Robin Bailey returns to 97.3FM breakfast, three years after being dumped, to revive the Robin, Terry and Bob show
Just over three years after being dumped from the show, Robin Bailey is returning to Brisbane breakfast on the Australian Radio Network’s (ARN) 97.3FM. Former colleague Terry Hansen’s is also returning, signalling the revival of the Robin, Terry and Bob show.
At the end of 2016, after a decade on the program, Bailey was “ambushed” when ARN decided not to renew her contract, with Bianca Dye taking over hosting duties with co-hosts Terry Hansen and Bob Gallagher.
“I have been blindsided by ARN’s decision not to renew my contract. After minimal feedback during a protracted negotiation period at no stage did ARN make me any offer for 2017,” Bailey said at the time of her departure.
The show will return to air on 28 January
“I was ambushed this morning and told of the decision to cease my employment with the station. This was not a joint decision.
“After such a long and positive relationship at 97.3 I would have anticipated a more respectful approach to my departure.”
Soon thereafter, Bailey joined rival Southern Cross Austereo’s (SCA) Triple M for breakfast, where she remained for just shy of three years. In September, she stepped back from the role to spend more time with her husband Sean Pickwell, who was battling cancer.
Bailey’s last day on air was 20 September. Pickwell passed away just six days later.
Two years after Bailey’s shock exit, Terry Hansen also left 97.3’s breakfast slot after 14 years due to “debilitating fatigue”.
“A little while ago, I approached 97.3 FM management and asked to be released from my contract and leave radio. They were immediately supportive offering reduced hours and anything that might help me stay if I wanted to,” Hansen said in his on-air announcement.
But Hansen couldn’t “half do” the show because of the impact it would have on fellow hosts Bob Gallagher and Bianca Dye, so he stepped back.
Comedian Mike Van Acker soon joined the slot, heralding in the Bianca, Mike and Bob show, which lasted until last month, when ARN announced both Van Acker and Dye would be leaving the program – Dye’s new role at ARN is yet to be announced, while Van Acker and executive producer Liam Renton departed completely – with a new breakfast line up for 2020.
And now that line up has been revealed, with the return of both Bailey and Hansen. From 28 January – following the Australia Day public holiday – the Robin, Terry and Bob show will be back on air from 5:30am to 9am.
“It’s wonderful to be back at 97.3FM, it’s where I’m meant to be. I’ve missed the connection, the conversations and our listeners,” Bailey said of her return.
“It’s a new year and a new time in my life and it feels so right to bring the old band back together with Tez and Bob.
“Our focus is to bring the best of ourselves and what we’ve learnt to a brand-new show, and I can’t wait.”
Hansen added that he is “re-energised”, given the fatigue that led to his initial exit.
“It’s a new decade for a new re-energised Tez, returning to radio right here on 97.3FM where I belong,” he said.
“I’m so excited and looking forward to knocking heads with Robin and taunting Bob, and sharing all the fresh new ideas and content we’ve been creating with our listeners.”
It’s a “great coup” for ARN to re-secure the talent, according to national content director, Duncan Campbell.
“I’m excited to have Robin returning to her natural home at 97.3FM. With Terry also returning, it’s a great coup to have had the opportunity to bring such a successful team back together again,” Campbell said.
Executive producer Ruth De Glas will also return to the 97.3 breakfast spot, leading the Robin, Terry and Bob show’s producers.
Bianca, Mike and Bob won their last radio survey together
The team will return to air on top of the breakfast ladder, with Bianca, Mike and Bob winning their final breakfast battle to set the slot up for 2020. In the most recent GfK radio survey, released last month, 97.3FM secured an audience share of 11.2% in the slot, pulling ahead of Hit 105, Nova, Triple M, and ABC Brisbane, which all performed better than Bianca, Mike and Bob in the previous survey.
Overall, the station had a 12.5% share, toppling Nova and ending its seven-survey run at the top of the leaderboard.
Brittney Rigby was Mumbrella's deputy managing editor - news and analysis. She left Mumbrella in April 2021.
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topics
97.3FM
ARN
Australian Radio Network
Bianca Dye
Bob Gallagher
Brisbane Radio
Brisbane radio ratings
Duncan Campbell
Mike Van Acker
Robin Bailey
Terry Hansen
Thank goodness Robyn is back. It has never been the same since she left. Yah
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I won’t be listening.Terry and Bob yes But Robin Bailey.Count me out.
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“I was ambushed this morning and told of the decision to cease my employment with the station. This was not a joint decision.”
Now let’s get one thing straight. She (and her agent at the time) demanded a ridiculously high contract in dollar terms. The network had no option but to say no. They run a business. Its a pity she and her manager didn’t understand that.
That said, it’s good that both parties have found a way to move forward and work together again.
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I was so sad when Robin and left and sad again when Terry left. I loved Robin, Terry & Bob and am SUPER happy they’re back together again. Looking forward to tuning in daily again from Tuesday!! Welcome back :o)
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