Radio veteran steps down after 34 years on the air
Radio veteran Neil Mitchell has announced he will be stepping back from hosting his 3AW Mornings show after 34 years on the air.
Mitchell shared the news to his dedicated listeners on Friday morning in an emotional statement.
“Apart from my family, radio has been my life and my love. I will miss enormously the energy, excitement, and occasional whack that the audience dishes out to me daily,” he said.
“But it is time, after 34 years of 4am starts, peddling flat out is getting a little hard.”
In his statement, Mitchell said he will stay on with 3AW and Nine in a new role, including hosting his successful new podcast, Neil Mitchell Asks Why.
“I will still appear on 3AW as an analyst, will do a weekly podcast, and hope to continue writing and TV work as well,” he continued.
“And, don’t celebrate yet Daniel Andrews, I am here until December. Thanks to all for the superb support over the years."
In a follow-up statement, Mitchell assured listeners he will stay true to himself and his beliefs in his new roles.
“I have been acutely conscious of that privilege of the microphone every day I have been on air for over 36 years,” he wrote.
“It is a tough decision to step away from the daily program. It is the best job I have ever had. But I promise I will continue my philosophy and attitude through this new role. It is one I have crafted carefully with the approval of 3AW and Nine management because I want to continue to have an impact and continue to work for the audience as the media landscape changes.”
Mitchell has been a key player at 3AW since beginning his radio career with the station in 1987, where he started working part-time on weekends and as a morning fill-in host for former broadcaster Derryn Hinch.
From there, he got his big break hosting the Drive show before moving to the Mornings slot, where he has been ever since.
Mitchell has won several awards during his time as a radio journalist, while also devoting his time to helping those less fortunate, and helping to raise over $10 million for charities and causes close to his heart.
Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio, thanked Mitchell for his service in his career.
“Thirty four years hosting Mornings on 3AW is a record that’s likely never to be beaten. Neil has been at the top of his game and the top of ratings for nearly all of that time. It’s an incredible run. We’d have loved him to stay on, but Neil is adamant it’s time.”
Image credits: 3AW