Changes to triple j lineup

Along with the big news that Roy and HG are leaving triple j, there are a number of other lineup changes on the cards for the ABC youth station as it heads in to 2009.

The Dools and Linda show (weekdays 3pm) will be re-configured in 2009 without Linda Marigliano as she has chosen to take next year off to travel. The show will continue with Scott Dooley in the driver’s seat.

The show has had a successful year with ratings growth, the development of a strong on-air partnership and some hilarious radio. triple j Manager Linda Bracken says it’s been “wonderful having Linda as part of the family, she has a unique way of connecting with her audience and it’s been great to see her talent mature. We wish her happy and safe travels.”

HG and Roy have decided to head off to the world of commercial radio after 22 years of presenting This Sporting Life (Sundays 2pm). Bracken says Roy and HG produced some amazing radio during their time on triple j and they will be missed.

triple j will introduce new talent to listeners next year when 19 year old Tom Ballard and 20 year old Alex Dyson hit the airwaves. They were discovered in Warrnambool, Victoria in 2006 and the station has been nurturing them ever since. They will move from the overnight shift to weekend breakfast (weekends 6.am to 10.am). Now based in Melbourne, comedian Ballard and uni student Dyson hope to “break the stereotype that young guys don’t get up early on weekends.”

Sam Simmons leaves weekend breakfast duties to spend more late nights on his stand-up career but will continue with triple j as a comedy writer and Breakfast special guest.

The changes are effective from Monday 5 January 2009.