Long-time employees Christian McEwan and Annabella 'Bella' Leone are Haynes' new sidekicks and have already begun their new roles.

It follows the shock departure of Ryan Cram and Lyndal Rogers, who both defected to rival radio station Wave FM - both had been longstanding employees.

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Replacement roles were advertised on various industry websites for several weeks.

"It's important for us to give our listeners a feel good boost after what has been a tough eighteen months," said i98FM station manager Tia Davis.

"Adding in the energy, infectious laughs and cheeky personalities of Christian and Bella was an easy choice - and one that we feel will continue to positively influence our strong position in the market.

"It is an incredibly exciting time for i98FM in terms of growth and we can't wait to share what we have been working on with the Illawarra."

McEwan began working at the station in 2010 in their "Street Fleet" promotional vehicle whilst studying at the University of Wollongong. It's understood Leone began her on-air presenting career with the company in 2014 on sister-station C913 in Campbelltown.

Most recently the pair had both been presenting a breakfast program on the Campbelltown station.

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