2UE program director Greg Byrnes has resigned after 17 years with the station to take up a senior position with Sky News. He speaks to radioinfo today about his time at the station, his challenges and successes. Meanwhile DMG Adelaide general manager Paul Bartlett also resigned today, prompting speculation that he may fill the 2UE vacancy.

2UE General Manager Tim McDermott has told radioinfo: “There has been absolutely no discussion with Paul Bartlett, however with somebody of his calibre on the market it is possible that we could have a chat some time in the future.”

Staff at 2UE say popular PD Byrne will be missed. He is expected to stay with the station untill the end of May, then  join Sky in June as it beefs up its senior staff numbers in preparation for competition with the ABC’s soon to be launched 24 hour news channel. Greg Byrnes tells radioinfo about his time at 2UE.

radioinfo: What role will you be taking up at Sky News? 

?Byrnes: A Senior Editorial / Strategic position, off air, so this good face for radio will remain just that. I had no intention of leaving but when Ian Ferguson and Angelos Frangopoulos talked me through their plans for Sky News, accepting their offer was a surprisingly easy decision to make.?

radioinfo: What do you consider to have been your most significant successes as PD at 2UE?

? Byrnes: The fact we’ve remained competitive in such a tough market. When ?2UE was a ratings juggernaut during the nvarchar(15)ies, 2GB was rating 2-3’s. In the role reversal over the past 10 years, 2UE has been averaging 7-8’s.

I’m also really proud of the way we handled Stan Zemanek’s passing and the retirement of John Laws and Mike Carlton. Three of the biggest names in the game and all were sent off with the respect and fanfare they deserved.

radioinfo: You hired back you old PD, Sandy Aloisi, as breakfast co-host. Was that weird? 

Byrnes: Graham Mott had always said I’d never be able to talk Sandy into taking the jump to announcing. I’d always joked with her that she should give it a go but it took the passing of another longtime colleague for things to get serious. I’d been asked to give the eulogy at Jim Angel’s funeral and I rang Sandy (then at Newsradio) to confirm a few dates, we got talking about Jimmy and life in general and I suggested she join Mike Carlton and fill the seat that Pete Fitz had just vacated on breakfast.

Mike loved the idea, a deal was done within a few days and Sandy was on-air within a fortnight.

radioinfo: How do you think 2UE will go this year in the ratings? 

Byrnes: With a new line up in place it was always going to be tough year for ?2UE.

We were expecting a survey setback but that doesn’t dampen the disappointment when it’s confirmed you’ve taken a hit.

Unfortunately it’s likely to be Survey 4 before we start clawing some ground back but everyone here is getting on with the job and determined the turn the place around. We’ve been criticized over some of the big names that have left us over recent years but it’s important to remember those big names and their big salaries didn’t always deliver big ratings. 2UE is today in a much better position financially than it was several years ago.

radioinfo: You worked for 2UE before it was taken over by Fairfax. What is the difference between 2UE now as part of Fairfax Media and past ownership? 

Byrnes: The big difference with Fairfax Media is the strength of the brand and the resources that go with it. ?2UE is able to leverage and draw on journalists and expertise from a cross section of the media, whether it be The SMH, Fairfax Digital or Fairfax Community Newspapers.

Just this month we joined forces with the Land Newspaper to broadcast from its offices at the Easter Show. We obviously use Fairfax journalists and commentators but there are no restrictions on using talent from rival media companies so it’s a great position 2UE finds itself in.

radioinfo: Will you miss the people at 2UE and who do you want to mention for special thanks/recognition now that you are leaving?

Byrnes: I’ll miss everyone at ?2UE,  I’ve worked here for almost half my life. There are far too many people to mention individually. I can only say it’s been, and continues to be, a great place to work.