Brady vows to keep emotions in check as Nightline signs off after 50 years

Radio host Philip Brady will be saying his final goodnight to Nightline listeners on Thursday as the 50-year-old 3AW show airs for the last time.

Nightline hosts Philip Brady and Simon Owens. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Nightline legend Philip Brady says he will try to keep his emotions in check as the 50-year-old 3AW radio show broadcasts for the final time on Thursday night.

“I really don’t want to make a fuss. I’d just like to fit in as many calls as we can so we have a chance to say goodbye to everybody,” Brady told Confidential.

Philip Brady will say goodbye to his Nightline listeners on Thursday night. Picture: Josie Hayden

“I’m going to try to remain detached. It’s no good if I get choked up. I want to go out on a high note.”

He added: “I’ve been in show business for 61½ years, and I’ve had so many shows cancelled over the journey, I don’t get emotionally involved at times like these.”

Nightline will be replaced by Nights with John Stanley, running from 8pm to midnight, Monday to Friday, from Monday.

Brady says, for many, Nightline is a place comfort and company.

Philip Brady celebrates his 40th birthday.

“The show is a base for compassion, consolation, conversation, all those c’s,” he said. “You find people after dark, particularly those who live on their own, might not have had a phone call all day, might not have heard a cheery voice all day, and, come 10 o’clock at night, they become dependent on you as a light shining in the night.”

Brady said: “My heart will always beat for the Nightliners, those who have phoned in through the years, and the vast majority of silent listeners who remain anonymous to us. They’ll always remain a part of my life, and I will cherish their friendship”.

Brady will continue to co-host 3AW’s Remember When program on Sunday nights.

He said it was partly his decision to walk away from Nightline.

“I didn’t want the commitment of six nights a week at the age of 80,” he said. “Once you’ve nudged 80, it all becomes a bit of a hassle after dark.”

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Stanley’s show, which is broadcast from Sydney, ran from 8pm to 10pm on 3AW, Monday to Thursday. From Monday, it will expand to four hours.

“It really didn’t make much sense that (3AW) were paying two (sets of) salaries, when they could have always pulled into John until midnight at no extra cost. Economically, it just didn’t make sense to keep both shows running in parallel.”

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