This was published 6 years ago
Red Symons' replacements make ABC Radio Melbourne breakfast debut
By Broede Carmody
Red Symons' replacements have debuted their new breakfast show on ABC Radio Melbourne following the former Skyhooks guitarist's shock resignation late last year.
Comedian Sami Shah and former 3RRR presenter Jacinta Parsons struck a cheerful tune on Monday morning despite their 5.35am start, kicking off the show with a news quiz.
One listener, who went by the name of of Chris, called in during the segment to wish the pair a warm welcome to the ABC's airwaves.
"I was reflecting over Christmas that you're both very brave people," he said. "You're continuing the minority representation of ABC presenters.
Sami Shah and Jacinta Parsons have replaced Red Symons on ABC Radio Melbourne.Credit: Andrew Wuttke
"The geriatric has now been replaced with somebody with a chronic illness on one hand and a brown person on the other who thought he had problems with his accent. I've got to hand it to both of you, I think you're both terrific."
The two ABC hosts brushed off the awkward compliment before swiftly moving on with the remainder of the segment.
"I believe the word foolish is used sometimes [to describe us]," Shah joked.
But not everyone was happy that they didn't get to wake up to Symons.
"Bring back Red," one listener wrote on Twitter.
"Still missing Red first thing in the morning," wrote another.
Symons was booted from his coveted breakfast slot late last year after a highly-controversial interview in which he asked Radio National broadcaster Beverley Wang whether she was "yellow" and asking, "What's the deal with Asians?"
The former Skyhooks guitarist and Hey Hey It's Saturday star was offered other roles, but declined.
Shah and Parsons were tapped on the shoulder after filling in for Symons in August while he recovered from a fall. ABC management decided to launch a double-headed breakfast program to compete with commercial rivals such as 3AW.