Waleed Aly to leave Radio National Drive

ABC RN today confirmed Waleed Aly, presenter of RN Drive will leave the network at the end of the year.

A broadcaster, author, academic – as well as rock musician and former AFL mascot – Waleed has been the host of RN Drive since its inception in January 2012.

“It’s one of the rarest privileges in the world to have the chance to build a show from nothing, to make a brand new mark on a station as revered as RN. There’s nothing I can say to do justice to it, and give RN due gratitude,” said Waleed.

"My three years on RN Drive have been some of the most enriching of my life. That is what happens when you work with such a formidable team and talk daily with such a sharp audience. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve built, and whatever the rest of my professional life holds, this experience will stand as a colossal landmark.”

Highlights from the program over the last three years include live broadcasts from Jakarta and the Oz Asia Festival in Adelaide, alongside many memorable encounters with performers and musicians, including Waleed’s tap dancing lesson in the studio.

With the support of a committed and dynamic production team, he has informed, surprised and entertained audiences across the country with a daily wrap featuring forensic interviews and playful segments such as The Drawing Room.

“RN has been proud to showcase Waleed’s unique talent on one of its key gateway programs. We saw it as an exciting opportunity to give him a voice on a national network to explore topics of interest with influential decision makers across Australia's political, cultural and intellectual spheres,” said Deborah Leavitt, RN’s Manager.

“His loyal listener base – and guests alike – have acknowledged, admired and enjoyed Waleed's skilled interviewing and incisive mind. We will all miss him, and of course wish him every success in his future endeavours.”

RN Drive will continue to be broadcast from RN’s Melbourne studio in 2015. The program’s new presenter will be announced along with RN’s 2015 schedule later this year.

Waleed has decided to pursue other opportunities next year.