Veteran ABC presenter Jon Faine retires after 23 years on air

ABC Radio Melbourne host Jon Faine has announced his retirement, 23 years after hosting Mornings on ABC. He used the show on Monday to inform listeners that 2019 would be his last year as a presenter on the popular show.

“30 years ago this week, I joined the ABC to make The Law Report in what I thought would be a brief detour from lawyering,” he explained. “And now I find myself presenting the Morning show on ABC Radio Melbourne, now for the 23rd year. But it will be my last, this year.

“I’ve told the ABC that when my present contract expires, I do not seek another. It’s time for someone else to have as much fun as I have had.”

Despite the news, Faine explained that he had a busy year ahead with plenty happening in Australia to keep him on his toes.

“A looming federal election, clearly a huge challenge for Scott Morrison’s Government to hold on and equally a massive task for Bill Shorten’s Labor Party to assert their credentials as an alternative government,” he said. “And other issues approaching soon. The Black Saturday 10th anniversary, just a few weeks away about which we’ll have a lot to say.”

He also said there was a lot happening for Victoria’s State Government and said even though 2019 will be his last year with listeners, he wanted to share his news with the audience.

“You’re the most important piece in the entire jigsaw puzzle,” he said. “So now we’ve got that out of the way, on with the show as Bugs Bunny used to say.”

ABC shared a video of the message on Facebook, with many fans sharing their messages of support and favourite memories of Faine.

One person wrote: “Thanks Jon for all your shows. Will enjoy listening this year and following whatever you do next!”

Another comment read: “Great decision Jon. Let’s hope the replacement will be just as good. Walleed Ally?? He was an awesome fill in.”

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A third added: It only took me ten years to appreciate Jon, now I have to start all over again!”

ABC is set to announce Faine’s replacement later this year. He made the announcement on his first show back for 2019.

What are your thoughts on this news? Will you be sad to see Jon Faine leave? What do you listen to on the radio in the morning?