Gossip Queen: Radio shockwaves as Denis Walter becomes a night owl
In a surprise and unexpected move, Denis Walter is leaving 3AW’s afternoon show after 11 years but he is not the only station host to be suddenly changing their posts.
Fiona Byrne
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Radio’s end of year shockwaves continue with a much loved member of the 3AW team the latest to depart his post.
In a surprise and unexpected move, Denis Walter is leaving 3AW’s afternoon show after 11 years, but he is not the only station host to be suddenly changing their posts.
Sydney-based John Stanley, who hosts the networked weeknight program Nights from 8pm on 3AW, will not be heard in that shift in Melbourne in 2020.
In a win for local programming 3AW’s Nights show will become a home-grown product and in a happy twist the program’s new host will be Walter.
The move allays fears that 3AW was in danger of becoming an outpost of its Sydney stablemate 2GB and that networked shows would replace local shows. That is clearly not the future for the station.
Walter has signed a long term deal with AW to host Nights and said he was delighted with the new opportunity and the station’s commitment to local programming.
“There will be elements of what we are already doing on Afternoons that will travel with us, but there will be new things in the show as well,” Walter said.
“I have adored being on Afternoons, I have loved it, loved what we have achieved, and I am looking forward to the new challenge.
“The negotiations have been fantastic, the deal is fantastic, it is long-term and I am excited by what is ahead in the new year and beyond.”
Geelong-based Walter said the one thing he would not miss would be Melbourne’s morning peak hour traffic.
“This move means I won’t be in the car each day longer than I am on air,” he said.
“The traffic coming in now (from Geelong) snarls at Werribee Zoo. It used to be Kororoit Creek Rd, then it was Forsyth Rd at Point Cook and now it is back to the zoo.”
Walter will sign off from Afternoons on December 20 and kick off Nights on January 20. The acclaimed singer will perform at Carols By Candlelight at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 24.
The new host of Afternoons is yet to be announced, although the strong tip is the highly prized shift will have a female host in 2020.
3AW station manager, Stephen Beers, said: “Denis is one of Australia’s most respected talents. This announcement that his famous voice will be broadcast on 3AW Nights reinforces our commitment to Melbourne as we continue to provide a strong local presence across all parts of the day”.