Craig Zonca to replace Spencer Howson as host of 612 ABC Brisbane's Breakfast program

Updated

612 ABC Brisbane has announced Craig Zonca as Spencer Howson's replacement on the popular Breakfast radio program for 2017.

The Queensland Country Hour and ABC News Queensland weather presenter will step into the role at the end of January.

"I'm thrilled to be joining the 612 team, and the early-morning starts certainly mean I'll avoid peak-hour Brisbane traffic," Zonca said.

"There are big shoes to fill on Breakfast and it's a tremendous opportunity to build on Spencer's great success in the role.

"I'm strangely looking forward to setting the alarm for 3:15am and being on air as the city comes to life each day."

Zonca has spent more than a decade behind the microphone at the ABC, hosting radio programs in Rockhampton, Townsville and Toowoomba.

He has broadcast from some of the most remote and unique parts of the country, including cattle stations in Queensland's gulf country and Lang Park for State of Origin.

He has also played an integral role as part of ABC Local Radio's emergency broadcasting team over the years and was a trusted voice during the Queensland floods in 2010-11.

Local manager Jen Brennen said the station was delighted to be welcoming Zonca to the team.

"We are very excited to welcome one of the ABC's rising talents into our presenter mix.

"Craig has had a remarkable broadcasting career and brings with him a wealth of radio experience and he is trusted and well-loved by our Queensland audience."

Leigh Radford, the head of Rural and National Programs, said Zonca would be sorely missed by regional listeners of the Queensland Country Hour.

He said he had made a big impact in his time presenting the program.

"Craig has a real passion for storytelling. He loves a yarn and has made the most of the opportunity to dive into the issues concerning Queensland's farming sector," Radford said.

"He will be missed, but our loss is a real win for Brisbane listeners of ABC Radio.

"We will be working hard to find someone of Craig's calibre to head up our flagship rural program."

Zonca will be introduced to Breakfast listeners by Rebecca Levingston on Monday at 7:10am on Summer Breakfast.

Topics: abc, radio-broadcasting, radio, arts-and-entertainment, human-interest, brisbane-4000

First posted