Popular radio hosts Jonathan Abel and Elinor Barbara have handed in their resignation to 89.7 Bay, The Times has learnt.

Sources within the station said the hosts of one of Malta's popular radio shows resigned earlier this month but both are working their notice that ends around February.

The two were first conspicuous by their absence at the yearly Bay Music Awards, which they had hosted in the past few years.

When contacted, Mr Abel and Ms Barbara said at this stage they were not prepared to give any comments.

Kevin DeCesare, a director of the Eden Leisure Group that owns 89.7 Bay, confirmed their resignation, saying it was something that "was bound to happen". There was, however, no animosity involved in their decision, he said.

This move consolidates something of a mini-exodus from the station, which a few months ago saw station manager Terry Farrugia, DJ Gianni Zammit and a sales manager leave the station en masse to set up Vibe FM, competing within Bay's ballpark.

Carlo Borg Bonaci, who has spent years in broadcasting and is set to make a comeback in 2010 after a year's hiatus, said he saw these as turbulent times for local radio, with what he termed "musical chairs" among stations.

In the space of a few months, popular presenters Gianni Zammit, Joe Tanti and Arthur Caruana have all changed stations, while Bay Radio is also set to change its station manager.

Mr DeCesare, however, sounded unperturbed by these changes: "Bay is bigger than any individual. We're a dynamic brand, work very hard and spend a lot of money to create a star and a brand. But ultimately, no one is indispensable - not even myself.

"When Carlo Borg Bonaci left Bay seven years ago, he was the most popular host in Malta. Even he was replaced," the businessman said, adding that breakfast show hosts were bound to grow tired of waking up at 4.30 a.m. every day.

When Abel and Elinor call it a day - or a morning - the crucial morning slot will be occupied by Captain Drew, who hosts Captain Drew's Fly Home, Bay's drive-time show.