Broadcaster Neil Mitchell reveals shocking announcement on a radio program
The radio waves were abuzz today after a surprising announcement was made on one of the longest-running morning talk radio programs in the country.
Neil Mitchell, host of 3AW Mornings, revealed to his listeners that he would leave the show after over 30 years.
Broadcasting from the streets of Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), the 71-year-old announced in his typically no-nonsense style that he would step down from hosting Mornings at the start of December.
'No mucking around, straight to the point,' he said while launching his recent charity fundraiser for The Alfred Hospital.
'I love this job. Apart from my family, journalism has been my life. I’ve been acutely conscious of that privilege of the microphone every day I have been on air for over 36 years.'
His sentiments of profound gratitude towards his decades-long career were mirrored by one crying listener, a 36-year-old woman who had grown up listening to him and confessed, 'I don’t know what I’m going to do.'
Mitchell’s radio program was very successful during his tenure. The latest listener survey found that he had 17 per cent of the morning audience, with an average of 131,000 people tuning in.
Not only has he consistently been the leading presenter in the morning timeslot, but he has also been known for his tough interviews with politicians and people in power.
So tough that in 2017, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has declined to appear on his show.
Upon announcing his departure, Mitchell said modestly, 'I think I can hear champagne corks popping up at Spring Street.'
The broadcaster also posted the news on social media, which has been flooded with comments from his listeners.
‘Will miss you greatly, you challenge the politicians, and business leaders, always helping the working [and] aged care Australians!’ A fan wrote.
Another one said: ‘You will be sadly missed, Neil. I have loved listening to you every day for many years, I wish you well in your future. God bless.’
‘Loved listening to you for so many years. Although not always agree with your opinions. It's sad to see you go,’ a third person said.
Mitchell’s career has been legendary not only in Victoria but also in the history of Australia’s journalism. He has worked with 3AW since 1987, The Age, Time Magazine, The Herald and all three commercial television networks.
In 2007, he was awarded an Order of Australia for his 'service to the print, radio and television media, and to the community through a range of charitable institutions.'
He is the only person to be inducted into both the Melbourne Press Club Hall of Fame and the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.
But this isn't the end of Neil Mitchell's contributions to the radio airwaves. His weekly podcast for 3AW, Neil Mitchell Asks Why, will still be airing.
3AW will soon announce Mitchell's replacement, leaving big shoes to be filled in the morning timeslot.
We at the SDC thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all the information and entertainment he has provided throughout the years.
What do you think of his announcement, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Neil Mitchell, host of 3AW Mornings, revealed to his listeners that he would leave the show after over 30 years.
Broadcasting from the streets of Melbourne Central Business District (CBD), the 71-year-old announced in his typically no-nonsense style that he would step down from hosting Mornings at the start of December.
'No mucking around, straight to the point,' he said while launching his recent charity fundraiser for The Alfred Hospital.
'I love this job. Apart from my family, journalism has been my life. I’ve been acutely conscious of that privilege of the microphone every day I have been on air for over 36 years.'
His sentiments of profound gratitude towards his decades-long career were mirrored by one crying listener, a 36-year-old woman who had grown up listening to him and confessed, 'I don’t know what I’m going to do.'
Mitchell’s radio program was very successful during his tenure. The latest listener survey found that he had 17 per cent of the morning audience, with an average of 131,000 people tuning in.
Not only has he consistently been the leading presenter in the morning timeslot, but he has also been known for his tough interviews with politicians and people in power.
So tough that in 2017, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has declined to appear on his show.
Upon announcing his departure, Mitchell said modestly, 'I think I can hear champagne corks popping up at Spring Street.'
The broadcaster also posted the news on social media, which has been flooded with comments from his listeners.
‘Will miss you greatly, you challenge the politicians, and business leaders, always helping the working [and] aged care Australians!’ A fan wrote.
Another one said: ‘You will be sadly missed, Neil. I have loved listening to you every day for many years, I wish you well in your future. God bless.’
‘Loved listening to you for so many years. Although not always agree with your opinions. It's sad to see you go,’ a third person said.
Mitchell’s career has been legendary not only in Victoria but also in the history of Australia’s journalism. He has worked with 3AW since 1987, The Age, Time Magazine, The Herald and all three commercial television networks.
In 2007, he was awarded an Order of Australia for his 'service to the print, radio and television media, and to the community through a range of charitable institutions.'
He is the only person to be inducted into both the Melbourne Press Club Hall of Fame and the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.
But this isn't the end of Neil Mitchell's contributions to the radio airwaves. His weekly podcast for 3AW, Neil Mitchell Asks Why, will still be airing.
3AW will soon announce Mitchell's replacement, leaving big shoes to be filled in the morning timeslot.
Key Takeaways
- Legendary broadcaster Neil Mitchell announced he would step down from hosting 3AW's Mornings program after over thirty years.
- Despite leaving his hosting role, Mitchell will continue to run his weekly podcast, Neil Mitchell Asks Why.
- The news of his departure saddened many of his listeners, with some claiming they would miss the broadcaster.
- Mitchell, renowned for tough interviews with people in power, has consistently been a leading presenter and an average of 131,000 people will tune in to his show.
- Neil Mitchell was honoured with an Order of Australia in 2007 and is the only person inducted into the Melbourne Press Club Hall of Fame and the Australian Commercial Radio Hall of Fame.
We at the SDC thank him from the bottom of our hearts for all the information and entertainment he has provided throughout the years.
What do you think of his announcement, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!