Leading ABC radio host Virginia Trioli is rumored to be returning to television full-time as her radio show’s ratings plummet.
Trioli, who presents Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne, announced she would take a three-month break and return to the airwaves in March.
But Trioli could replace radio with TV, and she’s reportedly lined up to host an arts-focused program that will be shown during prime time hours, according to The Australian.
The ABC is believed to be in the early stages of developing the show.
ABC radio host Virginia Trioli is rumored to be in line to host a new public broadcaster program
Trioli previously presented art-based episodes for the public broadcaster’s panel discussion program Q+A.
She has also previously directed Sunday Arts and Artscape.
The potential return to television comes as ABC Radio Melbourne suffered a decline in ratings this year, from 7.5 percent to 6.2 percent.
Trioli’s Mornings program fell 2.3 percent to a share of 7.4 percent.
The public broadcaster claims this drop is due to Australians stopping listening to the news after a record increase during the Covid pandemic.
It comes after Dan Andrews knocked Trioli off less than two months after she ambushed him live on air.
The Victorian Prime Minister gave his first post-election interview to her colleague, presenter Raf Epstein, following his historic victory.
Epstein’s show usually has a smaller audience share than Trioli’s in Melbourne radio ratings.
Trioli previously presented art-oriented episodes for the public broadcaster’s Q and A programme
Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews chose to gift his first post-election win to Trioli’s colleague, host Raf Epstein following his historic election victory
Mr Andrews appeared on Trioli’s program for the first time in nearly a year to update listeners on the developing flood situation in the state.
The Prime Minister only agreed to that live studio interview on the condition that the chat focused on Victoria’s record flooding and did not stray into politics or policy.
In the interview, Trioli broke the agreement and cornered Mr. Andrews live on air.
“Look, Prime Minister, you have asked not to be asked about policy or politics today, you say, out of respect for those affected by the floods,” Trioli said.
“But it’s been, I just checked, almost a year since you were last in this studio or on this show for an interview. Can you assure the audience that you will be here again in a few weeks for a good in-depth interview?’
A visibly surprised prime minister refused to give any guarantees.
“Ah, well, I can’t give you time, Virginia,” he replied.
“But I’m always happy to sit with you. I wish we spoke under much more favorable circumstances.’
Trioli, during a live interview with Mr Andrews before his big election win, complained that he hadn’t given her an interview in a year, then tried to force him to promise one.
Trioli interrupted, “You could (give me a time) if you wanted.”
The comment led to a battle of words.
“Well, I could, but it might not mean much because I might have flooding issues, or something else to deal with,” Mr. Andrews replied.
“But I’m always glad to talk to you, you know that.”
Trioli said they continue to ask to speak to him, urging Mr Andrews to try and stop the questioning.
“Today is not a day for politics,” he said.
But Trioli kept insisting, “But you’ll be back soon?”
“Of course, I’m happy to do that,” the prime minister replied.
It is understood behind the scenes that Mr. Andrews and his team were dissatisfied with Trioli’s tactics.