Newstalk Announces February 2026 Schedule Changes
Newstalk has unveiled a fresh weekday schedule set to take effect from Tuesday, 3 February 2026. The network is reshuffling its morning and afternoon line-up in a move aimed at refreshing its weekday talk and news coverage, while preserving the integrity of its established shows. Central to the changes is the relocation of Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman from the breakfast slot to drivetime, where they will co-host The Hard Shoulder from 4pm to 7pm.
Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman Move to Drivetime
Kelly and Coleman, who have previously co-hosted in the breakfast window, will bring their dynamic to the late-afternoon drive slot. The move signals an emphasis on sustained, in-depth discussion as listeners transition from the business day into the evening. Drivetime slots on major networks often feature a blend of news, analysis, and listener interaction, and Newstalk’s decision appears designed to leverage the pair’s conversational chemistry in a time frame known for high engagement.
What This Means for The Hard Shoulder
The Hard Shoulder, historically a long-form discussion program, will continue to anchor the 4–7pm block with Kelly and Coleman at the helm. Listeners can expect a focus on current affairs, political commentary, and audience call-ins, shaped by the hosts’ perspectives and reporting strengths. The shift also places greater visibility on the program during peak listening hours, potentially expanding audience reach in the late-day window.
Impact on Other Weekday Programs
With the breakfast presenters moving to drivetime, other weekday schedules are adjusted to accommodate the change. The reshuffle may impact lead-ins and the rhythm of morning programming as production teams realign to ensure smooth transitions between shows. While specific changes to remaining time slots were not detailed in the initial announcement, the broadcaster indicated the goal is to maintain strong news delivery and engaging conversation across the day.
Audience and Industry Reactions
Audience expectation will likely hinge on how Kelly and Coleman translate their breakfast rapport into the afternoon drive format. For fans of their on-air banter and analytical style, the new arrangement offers a chance to follow a familiar duo through a different time of day. Industry observers will also be watching for how the move affects competitive positioning in the crowded daytime radio market, where drive-time programs are crucial for reach and monetization.
Why Schedule Refreshes Happen
Radio networks periodically refresh line-ups to respond to audience trends, advertising demand, and talent availability. Moves like this can help a station maintain momentum by introducing new energy into coveted listening windows. For Newstalk, the February 2026 changes aim to balance robust news coverage with engaging discussion in a format that suits modern, on-the-go listening habits.
What to Expect Next
Listeners are encouraged to tune in starting 3 February to experience the new drivetime dynamic with Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman. As with any schedule change, Newstalk will likely monitor audience feedback and ratings to refine the format and coverage in subsequent weeks.
