ABC broadcaster Spence Denny announces his retirement from Adelaide radio

Popular ABC broadcaster Spence Denny has retired after 33 years on air – meaning SA’s top-rating brekkie radio show will have an entirely new team this year.

Popular ABC broadcaster Spence Denny has announced his immediate retirement after 33 years on-air.

A longtime favourite with listeners, Denny shared the news this morning during his shift hosting the summer breakfast show.

The award-winning presenter said he had flagged his intentions with ABC Adelaide general manager Graeme Bennett in November, and his decision was in no way linked to Ali Clarke’s resignation in December.

“I know there was speculation that I might get the breakfast gig but that was never going to be me,” he said.

“I’ve been getting up at 3.30am in the morning for a very long time and it is a pretty gruelling schedule. The main reason was my wife is retired as well and we want to be able to do things together.

“I’m glad I got to make the decision myself. It’s my decision and one I’m very comfortable with.”

His departure means it will be a completely new-look ABC breakfast team in 2022.

The top-rating Clarke is strongly tipped to join Mix 102.3 in a major shake-up of Adelaide’s breakfast shows.

Spence Denny with wife Vicki, left, and Dominique Schwartz.

Denny, 60, has worked in several roles over the years, from roving reporter to drivetime host and as part of the ABC Grandstand sports team. For the past 11 years he’s been on the early morning shift alongside a range of breakfast hosts.

Following Denny’s announcement, listeners and colleagues took to social media to share their best wishes.

“Shout out to Spence Denny who’s just announced his retirement after 33 years at the ABC. Big loss for the Collinswood Dream Factory. Go well Mr Versatile! #BigRedCar,” tweeted journalist Michael Smyth.

Blast from the past ... ABC’s then-Mount Gambier executive Spence Denny, far right, with Mundulla Football Club president David Lowe, coach John Burgess and footballer Huk Scown.

Steven Raeburn wrote: “So, it is a professional farewell to the awesome Spence Denny. Truly, one of the finest people I have ever known. A man of true integrity, quality, depth and goodness.”

Denny said the public outpouring of support was “incredible”.

“I just can’t believe it, on my own phone I’ve had over 50 text messages and on the work email, I think we’ve just printed off about 50 pages,” he said.

“The thing I’ll miss most is just the extraordinarily diverse people you get to meet.

“For anyone who works in radio, you tend to spend a lot of time in the studio but I’ve been lucky enough to broadcast from a hot air balloon, I’ve done a tandem skydive while recording an interview, I’ve broadcast from a war ship ... I’ve done some pretty amazing things.”