Roger Farrelly is leaving The Rock’s breakfast show The Morning Rumble after 34 years behind the mic, according to MediaWorks. Known to listeners as Rog, the 53-year-old will move to host the breakfast show with Georgia Cubbon on The Sound, marking a major shake-up in New Zealand commercial radio as stations prepare for schedule changes taking effect in January.
Roger Farrelly Departs The Morning Rumble After Three Decades
Farrelly’s departure closes one of the longest chapters in New Zealand radio history. According to MediaWorks, his final day on The Rock will be Friday, November 27. During his tenure, Farrelly played a key role in helping transform The Rock into one of the country’s most successful commercial brands.
“I’m so proud of the Rumble… the fun we have each morning, the people on it, but importantly the listeners who have been part of and contributed to the show over the past 34 years,” Farrelly said, according to MediaWorks. “The Morning Rumble is probably going to have its best year in over a decade… the timing couldn’t be better!”
The Rock ranks as the third most popular commercial station in New Zealand by audience share, trailing Newstalk ZB and The Breeze. By cumulative audience, it draws 490,300 listeners, making it the sixth most popular station in the country. Its breakfast show commands an audience of 258,600 listeners.
The station’s history also includes notable controversies. The Morning Rumble attracted Broadcasting Standards Authority complaints during the 1990s and early 2000s due to shock humor and stunts. In 2001, Farrelly and Nick Trott were briefly taken off air following a $24,500 BSA fine after the agency ruled the station breached standards of good taste and decency by failing to consider the impact of broadcasts on children.
New Roles at The Sound and The Morning Rumble Lineup Changes
Beginning in January, Farrelly will co-host the breakfast show on The Sound alongside Georgia Cubbon. “I grew up on the music of The Sound, so this feels like a natural next step. Let’s see if I’ve got another 34 years in me,” Farrelly said, as reported by MediaWorks.
Vaughan Hobbs, content director of The Sound, described Farrelly as “one of New Zealand radio’s most familiar and respected voices.” Hobbs added, according to MediaWorks, “His passion for the music and connection with listeners will make him a brilliant addition to our team alongside Georgia on Breakfast.”
MediaWorks confirmed several corresponding schedule shifts across both stations:
- Jayden King (aka Creech): Moving into the hot seat as the new Morning Rumble anchor on The Rock, joining Bryce Casey, Andrew Mulligan, and Mel Abbot.
- Robert Taylor: The current breakfast host on The Sound will transition to the drive slot.
- Tracey Donaldson: Taking over daytime programming on The Sound.
- Troy Scott: Returning as executive producer of The Morning Rumble, joining the team next year.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Roger Farrelly’s final day on The Rock?
According to MediaWorks, Roger Farrelly’s final day on The Rock’s breakfast show is Friday, November 27.
Who will host breakfast on The Sound with Roger Farrelly?
According to MediaWorks, Farrelly will co-host The Sound’s breakfast show alongside Georgia Cubbon.
Who is replacing Roger Farrelly on The Morning Rumble?
According to MediaWorks, Jayden King (aka Creech) will join Bryce Casey, Andrew Mulligan, and Mel Abbot on The Morning Rumble.
When do the station schedule changes take effect?
According to MediaWorks, all changes across The Rock and The Sound will take effect in January.
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