3AW has decided not to renew the contract of drive-time presenter Derryn Hinch.
Derryn's one-year contract was set to expire at the end of this year.
The drive host was told of the decision not to renew his contract at a meeting with station management when he came off air Monday night (27 August).
The Man they sacked
While Derryn will not reappear behind the drive microphone after December, 3AW hopes to explore other opportunities with the respected broadcaster to enable him to remain in the Fairfax Radio fold.
The station expects to make an announcement on Derryn's replacement in the next few days.
3AW general manager Shane Healy paid tribute to Derryn's "fantastic" contribution to the station over the past 10 years.
"Derryn has been part of the fabric of Melbourne's No.1 radio station for many years and we are immensely proud and grateful for his efforts over this time," Mr Healy said.
"However, like all branches of the media it is impossible to stand still in a world of ever-accelerating change, " he said.
"Radio has withstood the immense challenges of the digital revolution much better than any other traditional media but we, like print and television, cannot afford to stand still.
"3AW, Melbourne's most successful radio station of the modern era, must position itself to take advantage of the exciting possibilities opening up in the digital world and changing audience expectations."
The man who did the sacking
Mr Healy said he hoped Derryn would consider the options that could be available to enable him to still play a role in broadcasting at Fairfax Radio.
It is unclear whether Derryn will return to the microphone this week. The drive presenter was due to take two weeks' holiday from next week.
Derryn has had two stints at 3AW. He established his broadcasting reputation on the station in the 1980s before he leaving for television current affairs.
In the past 10 years 3AW has stood behind the broadcaster through a series of controversies. Only last Friday 3AW gave the broadcaster the day off to fight in court a charge of failure to vote.
"Life will not be the same without Derryn around but we believe listeners will react more than favorably to the changes we have in mind," Mr Healy said.
What a complete stuff-up - SNAFU
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