he said,
Hadley will wrap up at Sydney radio station 2GB in mid-December, after announcing his retirement live on air earlier this month, on the same morning as Nine’s annual general meeting.
“My own four children made many sacrifices for me over the years, allowing me to realise my ambitions, and I want to spend more time with them and my seven grandchildren,” Hadley said on air.
“Sophie has been the most supporting, calming, loving and amazing wife – and she deserves a break too!”
However, it seems that broadcasting break may prove to be short-lived if the Daily Mail’s’ “inside sources” are correct.
The Ray Hadley Morning Show was networked across over 30 stations nationwide, including 4BC Brisbane, 2CC Canberra, and regional networked stations across NSW, QLD, and VIC, making him an obvious drawcard for Sky News Australia’s national audience.
He had won his time slot in Sydney every survey since 2003, amassing an amazing 160 consecutive ratings wins, however slipped to third place during the most recent survey, falling behind shows on FM broadcaster’s WSFM and 2GB.
With the radio audience finally fading, and his run at Nine over – maybe it’s time for Hadley to jump across to television. He currently has a non-compete clause in regards to radio, however Sky News Australia will argue it isn’t a competitor to Nine’s audio arm.
Keep up to date with the latest in media and marketing
Got a tip?
Nathan Jolly is the Features Editor at Mumbrella. He joined the team in July, 2023.
Linkedin
Have your say