3AW sends broadcasting legend DENIS WALTER to new evening timeslot

Iconic Melbourne broadcasting legend Denis Walter will move to a new timeslot in 2020 as the host of a new local program, 3AW Nights.

The decision comes after months of speculation that 3AW was looking to axe Walter, and replace his afternoon program with a networked show hosted by Steve Price, which currently airs in Sydney and Brisbane.

3AW has however today indicated the afternoon slot will not be filled by Steve Price in 2020, and that a new presenter will be announced for the timeslot in coming weeks.

A spokesperson for the station telling TV Blackbox the new afternoon show;

“will be a show for Melbourne, hosted by someone in Melbourne.”

TV Blackbox understands Nine weather presenter Livinia Nixon is seen as a top-contender for the new role.

The return of local programming to the evening timeslot comes after a controversial September decision to axe the long-running, high-rating Nightline program hosted by Phillip Brady. A move which had led 3AW to broadcast Sydney based networked content of an evening.

Stephen Beers, 3AW Station Manager, said:

“Denis is one of Australia’s most respected talents. Today’s 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.” 

Denis Walter added:

“I’m looking forward to sharing the night with Melburnians, bringing them news and entertainment. I’m also looking forward to no morning peak-hour traffic.”

Walter has been the host of 3AW Afternoons since 2008, he is an OAM recipient for services to the performing arts and broadcast media and has been an integral part of the Australian entertainment industry throughout a singing career lasting over 40 years. 

For Victorians, he is an essential part of Christmas as a performer at Vision Australia’s Carols by Candlelight, where he has appeared for more than half of his life.

Denis will commence hosting 3AW Nights from Monday, January 20, 2020.