Basil Zempilas announces departure from Triple M Perth

Perth Lord Mayor and Channel Seven broadcaster Basil Zempilas has announced Friday 23 September will be his last day on air with Triple M Perth.

Zempilas, who has shared breakfast with Xavier Ellis since the launch of Triple M Perth in late 2020, told listeners this morning that extra commitments in his other roles have pressured him into leaving early.

Xavier Ellis and Michelle Anderson will continue waking Perth up on 92.9 Triple M each weekday morning from 6am.

Basil Zempilas said his commitments need to be refined.

“Right now, I need more flexibility in my day and I’m very grateful Triple M have been so accommodating. It’s no secret I’ve been ‘coming and going’ quite a bit over the last couple of months and between now and the end of the year there’s an extra step up in my travel commitments,” Zempilas said.

“As much as I’d like to be in two places at once, the right call is to finish up at Triple M after the AFL Grand Final weekend. I do that knowing that in Michelle Anderson, I leave Xav and our fabulous audience, in the best of hands.

“I’m very proud of the role I’ve played in the launch of a new station in Perth, it will give me great pleasure to watch the brand grow. I’ll always stay connected to Triple M.” 

Triple M Perth Content Director, Tim Arnold, said Basil has “played such a crucial role in the launch of 92.9 Triple M.”

“It means Basil is, and will always be, a part of our DNA. He has been the biggest champion of our station over the last two years, and I know he will continue to be a champion for us despite no longer being in the building every morning.” 

SCA Chief Content Officer, Dave Cameron, said: “We thank Basil for his dedication and passion in launching Triple M Perth. Basil is a much loved and experienced broadcaster, and we wish him the very best in his ongoing successful career across media and politics. We are excited to continue to connect the famous Triple M brand with Perth listeners, through Xav and Michelle for breakfast delivering great chemistry and local Perth content.”