Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little end their Hit Network drive show after 10 years

Consensus Summary

Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little stunned their listeners on Wednesday by announcing the end of their *Carrie & Tommy* national drive show on the Hit Network, marking the conclusion of a nearly decade-long partnership. The duo revealed the news live on air, with Bickmore and Little expressing emotional farewells to their audience, who had tuned in daily since 2017. The show, which aired in the 3pm–6pm drive slot, will conclude at the end of 2026, leaving a void in one of Australia’s most popular radio formats. Southern Cross Austereo, the network’s owner, confirmed the decision in an internal memo, praising the duo’s impact and the loyal following they cultivated across 50 stations nationwide, from Melbourne’s Fox to Canberra’s Hit 104.7.

The partnership between Bickmore and Little began in 2017, when they took over the drive shift, quickly building a reputation for blending humor with candid discussions on tough topics. Their chemistry—rooted in a genuine friendship—resonated with listeners, who often described the show as both a source of laughter and companionship during difficult times. The network’s leadership acknowledged the duo’s influence, with Matthew O’Reilly noting that their authenticity and unique perspective had set them apart in radio. The announcement was also shared on the show’s Instagram, where fans were given a final thank-you message before the curtain falls.

Both hosts reflected on their journey during the emotional on-air farewell. Bickmore, who won a Gold Logie, described the experience as *“not every day you get to have a laugh and call it a job,”* while Little admitted the end was *“really sad”* but expressed gratitude for the opportunity. Little also paid tribute to their listeners and production team, calling them *“the best in radio.”* The duo emphasized that they would continue broadcasting until December, aiming to leave their audience on a high note. Their farewell was met with widespread acknowledgment of their contributions, with industry insiders noting the show’s cultural footprint over the past 10 years.

While all three outlets agreed on the core details of the announcement, *The Age* introduced additional context not covered by *The West* or *7News*, including speculation that Bickmore had been approached by rival network ARN to host KIIS FM’s drive show in 2027. The article also hinted that Little’s future with the move was unclear, a detail absent from the other reports. Additionally, *The Age* included a separate story about Victorian Premier Ben Carroll’s admission of a petrol station drive-off, which, while unrelated to the radio announcement, was framed as a humanizing moment for a politician. The other sources focused solely on the radio news, avoiding any tangential topics.

As the show approaches its final broadcasts, questions remain about who will replace Bickmore and Little in the drive slot. Southern Cross Austereo has not yet announced a successor, leaving the future of the timeslot open. The network’s memo suggested a period of celebration for the duo’s legacy, but no details were provided on how the transition will be managed. Fans, industry observers, and even rival networks will likely be watching closely to see how the gap is filled—and whether the magic of *Carrie & Tommy* can be replicated in the coming years.