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BY RadioToday Network May 28, 2026
What's New January 23, 2026
Tony Tardio: “I’m humbled by all the support”
Reporter
Tony Tardio. Image: Instagram
Tony Tardio has opened up about his absence from the 3AW airwaves, saying he’s both touched and humbled by the avalanche of support he’s received over recent weeks.
It comes as Nine Radio rejects any suggestion that Tardio – a 30-year veteran of the station – has been sacked.
Speaking to Radio Today, the legendary newsreader – who has lodged action in the Fair Work Commission over the dispute with his employer – said “I am absolutely heartened that people have taken the trouble to post messages and set up a petition to get me back. It’s really humbling.”
“You don’t realise when you’re going to work every day how that might impact people, and I’ve been really touched by it, to be perfectly honest with you.”
“I will wait to see what happens at Fair Work, and, if need be, go to the Federal Court.”
Tardio said 3AW has played a vital role in Melbourne’s history over many decades.
“Freedom of speech is vital in society, and 3AW has always been at the forefront.”
A Nine spokesperson told Radio Today “Tony Tardio has not been dismissed. As part of a change to newsroom operations his position was made redundant.”
“He remains a valued employee and we have been seeking conversations with Tony for 6 weeks to discuss alternative employment. Tony has declined those invitations and has lodged action in the Fair Work Commission.”
“We don’t intend to comment further.”
Tardio’s dulcet tones are still being heard via The Newsreader and the Panel Op podcast and on Fridays on Rete Italia at The Italian Radio Network.
Good riddance to Liberal rubbish.
Was he fired for bringing his pet kangaroo to work?
dont go quietly TT…
Tony come to Fox FM you are much needed there sign as a producer of Fifi Fev and Nick
A Nine spokesperson told Radio Today “Tony Tardio has not been dismissed. As part of a change to newsroom operations his position was made redundant.”
Dismissed, sacked, made redundant…potato/potato.
Stand your ground Tony. So proud of you and your principles.
Some comments here show posters are on crack *looks at one in particular*
Should take up bike riding, Tardio. You might enjoy it.
3AW in the afternoons is not the same without you. Stay strong, and know that you are missed.
Tony the best newsreader in Australia
If he remained a newsreader he may have kept his job. The presenters were always proding him for political commentary. They have a bit of a hand in this. His hard core right wing views were becoming very boring and unwanted.
Tony leave this industry, while ya still in good health.
I left in the early 2000’s best thing I did, plus working in radio you have a masters working with wankers, ya know how to play it “FAKE”.
Get ya fair work cash then go corporate gig!
Stay Happy
You mean Tony became redundant. Somebody still reads the news at the same time he was reading it. Job is not redundant. We’re not stupid.
His position has become redundant? Someone else is doing his news updates. Position not redundant. 3AW sucks.
It’s all a bit #woke coz Tony talks the truth. I hope he gets a massive payout.
It’s ludicrous for people to argue that because people are still reading the news that the job isn’t redundant. ARN is still using tech support but their in house IT was made redundant, SCA still has regional brekky shows but they made most of them redundant, almost nobody has a traffic team but traffic still runs.
I used to listen to 3aw religiously and have enjoyed Tony’s news reading and general banter with the likes of Dennis Walter and Tom Elliott for years.
But the station has fundamentally changed.
So as of last year I moved over to the sen and the abc mainly for the country hour.
I hope Tony gets the outcome he deserves, he is a very good operator.
So sorry to hear about Tony Tardio.
He was an excellent News Reader.
All the very best for the future Tony, you will certainly be missed!
Shame on 3AW! Tony has the best news voice on radio and I always enjoy the banter he has with his colleagues.
He’s honest and isn’t afraid to let a little bit of his personality show thru..
Alot of your listeners are older people and enjoy Tony’s point of view .
So disappointed with the news rooms decision..age discrimination???
Shame on 3AW! Tony has the best news voice on radio and I always enjoy the banter he has with his colleagues.
I’ve enjoyed Tony’s beautiful voice and his extraordinary diction tremendously.
…those very famous Italian Voices!…
He’s honest and isn’t afraid to let a little bit of his personality show thru..
A lot of your listeners are older people and enjoy Tony’s point of view .
Dear Tony,
I’m very disappointed with the management’s decision about you.
Shame, shame, shame on them!
Tony, believe me, you are the best presenter.
I’ve enjoyed your beautiful voice and your exceptional diction tremendously!
…those famous Italian Voices..
They are music to my ears!
Tony, 3AW has been extremely lucky to have you on board, because you are the real gem of the team!
Pity, they could not appreciate it.
Now, this radio station has became less alive without you and I listen to it much less than before.
Tony, you are missed very much. I pray for you and I hope you will be back.
Even if you are humble person Tony, you 100% deserve to be proud of yourself and your wonderful work!
Thank you very much and take a good care of yourself!
Good luck and all the best to you.
Serge
Miss his balanced reporting unlike the left wing Dias from Heidi Murphy
I can’t believe that 3AW has advised that Tony Tardio’s position as newsreader for 30 years has been made redundant! If so, how is it that we have other newsreaders doing the news on afternoons. Very disappointing 3AW management on your decision! Tony is greatly missed, especially his dry sense of humour during these hard times