Listen: John Burns farewells 3AW Melbourne breakfast

John Burns departs 3AW brekkie after two decades / Credit: 3aw.com.au

Veteran broadcaster John Burns has just finished his last shift on 3AW Melbourne breakfast.

Burns has co-hosted with Ross Stevenson since 2001 and together they have notched up 147 consecutive survey wins and also celebrated his 75th birthday on Thursday.

“Burnso has made an incredible contribution to 3AW over the past 19 years,” Nine Radio boss Tom Malone said in a tribute to Burns.

“Today I want to thank John for his years of loyal service to this great radio station and for the many thousands of hours of entertainment he has provided to the people of Melbourne.”

Burns moved from a highly successful legal career as a barrister into radio over two decades ago.

His earliest gig behind the mic was back in 1988 with Stevenson on the Lawyers, Guns and Money program on community radio station RRR. They made the switch to 3AW in 1990.

When Dean Banks retired from the 3AW in 2001, Burns ended his law career and joined Stevenson as co-host. But in a nod to his legal roots, he took on the occasional persona as Judge Burns.

Nine confirmed he will continue to be heard as a regular contributor on 3AW.

After months of speculation, Nine revealed renowned Australian media personality and business identity Russel Howcroft will join the top-rating 3AW Breakfast program.

He is also chair of the Australian Film Television & Radio School, securing his second term last month, and sits on the committee of the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Howcroft, best known for his role as a panellist on the long-running ABC series Gruen, will team up with Ross Stevenson on Melbourne’s top-rating radio show from August 3.