Radio legend Neil Mitchell hosts last show after ‘extraordinary’ career

Radio legend Neil Mitchell has thanked his audience for their “trust, patience, criticism and commitment” as he hosted his last Mornings program on Friday after 34 years in the role.

Radio legend Neil Mitchell has thanked his audience for their “trust, patience, criticism and commitment” as he hosted his last Mornings program on Friday after 34 years in the role.

Mitchell, 72, joined 3AW in 1987 and has been hosting the Mornings show since 1990.

The veteran broadcaster announced he was stepping down in September saying at the time it was “time to go”.

Mitchell kicked off his final show on Friday with the song ‘Another One Bites the Dust’.

“I haven’t had much sleep so I’m a bit dangerous today,” he joked on air.

Diving right back into the show, Mitchell first grilled Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the current cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Albanese congratulated Mitchell on an “extraordinary career”.

“You’ve been a person of great integrity and you’ve got my respect,” he said.

Neil Mitchell during his last day on air presenting his morning program. Picture: David Caird

Deputy Premier Ben Carroll also made an appearance and praised Mitchell as a “strong advocate” for Victorians.

“I wanted to congratulate you on what you’ve achieved as a voice to Melbourne, for many Victorians from all backgrounds,” he said.

Mitchell asked Mr Carroll if politicians were now adopting a “strategy of avoidance” after former Premier Daniel Andrews famously refused to talk to the radio host for seven years.

“I’ve never felt there was a ban on you specifically … Daniel was a formidable political machine. Our new Premier has an inclusive style of leadership, it’s a new day,” Mr Carroll said.

Reflecting on his time behind the mic, Mitchell said he was particularly proud of fighting for more than 150,000 motorists who were incorrectly fined by speeding cameras in 2004 which resulted in a $26m payout.

“I pushed for the blood collecting system to be changed after a little girl contracted HIV. I helped keep the AFL honest … I helped set up the Blue Ribbon Foundation,” he said.

Mitchell said his biggest piece of advice was to listen and “remember you’re working for the audience you’re representing”.

“I listen to people, I represent people, I try to ask honest questions,” he said.

Mitchell said he was particularly proud of fighting for more than 150,000 motorists who were incorrectly fined by speeding cameras. Picture: David Caird

Managing director of Nine’s radio division, Tom Malone, said Mitchell was the “flag bearer of great talkback radio”.

“You said you don’t work for the boss, I’m well aware of that, you do it for the listener,” he said

“Behalf of the whole studio, thank you. Over 34 years we have built a station that is the heart of Melbourne, of Victoria.

“You stand up for people and champion their causes … and that’s the reason for your success.

“We’re looking forward to doing more with you in the years ahead.”

Chairman of Nine and former Treasurer Peter Costello said Mitchell had an “incredible innings”.

“I can hardly remember a time when you weren’t on radio,” he said.

“You were a tough interviewer (when I was Treasurer). You were like a spin bowler, the Shane Warne of interviewers.

“To now be with the company, and to have you as an undoubted star, you’ve really had a great innings.”

The radio legend finished by thanking his audience for their “trust, patience, advice, criticism and commitment”.

“I promised I wouldn’t shed a tear because I’m delighted with the time I’ve had and I’m excited for the time ahead,” he said.

“I’ve met some big names around the world, I’ve enjoyed most of it, it’s been a privilege.

“Thanks for trusting me, shouting at me and crying at me. Thank you for letting me into your lives.”

Mitchell also took the time to thank his wife and two kids.

“My wife has gone right through it. She gave up her career to look after the kids, without that I wouldn’t have gotten where I was today,” he said.

“It’s a heavy burden having a face in the media, particularly when you’re not always popular … sometimes they’ve had to deal with unpleasant and dangerous things.”

It was revealed in November that the Kyle and Jackie O program, will be simulcast to Melbourne next year.

It comes as Lauren Phillips and Jason ‘Jase’ Hawkins also hosted their last show on Friday morning.

It was revealed in November that the Kyle and Jackie O program, will be simulcast to Melbourne next year after the Sydney shock jocks signed a record breaking $200-million contract with the radio network.

The decision meant the axe fell on the Melbourne-based KIIS 101.1’s Jase and Lauren show after two-and-a-half years.

“Jase – you’ve taught me everything I know about this industry,” an emotional Phillips said on air.

“You’ve held my hand this whole time, you believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself – you’re the best friend I could ever ask for.”