Dee Dee Dunleavy tops ratings a day after being dumped from 3AW

Former 3AW broadcaster Dee Dee Dunleavy has topped the ratings for her time slot a day after revealing she was “devastated” at being dumped from her popular show.

Melbourne broadcaster Dee Dee Dunleavy has been sensationally dumped from her 3AW talk show. Picture: supplied

Former 3AW broadcaster Dee Dee Dunleavy has topped the ratings for her time slot in the latest survey — a day after being sensationally dumped from her popular afternoon show.

Dunleavy scored a 12.9 per cent share, up from 0.9 per cent, from the last survey, according the GfK ratings released on Tuesday.

Gold FM followed Dunleavy’s show, with a 12.4 per cent share, then Fox with 10 per cent.

It’s a bittersweet win for Dunleavy, who left 3Aw on Monday after it was revealed the station would not renew her contract at the end of the year.

Fifi Box and Dee Dee Dunleavy. Picture: Instagram

Dunleavy took to social media on Monday and said: “I was having the time of my life in my job. I’m devastated that it has come to an end. I am extremely happy to be leaving with ratings that I am proud of.

“I will miss my team and my dedicated audience. I have always been grateful that they have shared their lives with me.”

Could ‘golden child’ Felgate be in line to take over

New 3AW recruit Jacqui Felgate is firming as the odds-on favourite to take over from dumped radio host Dee Dee Dunleavy.

Insiders say Dunleavy’s sudden exit from the station on Monday might accelerate that plan, but things will be worked out in the coming weeks.

Dunleavy left 3AW on Monday after it was revealed the station would not be renewing her contract at the end of the year.

The station said Elise Elliott would fill in for the next three weeks on 3AW Afternoons — building some solid momentum — and a decision will be made about a permanent replacement in due course.

Felgate is considered the golden child after coming over to the Nine Network earlier last year following a lengthy stint at Channel 7 as a reporter and presenter.

Felgate started at the radio station slowly, debuting with a segment on Ross and Russ’s top rating morning show before filling in as a holiday host alongside Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel.

She also became a member of the 3AW football team this season, hosting on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons.

It’s no secret the network is looking to skew to a younger audience, with Sydney executives liking what they see, and hear, in Felgate.

Insiders say other contenders to replace Dunleavy include Heidi Murphy and Emily Power.

Jacqui Felgate is tipped to replace Dee Dee Dunleavy.

The radio station in a statement on Monday said: “3AW has agreed to an early conclusion for Dee Dee Dunleavy’s on air role, after informing the broadcaster her contract would not be renewed at the end of the year.”

The radio station said in a statement on Monday: “3AW has agreed to an early conclusion for Dee Dee Dunleavy’s on air role, after informing the broadcaster her contract would not be renewed at the end of the year.”

3AW Station Manager Stephen Beers said “I want to thank Dee Dee for her three and a half years on Afternoons. She’s been a great part of the 3AW line-up.”

Meanwhile, 3AW’s Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft won the breakfast slot with a 19.5 per cent share.

Derryn Hinch alongside Dee Dee Dunleavy, who has exited 3AW after 11 years as a talkback presenter. Picture: Fiona Hamilton

On the FM dial, Christian O’Connell’s show won another survey for Gold 104, with a 10.8 per cent share, followed by Fox (9.5 per cent), Smooth (8.5 per cent) and KIIS (7.1 per cent).

3AW’s Neil Mitchell dominated the morning slot, with a 18.2 per cent share, smashing the ABC, which had a 7.7 per cent share.

I was having the time of my life in my job. I'm devastated that it has come to an end. I am extremely happy to be leaving with ratings that I am proud of.

I will miss my team and my dedicated audience. I have always been grateful that they have shared their lives with me.

— Dee Dee Dunleavy (@DeeDeeDunleavy) June 5, 2023

Comments from Dunleavy also featured in 3AW’s statement.

She said: “I’m happy to leave on a high, and with a record that I feel very proud of. I took over the Afternoons program just as the pandemic plunged us into lockdown, and so I faced the dual challenge of navigating a new show – remotely – while keeping the audience informed and entertained.

“I am forever grateful to all the callers who shared with me on air their grief at losing loved ones, and their anguish at losing their jobs and businesses. For those who were isolated I hope I was part of the comfort and connection that radio brought to them during that time.“Every day, I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing diverse opinions and discussing the stories that matter to Melbourne.

“I am grateful to 3AW for giving me the opportunity to grow my skills as a talkback presenter for the last 11 years.”Elise Elliott will fill in this week on 3AW Afternoons from Monday, and a decision will be made about a permanent replacement in due course.