Chris Bath Exits ABC Radio Sydney Drive Show for New Sunday Program

Veteran journalist Chris Bath is leaving the ABC Radio Sydney Drive show. She announced her departure live on air in late November 2025. Bath had hosted the program for less than a year.

Her exit surprised ABC executives and loyal listeners. She will be replaced by Thomas Oriti in 2026.

Bath’s Sudden Exit and New Sunday Morning Role

Bath explained her decision was personal. She cited a desire to pursue passion projects. Her new role will be a Sunday morning program on the same station.

The show will start in 2026 and run from 10am to noon. According to ABC News, Bath described it as having a “real community focus.” She wants to highlight uplifting local stories.

This move follows her recent departure from Network Ten. She left her weekend newsreading role there amid budget cuts. Daily Mail Australia reported the decision blindsided ABC radio bosses.

Reshuffling the ABC Radio Sydney Lineup

Thomas Oriti will take over the coveted Drive slot. Oriti previously hosted NewsRadio Breakfast. He expressed excitement about connecting with Sydney listeners.

Bath’s departure affects the station’s daytime voice balance. The lineup now features more male presenters on key weekday shows. Her new Sunday program adds a distinct voice to the weekend schedule.

ABC management praised her contribution to the Drive show. Audience ratings saw a slight increase during her tenure. Her final Drive broadcast is scheduled for late December.

A Career Defined by Adaptation and Change

Chris Bath’s career spans nearly three decades in Australian media. She worked at Seven Network for many years before moving to Ten. Her shifts reflect the evolving broadcast landscape.

She has navigated industry downsizing and program cancellations. The recent axing of The Project is one example. Bath’s move to a community-focused show is a strategic pivot.

It allows her to leverage her experience differently. She aims to offer listeners a break from the relentless news cycle. This role plays to her strengths in storytelling and connection.

Chris Bath’s exit from the ABC Radio Sydney Drive show marks a significant programming shift. Her new Sunday morning program promises a fresh approach to community storytelling. This change highlights the ongoing evolution of content delivery in Australian radio.

Dropping this nugget your way

Why is Chris Bath leaving the Drive show?

She is leaving to host a new Sunday morning program on ABC Radio Sydney. Bath stated she wanted to focus on community-focused passion projects. The decision was personal and not prompted by the network.

Who will replace Chris Bath on Drive?

Thomas Oriti will be the new host of ABC Radio Sydney’s Drive show. Oriti previously hosted ABC NewsRadio’s Breakfast program. He will begin his new role in 2026.

What is Chris Bath’s new show about?

Her new Sunday program will focus on community stories across New South Wales. It aims to provide a break from the weekly news cycle. The show will air from 10am to noon.

How did listeners react to her departure?

Listeners expressed surprise and support following her on-air announcement. Bath had built a loyal audience during her short tenure. Ratings had shown a modest increase under her hosting.

Did she recently leave another broadcasting role?

Yes, Bath recently departed her weekend newsreading position at Network Ten. This was part of broader budget cuts at the commercial network. She had been with Ten for seven years.

Trusted Sources

ABC News, Daily Mail Australia, Sydney Morning Herald, news.com.au