Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small is stepping away from Nova after more than two decades, closing a chapter that redefined national evening radio.
Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small will sign off from Nova this week, bringing an end to a 23-year association with the network and 13 years hosting the national evening program Smallzy’s Surgery.
The Sydney-based presenter confirmed his departure on Monday, telling listeners “the time has come to hang up the headphones”. His final program will air on Friday, August 15, concluding a run that began when he joined Nova in 2002 after starting in community radio in western Sydney at age 16.
“When I first started the show in 2012, I never would have imagined getting to do the things I have done, from the celebrity interviews, to Nova’s Red Room and travelling the globe covering the biggest events,”
“They’ve all made the show something very, very special. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the show.
I leave with fond memories, lifelong friendships, but most importantly I’m grateful to every single person who has ever chosen to spend their night with me.”
Since its debut, Smallzy’s Surgery has consistently topped its timeslot, achieving 92 number one survey results. Nova Entertainment said the program provided “a unique take on pop culture, music, news and celebrity gossip”, underpinned by Small’s extensive connections with high-profile artists and entertainment figures. The company also credited him with “effectively” creating the current 8pm to 10pm national format.
The station plans to mark the departure with a week of retrospective content revisiting notable moments from the program’s history. Small described the farewell week as “a whole lot of history and one final week to relive it all”.
Nova has not announced who will succeed Small in the evening slot. Public and industry speculation has centred on former KIIS FM presenter Mitch Churi and Nova weekend presenter Jermaine, although no decision has been confirmed by the network.
Smallzy’s Surgery will air its final episode on Friday, August 15 on Nova from 8pm to 10pm.
