Newstalk listeners can expect a fresh sound in the new year, with the station confirming a series of weekday schedule changes from Tuesday, 3 February 2026.
One of the most noticeable moves sees Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman swap early mornings for afternoons, with the duo taking over drivetime duties on The Hard Shoulder from 4pm to 7pm.
The pair have been familiar voices on Newstalk Breakfast for the past five years and will step into their new roles the day after the St Brigid’s Day bank holiday.
Speaking about the move, Kelly said she was “absolutely thrilled” to be joining the show alongside Coleman, adding: “Let the games begin!”.
Meanwhile, Coleman said he was looking forward to “joining [commuters] for their journey home” after spending nearly a decade on the breakfast shift.
Their departure from mornings makes way for Anton Savage, who will become the new presenter of Newstalk Breakfast from 7am to 9am.
According to Bauer Media Audio Ireland, it marks the first time in more than 20 years that the programme will be fronted by a solo host.
Elsewhere in the schedule, Claire Byrne is set to take over the mid-morning slot from 9am to 12pm, bringing her experience and sharp interviewing style to one of the station’s key daytime hours.
Andrea Gilligan will continue to lead Lunchtime Live from 12pm to 2pm, while Seán Moncrieff remains in his familiar 2pm to 4pm slot, maintaining a sense of continuity through the middle of the day.
Veteran broadcaster Pat Kenny is also preparing for a change, with plans to launch a new weekend programme airing Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 12pm from March 2026.
Bauer has confirmed that further adjustments to the weekend schedule will follow, so stay tuned for that!
