{"id":305036,"date":"2025-11-24T06:30:09","date_gmt":"2025-11-24T06:30:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/305036\/"},"modified":"2025-11-24T06:30:09","modified_gmt":"2025-11-24T06:30:09","slug":"chris-bath-steps-down-from-abc-radio-sydney-drive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/305036\/","title":{"rendered":"Chris Bath steps down from ABC Radio Sydney Drive"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Chris Bath will step down as ABC<\/a> Radio Sydney\u2019s Drive host at the end of 2025, announcing her departure after what she described as \u201ca big year\u201d in the chair.<\/p>\n

Bath broke the news to listeners during today\u2019s program, telling them: \u201cTiming in life is a funny thing, and I\u2019ve decided to step down from Drive to pursue some passion projects and different opportunities away from the news cycle that have been beckoning for years. I know I\u2019m leaving Drive listeners and my team in safe and kind hands with Tom Oriti.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bath, who took over Drive in early 2025 following Richard Glover\u2019s<\/a> 26-year tenure, said she\u2019s looking forward to a slower, more reflective format. \u201c<\/p>\n

The great thing is that I\u2019ll get to gasbag with listeners about some of those passion projects and perhaps explore theirs too on the radio on Sunday mornings on ABC Radio Sydney,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe new show will be an antidote to the relentlessness of the news cycle, celebrating people doing great things across NSW, and creating that sense of community that ABC local radio does so well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her new Sunday program will air from 10am to 12pm AEDT across Sydney and NSW.<\/p>\n

New host named<\/p>\n

The Drive microphone will pass to Thomas Oriti<\/a> in 2026. Currently host of the national Breakfast program on ABC NewsRadio and Background Briefing on ABC RN, Oriti has spent 17 years with the broadcaster across AM, PM, The World Today, triple j, regional NSW and ABC TV.<\/p>\n

\u201cABC Radio Sydney has always been part of my life \u2013 I grew up listening to it, and it\u2019s shaped the way I think about journalism and storytelling,\u201d Oriti said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo now be joining the team as Drive presenter is a real privilege. I\u2019m excited to connect with listeners across the city and continue the tradition of thoughtful, engaging radio.\u201d<\/p>\n

Oriti grew up in the Blue Mountains and lives in Sydney with his wife, ABC National Disability Affairs Reporter Nas Campanella, and their son, Lachie.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Thomas Oriti<\/p>\n

ABC praises both presenters<\/p>\n

ABC Head of Capital City Networks, Anthony Frangi, said Bath\u2019s impact had been immediate: \u201cChris has done a remarkable job stepping into the Drive slot. It\u2019s a testament to her warmth and talent that she\u2019s been so embraced by our audience. I\u2019m sure Sunday mornings will be all the richer for her presence.\u201d<\/p>\n

He also welcomed Oriti\u2019s next move. \u201cThomas is a wonderful talent and we\u2019re excited to welcome him to ABC Radio Sydney Drive in the new year.\u201d<\/p>\n

Second departure<\/p>\n

Bath\u2019s exit from Aunty comes just weeks after it was revealed she was also leaving Network 10 as part of a broader restructure of its news output and staffing.<\/p>\n

Bath, who joined Ten in 2017, hosted a 90-minute national Saturday bulletin, a separate 90-minute Perth bulletin, and a one-hour Sunday bulletin.<\/p>\n

It is understood the network decided not to renew her contract.<\/p>\n

She will be replaced by presenter Georgie Tunny, who joined Ten in 2022 via The Project. Tunny, 34, is understood to be part of the network\u2019s move to appeal to younger viewers as linear broadcast audiences continue to shift.<\/p>\n

Keep on top of the most important media, marketing, and agency news each day with the\u00a0Mediaweek\u00a0Morning Report\u00a0\u2013 delivered for free every morning to your inbox.<\/a><\/p>\n

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