Sunday Mail editor David Penberthy will sign off from the paper at the end of the month to start a full time radio career at FIVEaa.

Penberthy told staff yesterday (most of whom had read about his likely departure 12 days ago in InDaily) he was reluctant to leave the job, but was looking for a new challenge.

A former editor at the Daily Telegraph in Sydney, “Penbo” will continue to write syndicated columns for News Ltd’s papers.

He’ll be joined by former Mix102.3 breakfast presenter and Channel Ten sports reporter Mark Aiston and current brekkie team member Jane Reilly.

Reilly has been in the shift this year with soon-to-retire veteran Keith Conlon.

Penberthy told colleagues he is keen to “take on the ABC” which stole a march on Double-A this year.

In the most recent radio ratings survey ABC 891’s David Bevan and Matthew Abraham had a 17.4 to 14.5 percentage points advantage over Conlon and Reilly – a sharp turnaround from two years ago when FIVEaa led the ABC 20.3 to 14.5.

The move means the Sunday Mail will have its third editor in just 11 months. Penberthy replaced Megan Lloyd at the start of the year.

A replacement editor is expected to come from within current staff at the Waymouth St headquarters of News Ltd.

Advertiser senior staffer Paul Starick is the early favourite, although he’s knocked back similar roles in the past.

The company’s Adelaide Magazine has also felt the cold winds of change – it’s been axed.

Editor Jim Plouffe is staying on for the moment along with other key staff.