Carrie Bickmore could be on the verge of a major radio career shift, but the Daily Mail understands her talks with rival network ARN began only after her hit program with Tommy Little came under threat.
The pair revealed to listeners on Wednesday that their Carrie & Tommy drivetime show will end after nearly 10 years on air.
The popular, high-rating program is Australia’s third most-listened-to network radio show and is expected to finish at the end of the year.
Although reports have linked 45-year-old Carrie to a national Drive role on KIIS FM, sources say her potential departure from Southern Cross Austereo may not have been planned long in advance.
Industry insiders claim the former The Project presenter began considering rival offers after discovering that the future of Carrie & Tommy was uncertain.
Carrie has reportedly been seen visiting ARN’s Melbourne offices in recent months, prompting speculation among staff that the television and radio presenter could be preparing for a network change.
Carrie Bickmore could be on the verge of a major radio career shift, but the Daily Mail understands her talks with rival network ARN began after her hit show with Tommy Little came under threat. Both pictured
Despite the growing rumours, the Daily Mail understands there has been no official confirmation that Carrie has signed an agreement to join KIIS.
Radio insiders have widely discussed the prospect of Carrie fronting a new national Drive program, but it remains unclear whether 41-year-old Tommy would join her or whether she would take on the role alone.
Sources say Tommy is not currently expected to be involved in any possible move to ARN.
There is, however, speculation that several members of Carrie’s long-standing production team could follow her if she moves to another network.
The uncertainty over Carrie’s next move comes as claims emerge that the decision to end Carrie & Tommy has left members of the production team devastated.
The Daily Mail understands staff had spent weeks seeking answers about the program’s future and became increasingly frustrated by what they viewed as limited communication from management.
After nearly a decade together, Carrie & Tommy hosts Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little are ending their drivetime program after announcing the news to fans on Wednesday
According to sources, the team had hoped new contracts would be offered before eventually learning that the show would not return.
The reported decision followed an extended period of uncertainty, during which staff were left unsure about the future of their positions.
Tensions also reportedly surrounded the timing of the announcement, with some staff members wanting additional time to absorb the news before it was shared publicly.
The handling of the show’s conclusion has allegedly left some members of the team deeply disappointed.
For the employees who helped build Carrie & Tommy into one of Australia’s best-known radio partnerships, the sudden uncertainty has reportedly been especially difficult.
Industry insiders suggest the turmoil may also reflect broader changes now reshaping Australia’s commercial radio sector.
While no broader programming cuts have been officially announced, the decision to end Carrie & Tommy has raised questions about whether other established shows could eventually face a similar fate. Pictured: Melbourne breakfast hosts Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola and Nick Cody
Insiders suggest the recent merger between Southern Cross Austereo and the Seven West Media has created growing concerns about the future of expensive radio programming.
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Some industry figures believe the combined business may be less willing to invest heavily in marquee radio personalities, particularly as broadcasters look for ways to reduce costs.
According to one source, television executives are increasingly focused on the financial realities of maintaining high-profile radio programs.
That could spell trouble for some of the biggest names in Australian radio, with industry speculation suggesting programs costing more than $1 million annually may face greater scrutiny.
While no broader programming cuts have been officially announced, the decision to end Carrie & Tommy has raised questions about whether other established shows could eventually face a similar fate.
Among the programs attracting industry attention is Melbourne’s Fifi, Fev & Nick breakfast show.
The speculation comes at a time when commercial radio networks are facing increasing pressure to justify the cost of their biggest stars
The popular Hit Network program, fronted by Fifi Box, Brendan Fevola and Nick Cody, has been a longstanding fixture of Melbourne breakfast radio.
However, industry sources have raised concerns about the program’s long-term future as SCA’s new ownership structure takes shape.
One insider suggested that Melbourne breakfast could face significant changes within the next year, although there has been no confirmation that the program is being cancelled or that any decision has been made about its future.
The speculation comes at a time when commercial radio networks are facing increasing pressure to justify the cost of their biggest stars.
For Fifi, who has remained one of the Hit Network’s most recognisable personalities, any potential changes would represent another major shake-up in Melbourne radio.
Meanwhile, Carrie appears to be considering her options as she prepares for life after Carrie & Tommy.
Her television profile remains one of her greatest assets, having spent more than a decade as a presenter on Network Ten’s The Project.
Industry insiders believe that experience makes her an attractive prospect for rival broadcasters looking for a personality capable of working across both radio and television.
And with ARN’s iHeartRadio platform continuing to develop its Australian content offering, Carrie could potentially find opportunities beyond traditional commercial radio.
As for her long-time co-star Tommy, sources suggest he has not been involved in the discussions surrounding Carrie’s potential move, despite the pair building a loyal following through their successful on-air partnership.
Inside Mail broke the news that Carrie was eyeing an exit from SCA following the company’s merger with Seven West Media.
Despite Carrie being popular with advertisers and listeners, apparently SCA is ‘quite happy to let her go’ to KIIS Drive.
Inside Mail was told that relations have cooled and there is ‘no love lost there’.
Tommy’s future is less clear, amid murmurs of a bidding war between KIIS and the Hit Network.
If he does end up staying with SCA, all signs point to pairing him with Loren Barry.
SCA wouldn’t comment on the record, though a source cautioned that line-up speculation is rife at this time of year.