Fidler's bigger gig

ABC Radio's Conversations is going south. From early next year, Richard Fidler will host the 11am program both on 612ABC Brisbane and 702ABC Sydney. However, it's not clear from the announcement whether it will be the same program. Because of the time difference between the states, it will be theoretically possible for Fidler to do unique shows back-to-back for the different markets. If it's the same show, then the Queensland audience will get their "live and local" radio on a one-hour delay during summer. If the Sydney experiment gets extended beyond its initial 13-week trial, the show will have to have a more "national" approach when the time zones fall back into alignment. It'd be a shame if that meant guests were chosen for their appeal to the larger NSW market rather than their ability to connect with Queensland audiences. Whatever happens, it's clear - as I've been saying for some time - that Fidler, who is also slated to host the 1pm to 3pm slot on 612 next year, is being groomed for bigger things on the ABC. Perhaps the big-wigs in Sydney regard his time in Brisbane as an "out-of-town tryout".