Steve Fitton. Image: Facebook
In just a few short hours, the rumours will be put to rest and the Australian radio industry will finally get some clarity on who will (and won’t) be on air at ARN in 2026, as the company holds its much-anticipated Upfront event in Sydney this afternoon.
However, one part of the jigsaw puzzle has already fallen into place, with Steve Fitton confirming that he will be departing ARN’s Gold 101.7 in January after eight years.
Fitton took to social media, saying he’s had people reaching out and asking questions which he hasn’t been a position to answer … until now.
“For the last year or so I have been considering moving on from WSFM/Gold and leaving Sydney. My father is living with dementia- he is OK now and still knows who I am- but who knows how long that will last? He turns 84 this weekend.”
“My mum just had her second hip replacement and isn’t the spring chicken that she once was. She is now 76.”
“I get home to visit for a week every three months or so, but that isn’t enough anymore. I decided whilst on holiday in the U.S last year that I need to be there and be more present, but I have been putting it off and hanging in as long as I can, because, well … money!”
“This little stint at WSFM was only meant to last two years, and it has been eight. They just kept asking me to stay!”
Fitton says recent changes have seen the team shrink, but workloads double.
With Sydney duo Jonesy and Amanda taking over his Drive shift on ARN’s Gold Network, Fitton says next year the on-air team will shrink even further with only two daytime on-air slots available, and three announcers.
“My ego wanted to fight for one of those spots, but my heart realised that this was my opportunity to leave, so I put my hand up and said I will go. And go happily.”
But Fitton stresses he is NOT leaving radio. He will remain with ARN, hosting Breakfast on iHeartCountry Australia.
Fitton says it’s a great fit for somebody who lives and breathes country music.
“I am absolutely pumped that I get to play the music I love, and immerse myself in this exciting format that is taking Australia by storm, on a truly national network! AND I’ll be able to indulge my other love- driving buses.”
“I wish the Gold team all the best in the new year, and say thanks to the amazing but small Sydney team that embraced me and welcomed me into the fold.”
Fitton will take a break for Christmas on December 15, then return to Gold for two weeks from January 5 until the 16th.