Leroy Brown and Aiden Grant. Image: 96three

96three announcers Leroy Brown and Aiden Grant are both departing the Geelong-based Christian community station following a recent restructure.

Brown was 96three’s Breakfast host and Content Director. Grant was the station’s Assistant Content Director and Drive announcer.

In a statement to Radio Today, 96three CEO Kathy Campbell said “96ThreeFM has recently commenced a strategic restructure in response to a significant decline in fundraising revenue over the last two financial years. After a second consecutive year of reduced income, the organisation has taken necessary steps to reduce costs and ensure long-term financial sustainability.”

“As part of this process, changes have been made across both the administrative and staffing budgets.”

“To maintain on-air operations, current staff were all offered the opportunity to apply for revised roles, some with reduced hours. While some have embraced these changes, others have made the decision to pursue alternative opportunities.”

“We are deeply grateful for the dedication and service of all our team members who have helped share the hope of Christ across our region and we remain committed to delivering uplifting, Christ-centred content to our listeners.”

Previously SCA’s Content Director for Bendigo and Shepparton, Brown relocated his family to Geelong in 2023 to take up the CD role at 96three.

He led a rebrand of the station, also heading up a series of local initiatives including  Blanket Geelong – collecting over 700 blankets for the city’s homeless – as well as Little Boxes, Relationship Reboot and Recycle for Radio.

“After two years of hard work with this incredible team, I genuinely felt like we had just gotten going, which makes it all the more disappointing to have to put down the button now,” Brown said.

Brown says with new management, some of his responsibilities were restructured and his role became more limited.

“While it’s difficult to step away, I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished at 96three.”

Grant – who won a Radio Today award for his Songs That Changed You podcast – said “I’m gutted to be finishing up at 96three. My family and I moved over from Adelaide to Geelong in July last year. It was a family affair, with my wife and kids often joining me for segments on air each day, so we are all feeling it.”

“Plus, I feel bad for the listeners, losing their Breakfast and Drive show on the same day.”

*Images supplied