From next Monday (February 22), Mediacorp’s GOLD 905 listeners will be treated to a refreshed line-up consisting of new DJ pairings and programmes.
One of the biggest changes to the station is the departure of Joe Augustin, who had his last The Mike & Joe Xperiment show today (February 19). The reason for his decision to leave the station and his future plans were not disclosed, and he could not be reached for comment.
“I love radio and this past year I have loved the GOLD 905 audience. I will miss them both,” he shared in a press release. Erina Cook, Assistant Vice President of Class 95FM, Gold 905 and XFM96.3, added, “It has been a fulfilling year with Joe on GOLD 905’s morning show and we wish him the very best for the future.”
Joe, who also provides emcee services for events, was previously at Lush 99.5FM in 2011, followed by Class 95FM in 2013. He joined GOLD 905 in March last year.
Due to the shake-up, Mike Kasem, Joe’s former on-air partner, will now team up with Vernetta Lopez for morning show LIVE! with Mike Kasem & Vernetta Lopez from 6am to 10am on weekdays. Vernetta, who until then helms the 5pm to 8pm slot, said in a statement, “I'm happy to be back on the mornings. Mike and I go back a long way and we’re great friends.”
One addition to the GOLD 905 family is former 938LIVE presenter William Xavier (Mr X), who will take over the evening airwaves with Nite Flite with Mr X from 8pm to 12 midnight. “It’s a homecoming of sorts... re-connecting with GOLD 905 listeners. Music has always been my first love, but I’m still a news junkie and am happy to bring a topical sensibility to my show,” he said.
Other changes include Jamie Yeo’s afternoon slot, which will be moved to the drive time belt at 5pm on weekdays. In March, viewers can also tune into Channel 5 for GOLD 905’s weekly snippets on popular places to go and things to do.
Explaining the changes, Erina said, “We are continuously shaping GOLD 905’s programmes to stay engaged with our audience. I’m confident that our discerning listeners from their 40s will welcome the refreshing “feel-good” experience these new plans offer.”
GOLD 905’s new weekday line-up:
6am - 10am: LIVE! with Mike Kasem & Vernetta Lopez
10am - 2pm: Lunchtime Jukebox with Denise Tan
5pm - 8pm: Homestretch with Jamie Yeo
8pm - 12mn: Nite Flite with Mr X
GOLD 905’s new Saturday programmes:
6pm - 10pm: Rock of Ages: A repertoire of favourite rock music
10pm - 2am: Solid Gold: Non-stop disco hits from the 80s
GOLD 905 Feel Good Minute debuts March 17 (Thursday) at 7.29pm on Channel 5.