Phil O’Neil has returned to the Austereo Triple M Network “to host an innovative night time show”.

The show will give younger Australians the chance to chat about social, topical and international issues affecting them. Whilst music will still play a strong role in the program, the essence of the show will be a social forum.

Austereo Group Programme Director Jeff Allis told radioinfo: “Clearly the ball is back in our court to innovate again in Australian radio. Phil is a unique talent, his success will rely on his ability to tap into the psyche of how many Australians are feeling right now”.

O’Neill, who no longer wants to be known as ‘Ugly’ said: “This opportunity puts me in a wonderful position, if it succeeds I’ll get the credit, but if it fails it’ll all be Jeff’s fault”.

The show will begin on Monday January 27 on the Triple M Network, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane after O’Neill finishes his summer fill-in evening shifts at 2UE.

Brian Carlton did a similar type of late night talk/music program on Triple M a couple of years ago under the alias ‘Spoonman.’ The show went for 12 months, rating well in the timeslot.