Matt Tilley: “I don’t miss the grind of breakfast radio”

If anyone knows what it takes to achieve a #1 FM Breakfast radio show in a city like Melbourne, it’s Matt Tilley.

As part of Fox FM’s top-rating Tracy and Matt team – as well as the also hugely successful Matt and Jo Show – Tilley was for decades a dominant force on the city’s airwaves.

Tilley’s work ethic was legendary – his dedication to the craft clear to all those who worked with him.

Now, as Sydney duo Kyle and Jackie O struggle to get a foothold in the local market, Tilley is diplomatic when asked his thoughts on the current Melbourne FM Breakfast radio landscape.

“I don’t really have any comments on today’s radio, because I’m a bit of a podcast man … and I kind of wish everyone well,” Tilley says in the latest episode of the Food Bytes podcast, due out this week.

“I’m certainly never going to be one of those people who are like, ‘Well, it’s very different to my day!’”

Quite simply, as Tilley notes – times have changed.

“I think it would be much harder now. You know, we could muck around and get away with a lot more, and it wasn’t particularly sinister, but I just think people’s sensibilities have changed a bit, which really narrows the scope of where you can play and what you can say.”

“So, I guess that makes it harder for people.”

Today, Tilley is relishing his role as CEO of Fight MND.

Founded over a decade ago by Neale Daniher AO, Pat Cunningham and the late Dr Ian Davis, the registered charity is dedicated to finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease.

“And what an amazing year to join, when Neale gets tapped on the shoulder as Australian of The Year,” says Tilley.

“Of course everybody connects with Neale, but there are 2000 people living with MND across Australia.”

“The average life expectancy is only 27 months. You meet people in really vulnerable situations and families in despair. But I’m consistently inspired by their response. It’s remarkable.”

Central to fundraising will be next Monday’s Big Freeze 11 – where high profile celebrities and sporting identities take the plunge into an ice bath at the MCG.

Similar events are being held around the country.

As confirmed on Triple M Gold yesterday morning, brekky co-host Leisel Jones will be among five Olympians taking the plunge today at People First Stadium on the Gold Coast.

Tilley himself will also be going down the slide into the ice bath today, as well as Gold Coast Suns Chairman Bob East.

Does Tilley miss Breakfast radio?

“Certainly, it was a great job, so I miss the fun of it, as you would in any sort of job,” he says “Yeah, I definitely miss that.”

“But I don’t miss getting up early. And it sounds a bit trite, but I don’t miss the grind. It’s fun for a week but then for fifty weeks, trying to find something new to say every day or whatever … you  know, it’s a bit imposing.”

“And as I always say, I really miss the money and the holidays!” he laughs.

More info on how to support Fight MND here.