Triple J Drive: Lewis Hobba and Michael Hing quit as hosts
Beloved radio duo Lewis Hobba and Michael Hing have announced they are stepping away from the afternoon airwaves, after dominating Triple J’s Drive show for three years.
Known to listeners by their last names, Hobba and Hing, the pair revealed they’re moving onto bigger and better adventures at the ABC from next month.
Hobba has been a regular on the show since 2015 where he hosted alongside radio presenter Veronica Milsom, who departed the youth radio station’s afternoon program in 2020.
He said hosting the show was a dream come true, recalling how his 12-year-old self would listen to the station on his bus rides home.
“Spending my afternoons with millions of friends for the past eight years has been a huge privilege. It’s brought me more joy than you can imagine – although sometimes you are super disgusting, you know who you are,” he said.
“It’s hard to leave the best job in the country, and I’m going to miss it so much. But it’s the right time to hand the keys over to someone else who will be as excited as I was when I got this job.”
While comedian Hing couldn’t be reached for comment, ABC News quoted a mock statement from his representative.
“My client had no idea that ‘embezzling company funds’ was a serious crime and – oh, this is about them leaving?” the spokesperson joked, according to the ABC.
“No, sorry, yes, he’s loved working at triple j and loved working with Lucas Hobbes? Hobba? Yes, Lewis Hobba, that’s what I said. No, I’m pretty sure I said Lewis Hobba.“
The announcement went on to air a note purportedly left on Hing’s desk, which read: “If anyone is trying to chase me down for money I owe them, good luck. I’m free like the bird”.
The pair’s antics meant Drive was renowned for its matchless combination of entertainment and hysteria, with Hobba and Hing so successful, they turned a radio segment pooling listeners’ wildest stories into the podcast Simply the Jest.
Their departure will mark the end of an era for the broadcaster, which is why Hobba and Hing aren’t leaving the show without a big send-off.
The dynamic duo will be touring Australia from next month as part of their Hobba and Hing’s Last Show Ever (the live farewell tour).
From Wednesday August 2, their tour will kick off in Sydney, before they jet south to Melbourne from another show on August 23.
They will also host four shows in September, beginning with Brisbane, then Canberra, Bendigo in Victoria and Newcastle in NSW.
In the meantime, the pair will be working on their podcast Silver Bullet, where they try all the gadgets, experiences, hobbies and wellness trends their celebrity friends rave about to find one “silver bullet that solves all their problems”.
Hing, who made headlines in May for opening up about the distressing racial abuse he’s endured at the ABC, will also continue his role as a co-host on Network Ten’s The Project two days a week.
It’s yet to be announced who will take over the afternoon slot, with the ABC expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks.
Hobba and Hing’s departure comes more than a fortnight after Triple J digital editor and former radio presenter, Ange McCormack, quit the national broadcaster.
In a heartfelt post to social media, the digital editor revealed her time was up and she would be leaving her role to pursue other adventures.
“Some news! After almost eight life-changing years, I’m leaving Triple J,” she posted alongside a heartbreak emoji.
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“Feeling so emotional about farewelling a job I love and a team that have become lifelong mates. Triple J has taught me EVERYTHING I know and I’ve been so lucky to have been supported and invested in for so long.”
She continued by saying she wouldn’t leave her role and her “incredible colleagues” unless the opportunity awaiting her was “huge”.
“I’m stoked to say I’ll be hosting 7am podcast while Ruby Jones takes maternity leave. Huge shoes to fill but I’m excited for the challenge. In your feeds from July 17.”
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