A popular star of Hope 103.2 FM, a Christian radio station based in Sydney’s west, has quit.
Breakfast host Ally Barnes told listeners in an emotional announcement on Tuesday that she was hanging up the microphone to spend more time with her family.
Barnes, who started at the channel as an events coordinator, has been working with co-host Brendan Jaensch in the early shift as an anchor since 2021.
Before taking on the on-air role, the married mother of two boys became the breakfast show’s first producer in 2016. Radio today.
“I’ll be done at the end of this week,” an emotional Barnes announced on Tuesday during the breakfast show.
“I’ve cried more in the last four weeks than I have in my entire life combined, but I know this is the right decision,” she continued.
“Unfortunately, my energy for the people who matter most in my life is just not there.
‘In the afternoon and evening I’m just exhausted.
Hope FM’s breakfast host Ally Barnes (pictured) told listeners on Tuesday that she was hanging up the mic to spend more time with her family
‘After seven years of being part of the Breakfast show and a 3.50am alarm clock, I’m exhausted. And my husband and beautiful sons don’t get the best version of me.’
Barnes said she wanted to make lunches for her boys, “do school episodes” and watch TV shows with her husband until 10 p.m.
She added: “I feel so much grief and sadness about my departure. But I have a total sense of peace and belief that this is the right move for my family.”
The popular star of 103.2 FM has been with the Christian radio station since 2016
Barnes started as an events and promotions coordinator before becoming Hope FM’s first breakfast producer in 2016
Barnes joined Hope FM in 2016 as events and promotions manager.
She is married to husband Sean and the couple have two young sons.
Hope FM, meanwhile, debuted in 1979 as 2CBA, a community radio station based in the Sydney suburb of Five Dock.
It switched to the FM band after moving to Seven Hills in 2002 and in 2008 it was renamed Hope FM.
Barnes shares two boys with husband Sean (all pictured)
