Radio veteran Neil Mitchell steps down as host of 3AW Mornings after 34 years

Beloved radio host Neil Mitchell has today announced he is stepping down from hosting his 3AW show after almost four decades.

Veteran Australian radio host Neil Mitchell has today announced he is stepping down from hosting his 3AW Mornings program after 34 years.

The beloved star shared the news this morning in an emotional statement.

“Apart from my family, radio has been my life and my love. I will miss enormously the energy, excitement, and occasional whack that the audience dishes out to me daily,” he said.

“But it is time, after 34 years of 4am starts, peddling flat out is getting a little hard.”

Neil Mitchell is saying goodbye to his hosting gig at 3AW after 34 years.

In his statement, Mitchell said he will stay on with 3AW and Nine in a new role, including hosting his successful new podcast, Neil Mitchell Asks Why.

“I will still appear on 3AW as an analyst, will do a weekly podcast, and hope to continue writing and TV work as well,” he continued.

“And, don’t celebrate yet Daniel Andrews, I am here until December. Thanks to all for the superb support over the years.”

Mitchell has been a mainstay of 3AW for more almost four decades, working across a variety of timeslots and programs – his most recent gig at 3AW Mornings which aired weekdays from 8.30am to 12pm.

Mitchell has won a Walkley, Quill and ACRA in his decades-long career.

He began his career at 3AW in 1987, working part-time on weekends and as a morning fill-in host for former broadcaster Derryn Hinch.

He got his big break that same year when he became the host of the Drive program and in 1990, he moved to Mornings where he has been ever since.

Now one of Melbourne’s most influential radio personalities – he has won a Walkley, Quill and ACRA award – broadcaster Mitchell uses his platform to helping those less fortunate. He has championed a number of causes, raising more than $10 million for those organisations close to his heart.

But Mitchell promises to continue his good work in his new role.

“I have been acutely conscious of that privilege of the microphone every day I have been on air for over 36 years,” he wrote in a follow-up statement.

The radio personality has used his platform to work with charities and organisations close to his heart. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

“It is a tough decision to step away from the daily program. It is the best job I have ever had. But I promise I will continue my philosophy and attitude through this new role. It is one I have crafted carefully with the approval of 3AW and Nine management because I want to continue to have an impact and continue to work for the audience as the media landscape changes.”

Tom Malone, Managing Director of Nine Radio, thanked Mitchell for his service in his career.

“Thirty four years hosting Mornings on 3AW is a record that’s likely never to be beaten. Neil has been at the top of his game and the top of ratings for nearly all of that time. It’s an incredible run. We’d have loved him to stay on, but Neil is adamant it’s time,” Malone wrote in a statement.

His replacement will be announced in the coming days.