3AW station manager weighs in on discussion of breakfast co-host Russel Howcroft’s future

The 3AW station manager has responded to speculation about the future of breakfast radio co-host Russel Howcroft.

Russel Howcroft has been at the centre of rumours about his hosting future. Picture: David Caird

With almost two years under his belt and another year to run on his current contract, Russel Howcroft will be setting his alarm for the early hours for some time yet.

Rumours of his demise as the co-host of Melbourne’s top rating breakfast program would seem to be wide of the mark.

Howcroft joined Melbourne radio legend Ross Stevenson as 3AW breakfast’s co-host in August 2020 following the departure of Stevenson’s longtime sidekick John Burns.

Burns on Friday claimed that Howcroft was on borrowed time on the show and would be replaced once his current contract expired.

There have been rumours about 3AW breakfast co-host Russel Howcroft. Picture: Jason Edwards

But Howcroft is going nowhere.

As he ticks over year two in his current three year contract with 3AW, sources say the panellist on the ABC show Gruen, former adman, and marketing guru, is already in negotiations to extend his contract with the station.

3AW on Saturday said the rumours of an imminent change with Mark Allen set to replace Howcroft were wrong.

“The pairing of Ross and Russel on AW breakfast has recorded record ratings for the station over the past two years,” 3AW Station Manager Stephen Beers said.

It’s believed Howcroft may extend his contract.

Howcroft is in the second year of his current three year contract.

“We’re delighted that our existing listeners have embraced the new line-up, while also welcoming a new younger audience to the show.

“Russ is going nowhere. These rumours are nonsense.”

Allen has been filling in on the show when Howcroft has been away and he and Stevenson do work beautifully together.

Naturally there has been a period of adjustment and settling in as Howcroft learns the art of radio and he and Stevenson establish themselves as a team.

In the most recent radio survey the Ross and Russ show rated 19.4, giving it almost 20 percent of the Melbourne breakfast listening audience.

Gold FM’s Christian O’Connell was in second place with a ratings figure of 10 ahead of ABC Melbourne on 9.