Seven star Basil Zempilas off Nine-owned radio

Earlier: In a move that could readily be filed under “only in Australia” WA presenter Basil Zempilas has been instructed by Seven West Media to finish up at Nine-owned 6PR radio.

Zempilas, who is currently in the running for Perth mayor, is a sports presenter at Seven News Perth, as well as long associations with AFL, Telethon and Weekend Sunrise.

But he has also been part of ratings winner 6PR Breakfast show with Steve Mills. 6PR was previously owned by Macquarie Radio Network before being bought by Nine Entertainment.

Nine-owned WA Today reports in August he was instructed by Seven to conclude when his contract ends next month.

“I’ve had an unbelievable time at 6PR and have been very proud of our successes and my partnership with Steve Mills,” Zempilas said. “I will miss being a part of 6PR Breakfast very much.”

“Baz will finish at the end of the year and leaves with our best wishes. We’re considering a number of options for the breakfast show in what’s shaping as an exciting 2021 for 6PR”, said Emily White, Content Manager for 6PR.

The article suggests he may reappear at Mix 94.5 owned by Southern Cross Austereo.

Also prominent on Nine-owned radio is Seven journalist Nick McCallum at 3AW plus entertainment reporter Peter Ford.

Update: A Seven West Media spokesperson tells TV Tonight, “Basil Zempilas will end his employment agreement with 6PR at the end of the current radio year. It’s Basil’s call. Basil is out of contract with 6PR at the end of 2020 and has taken the personal decision not to seek a new contract.”