The Coast in Southampton is moving afternoon drive presenter 'Showbiz' Mitch Johnson to breakfast as part of a new schedule.
It also includes recruiting Russell Pockett, previously with Magic and Smooth in London, to present drivetime.
Elsewhere in the schedule, Matt Hopper takes over his preferred mid-morning slot from 10am to 1pm and Programming Director, John Clayton, is coming off air to devote more time to enhancing programming and producing the new shows. Iain Meadows stays in his regular slot on the afternoon show between 1pm and 4pm.
Newsreader Clare Woodling will also stepping up her on-air presence in the breakfast show and introducing new light hearted features.
Kevin Stewart, The Coast managing director, commented: “Breakfast time radio is changing nationally and locally and, with a target audience of mainly over 40s, we are seizing this opportunity to give listeners a new bright, light and informative start to their day.
“Our new breakfast show will be more spontaneous, a little irreverent and there will be more interaction between Mitch and Clare. The show will always acknowledge the intelligence and maturity of our audience, in line with the rest of our schedule,” he continued.
Paul Smith, Celador and the Coast Chairman said: “Mitch is a seasoned, exceptionally talented presenter and we are thrilled that he is moving to the breakfast show. Matched with Clare’s natural, intelligent wit, it is a dynamic combination.”
Also today, The local paper reports the station is looking to expand by taking over other radio stations along the South Coast.