Newstalk Reveals February 2026 Schedule Changes
Newstalk has announced a series of weekday schedule adjustments set to take effect from Tuesday, 3 February 2026. The biggest change? Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will be swapping their breakfast duties for a new home in the drivetime slot, co-presenting The Hard Shoulder from 4pm to 7pm. The move marks a significant reshuffle for the Dublin-based broadcaster as it looks to refresh its daytime lineup and retool its flagship talk format for the afternoon audience.
What’s Changing and When
Starting from February 3, 2026, Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman will anchor The Hard Shoulder in the 4–7pm window. The pair have previously collaborated in the breakfast slot, where their dynamic and long-running on-air chemistry earned them a loyal following. Under the new arrangement, they will steer current affairs, politics, and listener-driven segments as listeners head home after work.
Meanwhile, other shifts in the weekday schedule are expected as management aims to maintain high engagement across morning, daytime, and drive-time hours. While the full timetable details for all presenters have not been disclosed in every time block, the core change centers on elevating The Hard Shoulder into the late afternoon daypart with one of Newstalk’s most recognizable partnerships at the helm.
Why the Change? Industry Context
Radio networks continually refine line-ups to balance audience demand, advertiser interest, and show longevity for presenters who have built strong rapport with listeners. The move to the 4–7pm slot places The Hard Shoulder in a time frame saturated with drive-time competition, but also a prime opportunity to capture commuters and evening news followers who want a cohesive, balanced look at the day’s top stories.
Experts note that co-hosted drivetime formats can amplify engagement through varied perspectives, quicker banter, and a more dynamic pacesetter for hot-button topics. For Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman, the transition preserves their editorial voice while expanding their reach to a broader audience that tunes in after traditional morning routines.
What This Means for Listeners
Listeners accustomed to Ciara Kelly and Shane Coleman in breakfast will discover a familiar chemistry in a different hours and tempo. The Hard Shoulder has historically combined current affairs with listener calls, expert interviews, and daily updates, so the shift could bring fresh energy to conversations about politics, economics, and social issues as Ireland moves through 2026.
Regular morning listeners may face schedule adjustments, but Newstalk emphasizes a continued emphasis on deliverability and trusted analysis across the lineup. The network also reassures audiences that its other shows remain intact, preserving continuity for listeners who follow a full day of programming.
Audience and Industry Reaction
Initial chatter on social platforms indicates curiosity about how the new pairing will handle the afternoon workload and whether it will attract new listeners to The Hard Shoulder. Pundits will watch for how the show balances breaking news with in-depth interviews and whether ad sales align with the shift in daypart reach.
From an industry perspective, Newstalk’s decision reflects a broader trend in radio: repositioning established hosts in drive-time to boost engagement when audiences are most accessible. If successful, the change could set a benchmark for similar reassignments across Irish talk radio.
What’s Next for The Hard Shoulder
As February approaches, anticipation builds around how Kelly and Coleman will shape The Hard Shoulder’s tone. Expect a blend of banter, robust debate, and expert commentary, anchored by a shared commitment to timely, well-researched analysis. The format promises to be fast-paced yet accessible, inviting listeners to contribute their views during a peak listening window.
Newstalk has not indicated additional major changes to other time slots, but industry watchers will be paying close attention to how the network promotes the new arrangement and what guest lineups will accompany the hosts in the coming weeks.
