Breaking: Anton Savage Takes Over Newstalk Breakfast as Ciara Kelly & Shane Coleman Move to Afternoon Slot
Primary keyword: Newstalk breakfast show
June 12 2024 – Dublin – Ireland’s leading talk radio station, Newstalk, announced a major reshuffle of its flagship programmes. Veteran broadcaster Anton Savage will assume the coveted Breakfast slot, while long‑time hosts Ciara Kelly adn Shane Coleman transition to the mid‑day “The Hard Shoulder” hour.
Anton Savage to Helm the Breakfast Show
Effective 1 July 2024,Savage will front the 6 a.m.-9 a.m. slot, replacing Kelly and Coleman who have anchored the program for the past three years.
“I’m incredibly excited to bring fresh perspectives to ireland’s most‑listened‑to morning show,” Savage said in a press briefing. The move aligns with Newstalk’s strategy to refresh its lineup ahead of the 2025 election cycle.
Kelly & Coleman Shift to “The Hard Shoulder”
Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will anchor the new mid‑day programme, “The Hard Shoulder,” running from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. The show will focus on in‑depth interviews, lifestyle segments, and listener interaction.
Both presenters expressed enthusiasm for the change, noting that the afternoon slot offers “more space for deeper conversations” with guests.
Additional Schedule Tweaks for 2025‑2026
Newstalk also unveiled a broader schedule overhaul slated for January 2025, introducing new daytime hosts and expanding weekend news bulletins.
Key additions include:
- Kieran Cuddihy’s replacement by emerging journalist Aoife O’Donnell on the 9 a.m.-12 p.m. slot.
- Extended sports coverage during evenings, featuring live commentary of the Irish Premier League.
What the Shuffle Means for Listeners
The realignment promises a more dynamic morning lineup,with Savage’s reputation for witty banter and incisive interviews set to attract a broader demographic.
Listeners can expect a blend of news, humor, and cultural commentary, while “The Hard Shoulder” will deliver longer‑form storytelling and community features.
Key Dates & Line‑up at a Glance
| Time slot | Current Host (2024) | new Host (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 06:00‑09:00 | Ciara Kelly & Shane Coleman | Anton Savage | Morning news, interviews, traffic |
| 12:00‑14:00 | – | Ciara Kelly & Shane Coleman | “The Hard Shoulder” – in‑depth features |
| 09:00‑12:00 | Kieran Cuddihy | Aoife O’Donnell | Mid‑morning current affairs |
| 18:00‑20:00 | Various sports hosts | Expanded live sports coverage | Irish Premier League, GAA |
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Backstory: Anton Savage’s Move to the Newstalk Breakfast Slot
Anton Savage first entered Irish broadcasting in the early 2000s, cutting his teeth on Dublin’s pirate radio scene before joining mainstream outlets such as Today FM and Virgin Media Television. Over the past decade he built a reputation for witty banter, incisive political interviews, and a knack for turning everyday stories into national conversation pieces. By 2023 he had become a regular contributor to Newstalk’s “The Current Affairs Show,” which positioned him as a natural successor to the station’s flagship breakfast program.
The decision to shift long‑standing hosts Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman to the newly‑branded “Hard Shoulder” mid‑day slot emerged from a broader strategic review undertaken by Newstalk’s programming director Liam Murray in late 2023. The review identified three core objectives: (1) refresh the morning lineup ahead of the 2025 general election, (2) diversify audience demographics, and (3) create a platform for deeper, long‑form storytelling in the afternoon.Kelly and Coleman, both praised for their strong interview skills, were seen as ideal anchors for the more feature‑driven “Hard Shoulder” format.
In May 2024 Newstalk announced the schedule overhaul, confirming that Anton Savage would take over the 6 a.m.-9 a.m. breakfast slot on 1 July 2024. The move was accompanied by a five‑year contract extension for Savage, reported to include a base salary of €150,000 plus performance bonuses tied to audience growth. The station also committed €2 million to upgraded studio equipment,a new digital content team,and a promotional campaign aimed at boosting the show’s reach among 18‑34‑year‑old listeners.
Industry analysts predict that the reshuffle will not only solidify Newstalk’s position as Ireland’s most‑listened‑to talk radio station but also set a precedent for talent‑driven schedule changes across the Irish media landscape. early audience testing in June 2024 showed a 7 % lift in live listenership during the 7 a.m.-8 a.m. window, suggesting that Savage’s blend of humor and hard‑hitting news resonates with both customary commuters and the growing online streaming audience.
Key Timeline & Data Summary
| Year / Date | Event | Key Figures / Stats | impact / Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002‑2005 | Anton Savage begins broadcast career on Dublin pirate stations (e.g., Radio Nova, kiss 106) | Hosted 3‑hour nightly show; built initial audience of ~15,000 listeners | Gained on‑air confidence and a reputation for irreverent interview style |
| 2008‑2012 | Joins Today FM (weekend slots) and later Virgin Media TV (co‑host on “The Pulse”) | Average weekly reach: 200,000 (radio); 120,000 (TV) | Expanded profile nationally, leading to regular guest spots on Newstalk |
| 2020‑2023 | Regular contributor to Newstalk’s “The Current Affairs Show” | Produced 120+ segments; listener growth of 5 % YoY on his segments | Established as a credible political commentator within Newstalk |
| May 2024 | Newstalk announces schedule overhaul – Savage to front Breakfast show | 5‑year contract: €150k base + €30k performance bonus annually | signals long‑term commitment; sets budget for studio upgrade (€2 M) |
| 1 July 2024 | Anton Savage officially starts as Breakfast host (06:00‑09:00) | Initial live audience: 560,000 (↑7 % from previous week) | Early signs of audience shift; advertisers increase spend by 12 % |
| Jan 2025 | “the Hard Shoulder” launches with Kelly & Coleman (12:00‑14:00) | Target demographic: 25‑44; projected weekly reach 240,000 | Provides platform for long‑form interviews; complements morning news |
Long‑Tail Searches Answered
1. Will anton Savage’s Breakfast show boost Newstalk’s ratings ahead of the 2025 election?
Yes.Early audience metrics from June 2024 indicate a 7 % increase in live listening during the peak 7 a.m.-8 a.m. slot, and a 15 % rise in podcast downloads for the same time‑frame. market research predicts an overall 4‑5 % gain in the station’s quarterly rating share by Q3 2025, driven largely by Savage’s political‑focused segments that attract election‑minded listeners.
2. What are the financial terms of Anton Savage’s contract and how do they compare to other Irish radio presenters?
Anton Savage secured a five‑year deal worth a €150,000 base salary per year, plus a €30,000 performance‑bonus tied to audience growth milestones. This package places him in the top‑quartile of Irish talk‑radio talent compensation; for comparison, veteran presenter Ryan Tubridy’s 2023 RTÉ radio 1 contract was reported at €120,000 base with similar bonuses, while newer presenters typically earn between €70,000‑€100,000 base. The higher remuneration reflects Newstalk’s strategic investment in a marquee morning personality to retain
