Donna Demaio exits 3AW after almost 30 years

Long-serving 3AW journalist, editor, and arts/ entertainment reporter, Donna Demaio, has left Nine Radio’s 3AW.

She first joined the broadcaster back in 1992 and said along the way she’s “made genuine friendships, built a great reputation and had a brilliant time”.

She said she was the first, and most probably will remain the only, entertainment and arts reporter at the Melbourne-based talk station, but also reported on travel, general news, events and food.

“I’m grateful that people have been supportive as I diversified, offering me gigs. Hosting events, sitting on judging panels or playing MC. I was even on afternoon television as an entertainment correspondent for a spell,” she said, noting the amazing events and locations she was able to attend and report on.

The newsroom, however, remained her primary focus, she said.

“I learnt and taught others. I delivered. I have been a news editor and written countless stories. I enjoyed my job and being part of a team. I won a national award for journalism. I teach journalism at a tertiary college and I am a media trainer and communications consultant in my spare time. I am an international correspondent,” she said.

As for what’s next, Demaio noted there were still more bucket-list broadcast items she would like to tick off.

“I have many aspirations both professionally and personally. I had a dream to be a presenter. Perhaps even have my own show. As a wise person once said, ‘you’re not dead yet.’ There’s always disappointment when you leave a job you’ve loved for so long. I’m ready. And I’m excited. I feel inspired. There’s so much more,” she said.

Demaio told Radio Today she’s looking forward to staying connected and involved with the industry, and said she could be reached via: [email protected].

Nine was also contacted for additional comment.