Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck have announced they are leaving their successful ABC breakfast radio show after only three years.
Harmer and Buck’s morning radio show, has been a strong performer for ABC. It is the second most popular show in Sydney’s cutthroat breakfast radio market. The show also has shown consistent growth, with a 14 per cent increase in the latest radio rating survey.
Ultimately the announcement was unexpected. Both hosts broke the news, together and live on-air, that neither would be returning next year, and they’d be wrapping up in December.
The announcement coincides with Buck’s 25th year anniversary of working for the government-funded network.
Harmer said: “Robbie and I are finishing up at the end of the year.”
Buck said, “It is a decision that hasn’t come lightly, it’s been a difficult decision to make. It has been the most extraordinary experience to be able to join you every morning. To be able to share the airwaves with Wendy, to be able to talk to so many incredible people, to be able to hear from you. It has been a privilege and honour.
“We just feel like the time is right.”
The pair explained they made the decision a while ago, but for different reasons.
Buck explained that the easing of COVID-19 restrictions played a role in his decision and that he’d like to take some time off and travel, “The chance to be able to get in the van, and see the state, hopefully, see the country, is really enticing, I want to be able to get out on the ground.”
Harmer said: “For me, I probably need a lie-down, and I’ve got projects on the back burner, and I’m interested in getting to work with my son, who has a start-up on the boil.”
Buck added. “We should mention too, we aren’t just severing the chord and leaving completely. We are just moving away and doing other opportunities, but we will be part of the station in some way, shape or form. We will be back occasionally”
ABC has yet to announce their replacements.
