Hot 30 Countdown
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Hot 30 Countdown, is a radio program casted on the Austereo Network between 7pm and 10pm, adjusted with the time zone differences across Australia.
Listeners are asked to place their votes on the Hot 30 website, with the incentive that listeners will go in the draw to win themselves free gear, such as CDs, clothing, Apple iPod Nano's, and other gadgets.
[edit] Hosts
The show was formerly hosted by the radio jocks Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O (radio host). Before then, it was originally hosted by Ugly Phil and Jackie O (radio host). Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O moved to drivetime on the Austereo Network in 2004, in which Higgo and Alexis (from MMM Adelaide)were hired to host. Upon Alexis moving to SAFM and Higgo to Fox FM in 2005, Lowie has taken over the countdown. Lowie stepped down from the countdown in November 2006, with Sam Mac the current host until a permanent announcer is found.
Labrat, Soulman, Zoe Sheridan and Mamajugs also did various fill in shifts throughout the programs career.
[edit] Lowie
In 2005, Alexis returned to SAFM (the South Australian branch of the Austereo Network), and Lowie was selected to reface the Hot 30 countdown, to match the branding power of thir new rival DMG's Nova (radio station).
Lowie has since obtained immense success as well as controversy. An example is the increased inclusion of gay listeners on talk-back, rising from 15% to a massive 65% of listeners, according to a press release by Austereo.
Chodoboy, an openly gay radio jock, was employed as the producer of the show. This has resulted in rival Nova nick-naming 2DayFM as Too Gay FM.
On November 10 2006 Austereo announced Lowie has announced he is leaving the Hot30 to concentrate on other media opportunities. Craig has been hosting the Hot30 for almost two years and now plans to shift his focus to his role at Fox 8 and developing his stand up comedy show. Sam Mac will fill in as Hot30 host from tonight until a permanent replacement is announced. It is rumoured that Lowie was forced out of the radio network after pressure from The Veronicas record label when it became clear he was behind the morning radio stunt after the 2006 ARIA Awards where he was "caught" in bed with Lisa Origliasso.
On 14 November 2006, The Herald Sun reports that sources advise the newspaper he was pushed. Apparently Lowie had one too many clashes with staff and management.
Sam Mac is currently filling in on the Hot30 until a permanent announcer is found.
