96FM’s Dean Clairs clocks 40 years in radio

Radio stalwart Dean ‘Clairsy’ Clairs of 96FM is celebrating 40 years in the radio industry today. 

Kicking off at the age of 17, Clairsy cut his teeth at Merredin’s 6MD with his first night on air surrounded by the buzz of Australia II winning the America’s Cup. It was the first year a country other than America had won in 132 years.

Since then, Clairsy has had many highlights, including moving to Bunbury, Canberra and Adelaide before returning to Perth in 1989 when he met current co-host, Lisa Shaw.

The pair united for their current show, Clairsy and Lisa in March 2021.

During his career, Clairsy has interviewed the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, the late Michael Hutchence of INXS, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons from KISS, Pink, Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Richard Branson, John Cleese, Steve Waugh, Debbie Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman. 

“I’m very grateful to have been able to work in the field I craved from the age of 16 and to still be doing the job I love 40 years later. The listeners of Perth radio have made it a sweet ride with their love and support, and I’ve worked with so many people who have become lifelong friends,” Clairsy said.

96FM Content Director and Market Leader, Daniel Underhill, added, “For those of us lucky enough to work with Clairsy each day, it’s not hard to see why Perth loves him – he really is one of the nicest guys in radio, and his passion for music isn’t artificial, it’s infectious.”

Clairsy can be heard on 96FM’s Clairsy & Lisa each weekday morning from 5:30-9am or on the free iHeart app.