Newstalk Announces Major On-Air Schedule Changes for 2026
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Newstalk has unveiled a significant overhaul of its weekday schedule, set to take effect after the St. Brigid’s Day bank holiday on February 2nd, 2026. The changes involve several high-profile presenters moving to new slots, including Ciara kelly and Eamon holmes taking over The Hard Shoulder, and Anton Savage stepping into the solo role of Newstalk Breakfast host. Claire Byrne will continue in her mid-morning slot, while other established presenters will also remain in their current positions.
Key Presenter Moves
The most notable changes announced by Bauer Media Audio Ireland include:
* Ciara Kelly & Eamon Holmes to The Hard Shoulder: The popular duo, who have co-hosted Newstalk Breakfast for the past five years, will move to the 4pm to 7pm drivetime slot, taking the reins of The Hard shoulder. https://www.newstalk.com/news/newstalk-announces-major-on-air-schedule-changes-for-2026-1464991
* Anton Savage to Newstalk Breakfast: Savage will become the new solo presenter of Newstalk Breakfast (7am to 9am). This marks the first time the program will have a single host in over two decades. https://www.newstalk.com/news/newstalk-announces-major-on-air-schedule-changes-for-2026-1464991
* Claire Byrne Continues in Mid-Morning: Claire Byrne will continue to present the 9am to 12pm mid-morning slot, as previously announced. https://www.rte.ie/news/media/2024/1215/1423141-newstalk-schedule-changes/
Remaining Presenters and Weekend changes
The reshuffle leaves several other key presenters in their existing roles:
* Andrea gilligan: Continues to host Lunchtime Live (12pm to 2pm).
* Seán moncrieff: Remains in the 2pm to 4pm slot.
* Pat Kenny: Will begin a new weekend program on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 12pm in March 2026.This addition will lead to further adjustments to the wider weekend schedule, details of which have not yet been released. https://www.newstalk.com/news/newstalk-announces-major-on-air-schedule-changes-for-2026-1464991
Reactions to the Changes
Ciara Kelly expressed her excitement about joining The Hard Shoulder with Coleman, stating she was “absolutely thrilled” and that “let the games begin!”. Coleman shared his anticipation for “joining [commuters] for their journey home” after his long tenure on morning radio.
Looking Ahead
These changes represent a significant strategic move for Newstalk, aiming to refresh its programming and attract a wider audience. the appointment of a solo host for Newstalk Breakfast is a notably noteworthy development,signaling a potential shift in the station’s approach to morning programming. Further details regarding the weekend schedule adjustments are expected to be announced in the coming months.
Key Takeaways:
* Ciara Kelly and Eamon Holmes are moving to The Hard Shoulder.
* anton Savage will be the new solo host of Newstalk Breakfast.
* Claire Byrne, Andrea Gilligan, and Seán Moncrieff will remain in their current slots.
* pat Kenny will host a new weekend programme starting in March 2026.
* The changes take effect after the St. Brigid’s day bank holiday (February 2nd, 2026).