Just weeks after long-time colleague Todd Widdicombe announced his departure, radio host Sami Muirhead has revealed she is also stepping back.
Sami’s announcement officially brings down the curtain on a golden era of Sunshine Coast radio, after the duo first teamed up on 91.1 Hot FM nearly two decades ago.
They joined forces at MIX FM in 2014 and became audience favourites with their big-hearted community campaigns and laughter-filled shows.
“I must be bonkers because I am stepping back from my dream job here at MIX FM,” said Sami, who also writes a fortnightly column for Sunshine Coast News.
“This has been my fun space, my safe space and my space of fulfilment to interact with so many locals and hopefully spread some happiness. I love my work family and I love our listeners. It has been a pleasure and a privilege to share their stories and to have so many laughs along the way.
“Todd, your leaving forced me to dare to imagine there may be more to life than always running so fast to keep up the juggle of work and life. I want to try being a ‘mum taxi’ for a while, to create a safe and happy home for my autistic son, to be there for my other son’s health and devour every minute of my daughter who swears she’s leaving home in just three short years.
“So begins a new era of calm and slower days on the horizon. And who knows what the future holds for Todd and Sami? I am waiting to do that podcast together on book reviews and talking about our feelings.”
Sami will remain a part of the GSL Media family with opportunities in podcasting, guest appearances and future on-air projects, with the chance Todd might pop up alongside her again in the future.
Todd paid tribute to his long-time colleague.
“Sami, congrats lady, you are a truly wonderful bird and always remember if it weren’t for me … you would have been so much more successful,” he said.
Content director Ben Erbsland also praised Sami’s contribution.
“Sami is one of radio’s greatest people. She is kind, caring, funny and with her co-host Todd, brought an infectious blend of fun and laughs to the airwaves every afternoon for the drive home,” he said.
“She is one of the best I’ve worked with, a great human and will be genuinely missed in Drive. Congratulations Sami on your next steps, you’re a superstar.”
Managing Director Carla Vella said: “Sami’s passion for local stories, her fierce advocacy for community causes and her ability to connect so authentically with people are what makes her a standout.
“While we’re naturally sad to see her go from Drive, we’re thrilled she’ll continue to be part of the MIX FM family in new ways.”
Todd and Sami’s final show will air on Friday, August 22. A new Drive line-up will be announced too.
